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Hung Up On Pop

by Richie Mayer

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POPPHIL
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POPPHIL Richie Mayer used to play in a short-lived band called Loose Lips which published the cleverly titled Hung Up on Pop EP in 1980, a brilliant four-track power-pop EP now re-released in limited-edition CD format that should be positively embraced and adored by all power-pop fans.
This is an ultra-limited run of physical format CD (only 100), so the sooner, the better.
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about

From the original master recording and released for the first time on CD! Loose Lips was formed in the thick of the Power Pop/New Wave era of the late ’70s by guitarists Richie Mayer and Jeff King. After early tentative combinations the Loose Lips lineup coalesced with drummer Gary Ritchie of the group The Scam, an offshoot of the British band Badfinger, bassist Danny Welch (purportedly hired solely on the basis of his looks), King on guitar and vocals, and Mayer on guitar and lead vocals. Songs were initially penned by Mayer and soon after, with drummer Ritchie bringing his pop tunes into the mix, the focus became apparent: a new Power Pop group armed with catchy tunes and big beats had arrived on the Chicago rock scene.

Loose Lips went in to record Hung Up On Pop at Hedden West Studios in Schaumburg, IL, in June 1980 with Grammy award–winning producer Michael Freeman. The EP included the songs “Kyle,” “Who’s Crying Now?”, Somebody’s Got My Someone” and “Suicide Dance.” The new record was introduced with a release party at Chicago FilmMakers, an independent film/performance theatre, with surprise guest Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick sitting in for a few numbers.

Loose Lips created its own scene for the next two years with an enthusiastic fan base, memorable shows, frequent radio play, and a number of cable and TV performances that included an AM Chicago Rate-A-Record appearance hosted by Dick Clark. Some of the reviews and comments by the Chicago media reflected the momentum:

WXRT’s Bob Gelms: “A great first outing by Loose Lips. Strong songwriting backed by great playing. Heavy airplay requests for Kyle.”

Chicago Tribune: “...thoughtful pop songs.”

L.A. Blitz, July 1980, Chicago: “A whole new breed of pop bands are emerging here...one of the best is Loose Lips.”

FMQB, August 1980, Chicago: “Loose Lips really tearing it up...song writing extremely strong, with playing following close behind...strong request action.”

WMET’s Scott McConnell: “Staying eighteen forever is what it’s all about...with these guys, being ‘Hung Up On Pop’ is a real pleasure!”

The Illinois Entertainer, July 1980: “Loose Lips’ ‘Kyle,’ a selection from their EP Hung Up On Pop, point blank, has it. Loose Lips are the heirs apparent to the Chicago pop aristocracy.”

Loose Lips went on to become one of the top bands in the Chicago area between 1979-1982 but after two and a half years of constant gigs Loose Lips needed to take the next step to break through and, with a lineup change, recorded for Epic Records in Toronto. But a reshuffle in leadership at Epic shelved the project. That, plus ineffective management and perhaps the right band–wrong place–wrong time syndrome, soon spelled the band’s demise.

Loose Lips’ legacy is one of pure, melodic, unapologetic Power Pop gems. With a look, sound and attitude all their own, Loose Lips were truly “hung up on pop.”

credits

released March 15, 1980

Richie Mayer: lead vocals / guitar; Jeff King: guitar / backing vocals; Gary Ritchie: drums; Dan Welch: bass.

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Richie Mayer San Francisco, California

2020: Wrote, performed & produced the album "The Inn of Temporary Happiness."
1991: Co-wrote & produced the Juno award winning album "Call My Name."
1986: released the Dark Pop album "World On Fire."
1980: Coming out of the trend-setting Chicago PowerPop / New Wave scene that included Pezband, Cheap Trick & Shoes, Richie's group Loose Lips released their EP “Hung Up On Pop.”
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