SOME EXCERPTS FROM RECENT MAGAZINE REVIEWS OF 'BLUE MEMORY'
 

'SOUTHERN COUNTRY' - MAY 2000

".... A worthy successor to 1998's 'River Road', this is a 45 minute, 11 tracker of totally original songs by a British band that I am the first to applaud and review - my copy is still hot from its pressing....
A brief rundown of the song styles finds the opening track - 'Midnight Cowboy' - an uptempo number that will appeal to all styles whether line or freestyle, followed by the title track - a super mid paced ballad - possibly a pop hit for one of the boy bands if they get to hear it, and my pick of the album. Track 3 - 'The One That Got Away' is a very danceable tune, and following is 'The Bigger The Heart' - a good beaty ballad and my 3rd favourite.
'Pull the Pin ' and 'Attention' will appeal to the strutters... my second favourite was 'Call Me When It's Over'.... wrapping up this splendid collection - which will appeal to all kinds of Country Music fans, is 'Take Me To a Place' - a lovely ballad with lovely backing..."

Colin Blanchard

'DANCE 4 U' - JULY 2000

ALBUM OF THE MONTH - "It is often said that British Country Music is very much a poor imitation of the music that is produced on Music Row and sadly, in 95% of cases, I would agree. But then along comes a band that can rival the best. Written, produced and recorded in the UK, 'Blue Memory' by Plain Loco, is truly a credit to British Country Music.....Songs that stand out include 'Midnight Cowboy' which kicks the album off with Steve Jay singing lead, some clean guitar and fancy piano licks all add to a fine danceable fast swing.The title track 'Blue Memory' also benefits from a strong vocal delivery and check out 'Looks Like I'm In Love Again' - a real rocky pure country track with great harmonies....
'Call Me When It's Over' has lovely lazy acoustic guitar and reassuring chord changes....
Track four 'The Bigger The Heart' had me humming as did song eight - 'Bring Us Back Alive'... Overall, this is an extremely strong, well written and professionally produced collection of songs
from a band that is playing some of the best British New Country heard in a long time..."

Marie Hunt

'COUNTRY MUSIC ROUNDUP' - AUGUST 2000

FIVE STAR ALBUM - "Steve Jay (Lead Vocals, Bass, Harmonica), Tony Crooks (Lead Vocals, Guitars), and Bill Levin (Lead Vocals , Guitars), are Plain Loco. Each has a long pedigree in music and vast amounts of experience, and this shows on 'Blue Memory', a collection of 11 original songs produced by the band and Sean Kenny. On many occasions I have stated that here in Britain we have the talent to stand alongside our American cousins and Plain Loco prove that and more. I found the outfit to be equal to any U.S. vocal / guitar band, and better than some.
Not only do they offer a variety of lead voices, tight harmonies and excellent songs, but they show they have innovation and courage too. 'Midnight Cowboy', the opening cut, adds a tasteful horn effect to what I'm sure will become a dance floor favourite. With such a winning track, it would have been easy to add brass to more, but the guys don't, preferring to move on to different things, from moving ballads to energy-sapping dance tunes.
Without a doubt a band destined for international success - but then I'm just Plain Loco..."

Pete Smith

'COUNTRY MUSIC & MORE' - AUGUST 2000

"...The songs follow the modern American idiom in Country Music and everything I've heard on the first play stands up well to what's coming from America at the moment...'Midnight Cowboy' - a lively radio song that's very danceable and enjoyable... 'Blue Blue Memory - the harmony work reminds me of the Hollies - it's that good... 'Pull the Pin' starts with a great harmony line that drives in with some splendid modern country... 'Attention' could easily become a linedance hit - because it deserves to be! 'Callin' Tennessee' - well, someone should, and tell them about this fine British band who can perform and write with the best of them... 'Call Me When Its Over' is a killer song... the end comes with 'Take Me To a Place' - a simple love song - but this is not the end for Plain Loco. With some luck and the right connections, it could become the beginning of a brighter future, after years of working, dreaming and waiting. This album is a credit to that thing called British Country Music."

Brian Ahern

'UP COUNTRY ' - AUGUST 2000

"There are some in the British Country Music industry, ie. radio broadcasters of the highest order, who dismiss UK country musicians without so much as a listen. With the standard of presentation by some, it's no wonder. In this case, however, Plain Loco have released an album of quality from production right through to presentation. Given the attention to the packaging, you almost feel that that the album has what it takes before the C.D. even goes on the player: after all if Plain Loco can put that much effort into the cover, just how much has gone into the whole project ? Lots apparently - all 11 tracks are penned by band members to a credible standard, and much of the quality has to be accredited to the renowned Brit Country artist Sean Kenny, who has had a production hand in the album alongside the band itself.
So what can you expect from Blue Memory, the fifth in the Plain Loco collection ?
A good, professional sound is evident throughout, and the songs are nice and distinctly Country oriented. For the Line Dancers out there, the BPMs are also stated on the track list and the full range of songs should suit most hustlers, including those inclined to grab a partner for a 'twirling round the edge of the dance floor' couples session. My fave line dance 'Walking the Line' fits track six 'Attention' very nicely - just tested it across the office floor - as does a slow and easy 'Cowgirl Twist'....
.... all in all, a well put-together Brit offering for listeners and dancers alike. Let's hope others aspire to this standard which too few have adopted; perhaps then, some of the powers-that-be will sit up and take notice and maybe our homegrown talent will reap the recognition they deserve.

Debra Williams

EXTRACT FROM THE DEAN BROS PAGE - 'UP COUNTRY ' - AUGUST 2000

".... Plain Loco sent me their new C.D. produced by Sean Kenny - what a BRILLIANT album!
Go out and buy one if you haven't already. My favourite is 'Midnight Cowboy' - except for some dodgy backing vocals and acoustic - ha ha! Only joking Sean - nice job mate! keep up the good work..."