The Power Station - The Power Station (1985) First U.S. Pressing

The Power Station was a supergroup formed by Robert Palmer, Tony Thompson (of Chic) and Andy and John Taylor from Duran Duran. They came together in 1984 to record a one-off album, as a respite from the relentless global touring and promotion of Duran Duran. The Power Station is the debut album by The Power Station. It was released in 1985 on EMI. The album peaked at no. 6 on U.S. Billboard 200 and no. 12 on the UK Albums Chart. All three singles released from the album were Top 40 hits in the United States. An anniversary edition was released 21 February 2005, featuring 7 bonus tracks, as well as a 35 minute DVD. The Power Station was a supergroup formed by Robert Palmer, Tony Thompson (of Chic) and Andy and John Taylor from Duran Duran. They came together in 1984 to record a one-off album, as a respite from the relentless global touring and promotion of Duran Duran. The original plan for this one-album project was for the three musicians (Taylor, Taylor and Thompson) to provide musical continuity to an album full of material, with a different singer performing on each track. Those who were approached included Mick Jagger, Billy Idol, Mars Williams (who eventually contributed brass to the album) and Richard Butler (of The Psychedelic Furs), and Mick Ronson. The group then invited eclectic soul singer Robert Palmer to record vocals for the track "Communication". When he heard that they had recorded demos for "Get It On (Bang a Gong)", he asked to try out vocals on that one as well, and by the end of the day, the group knew that they had found that elusive chemistry which distinguishes successful bands. Before long, they had decided to record the entire album with Palmer. However, the union was not to hold. By the time the band decided to take the 8-track set on the road, Palmer had left to record his solo album Riptide (which, likely because of the involvement of The Power Station participants Edwards, Thompson, and Andy Taylor, is very similar in sound to The Power Station album). He was replaced by Michael Des Barres (famed for co-writing Animotion's "Obsession").

Under the direction of guitarist Andy Taylor, the Power Station is an attempt to break free from the constraints of Duran Duran's polished synth pop, adding elements of funk, courtesy of Chic drummer Tony Thompson, as well as straight-ahead hard rock, courtesy of vocalist Robert Palmer. Everything is polished with a glossy sheen, which makes the record sound quite similar to Duran Duran, although without their sense of popcraft. Only the cover of T. Rex's "Get It On (Bang a Gong)" and the single "Some Like It Hot" work up enough energy to make them memorable, as most of the album falls flat. Reviewed by Stephen Thomas Erlewine allmusic.com

All songs written by Robert Palmer, Andy Taylor, and John Taylor except where noted:

01. Some Like It Hot (Andy Taylor; John Taylor; Robert Palmer) – 5:05
02. Murderess (Andy Taylor; John Taylor; Robert Palmer) – 4:17
03. Lonely Tonight (Bernard H. Edwards, Palmer) – 3:58
04. Communication (Derek Bramble, Palmer, Taylor, Taylor) – 3:37
05. Get It On (Bang a Gong) (Marc Bolan) – 5:29
06. Go to Zero (Robert Palmer) – 4:58
07. Harvest for the World (Isley Brothers) – 3:37
08. Still in Your Heart (Andy Taylor; John Taylor; Robert Palmer) – 3:20


Released March 25, 1985


The Power Station

John Taylor - Bass
Andy Taylor - Guitars
Tony Thompson - Drums
Robert Palmer - Vocals

Additional Musicians

Curtis King Jr - Additional Vocals
Fonzi Thornton - Additional Vocals
B.J. Nelson - Additional Vocals
Charmaine Burch - Additional Vocals
Lenny Pickett - Brass
Mark Pender - Brass
Stan Harrison - Brass
Hollywood Paul Litteral - Brass
Mars Williams - Brass
Roger Taylor - Percussive Effects
Jimmy Bralower - Percussive Effects
Wally Badarou - Keyboards
David LeBolt - Keyboards
Robert Sabino - Keyboards
Rupert Hine - Keyboards

Production

Produced By Bernard Edwards
Recorded & Engineered By Jason Corsaro, Steve Rinkoff & Rob Eaton
Mixed By Jason Corsaro
Mastered By Howie Weinberg