Album Notes

Very cleverly, Pollard hears shared chord progressions as an opportunity to link The Eurythmics’ "Sweet Dreams Are Made of This" with INXS's "Need You Tonight" as a medley — performed as a duet! In addition to the Latin touches, the sound of coins dropping on The Pet Shop Boys' "Opportunities" (also known as "Lets make lots of money") is a brilliant touch. Pollard uses unexpected, often everyday sounds musically ... not as sound effects or even as percussive hooks but as elements in themselves. By successfully employing such sounds, Pollard moves into a leading edge of 2010's musical zeitgeist, making "non-musical noises" positively musical. I hope it becomes a trend. Rediscoveries await. -- Bill Stella

Disk Covered 80’s fits 11 hits into 10 cuts. Infusing the songs with his alternative world style, John Raymond Pollard takes the lead with voice and guitar. Producer Michael Gilboe handled the drum programming and keyboards. Steve Sandberg sparse piano playing on Careless Whisper and Time after Time help infuse the tunes with a bossa nova groove. David Acker’s electric guitar brings Caribbean Queen to life as reggae. Mike McGinnis’ works horns to texture the songs with notes. Songstress Debbie Deane graces Sweet Dreams Are Made of This/Need You Tonight with her special vocal talents.