The Dads - s/t (1984, Estate/CBS)

Here’s one of the most overtly “pop” records I’ve shared in quite awhile (though the “power” quotient is demonstrably present at times). In fact, you’re not likely to happen upon a song quite as giddy and sprite as The Dads opener, “Rhythm Master.” Denizens of the Richmond, VA area, The Dads managed to ink a deal with CBS Records in the mid-80s, only to have their sole LP all but plummet onto deaf ears, due in no small part to a seemingly indifferent label promotion staff, and a Quiet Riot-hungry public. For the full scoop look no further than the Dads facebook site for an exhaustive backgrounder. As for the album and the music enshrined within, the band had second thoughts almost immediately after the recording sessions. Committed to tape under a strict deadline, the bio concedes that The Dads was a rush job, and furthermore wasn’t representative of (you guessed it) the quartet's live act. Nevertheless a small legion of fans found themselves endeared to it, and for a group that seems to have been inspired by the likes of The Rubinoos, Glass Moon, and even the Plimsouls, it’s a cinch to understand why. Polished but incessantly catchy and smart, The Dads was forged in a mold not far removed from Candy’s Whatever Happened to Fun.  Simply put, a great listen.

In a profoundly startling and tragic turn of events, Dads bassist/co-lead vocalist Bryan Harvey and his entire family were murdered in a New Years Day 2006 home invasion. The bio linked above mentions the incident, but greater details can be obtained here. Harvey was also a former member of House of Freaks.

01. Rhythm Master
02. Imagination
03. Wonderworld
04. Radio 101
05. I Heard the News
06. Amnesia
07. Do What You Wanna
08. Man With Machinery
09. Souvenir
10. Four Walls

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