June 14, 2021

1983 - February: Berlin “Pleasure Victim”

48 minutes

Despite the fact that Berlin would be considered the standard for early 80's European new wave, the band actually originated in the Los Angeles area. The band had no actual connections with Berlin, but chose the name to make them seem more European and exotic than their own Orange County. Pleasure Victim is Berlin's second studio album and the one that was their breakout success.

The group was formed after lead singer Terri Nunn put an advertisement in a musicians magazine that read, “Girl singer looking for a weird rock group.” The other members of the band for this album were John Crawford (bass, synthesizer, vocals, and primary songwriter), David Diamond (synthesizer, guitar, vocals), Daniel Van Patten (percussion), Chris Ruiz-Velasco (guitar), and Ric Olsen (guitar). Ron Learned plays drums on the opening track for the album.

Berlin reveled in controversy, being banned on several radio stations for the lyrics from their second single, "Sex (I'm A...)" and reaping the benefits of the publicity that ensued. Rumors about Nunn's underage appearance in Penthouse also boosted the bands notoriety (the rumors were eventually confirmed).

Terri Nunn had a career as an actress before joining Berlin, and briefly left the group to continue acting. She auditioned for the part as Princess Leia in "Star Wars" in 1976, losing out to Carrie Fisher for that role.

Berlin was influenced by groups like Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Airplane and David Bowie, and their synth-driven new wave sound is a time stamped icon of the early 80's.

Pleasure Victim

The synth-driven title track was the first single released from the album. The song is about a woman who has finally found the person she wants. “You're the passion in me. You've broken down the system. You're the vision I see - a pleasure victim.”

Sex (I'm A...)

This song is the second single released, and the one that really propelled the group's success. Although many radio stations banned the song, it was a staple of dance clubs everywhere. The song describes a variety of sexual role-playing the woman undertakes. Crawford and Nunn sing this as a duet.

Masquerade

This track is a deeper cut, but still gets some airplay on 80's oriented radio. You really get a sense of Terri Nunn's vocal quality in this tune. The song itself tells of the travails of the singers and bands trying to make it in the music industry.

The Metro

The third single from the album was a big hit on both radio and MTV. John Crawford wrote this song about a reverie on a Paris metro after a breakup.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“Ain't Nobody's Business” by B.B. King (from the motion picture “The King of Comedy”)

This movie was a satirical comedy, but was a flop. However, it produced a great blues cover from King.

STAFF PICKS:

Dirty Laundry by Don Henley

Brian's staff pick features former Eagles drummer and vocalist Don Henley on his debut solo album after the Eagles had broken up (or as we would learn in the 90's, took a 14-year vacation). It is a scathing indictment of the media. “Well, I could've been an actor, but I wound up here. I just have to look good, I don't have to be clear. Come and whisper in my ear. We love dirty laundry.”

Der Kommisar by After the Fire

Rob brings us a cover of a song originally recorded by Falco in German. After the Fire was started by Yes keyboardist Peter Banks, and evolved from a prog rock band to a new wave outfit. The song lyrics have a spy theme, chronicling a couple trying to avoid the police. The repeating German line translates to “Everything OK, Officer?” This single US hit became a hit after the band had disbanded.

What About Me by Moving Pictures

Bruce's staff pick features a group popular in Australia which was essentially a one-hit wonder in the States. Songwriter Garry Frost was inspired to write the song when he was working with autistic children in his day job, and watched a small boy not being noticed waiting at the lunch counter one day on his lunch break.

Forever Now by The Psychedelic Furs

Wayne's wraps up our staff picks with a fast paced and much deeper piece from a “second British Invasion” group. It is about being in the moment and not wanting the time to end - "Let it stay forever now." Todd Rundgren was producer and a guest musician on this album, and the "wall of sound" approach has Rundgren's imprint.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

(Anesthesia) - Pulling Teeth by Metallica

A surprisingly early instrumental by the band that would come to define thrash metal in the years to come closes out this episode. This is off Metallica's debut album.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings