The Babys Release 1979 Live Album
The previously unreleased concert captures the British-American band at the peak of their powers
John Waite might be known primarily for those big, cheesy ballads he struck gold with in the 80s as both a solo artist (“Missing You”) and a member of the British-American supergroup Bad English (“When I See You Smile”).
But in the 1970s, he was the frontman for the English power pop band The Babys, who remained a minor act in their native UK but found success on the FM airwaves of the United States. It was on American radio that the band found its sonic kin with the likes of Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and Journey, whose future keyboardist Jonathan Cain would join The Babys at the end of 1978.
Having just released their third LP Head First after their first two albums – 1976’s eponymous debut and 1977’s Broken Heart – paved the way thanks to the deep pockets of Chrysalis Records, the band was quick to test drive their new songs and new lineup, which also included bassist Ricky Phillips.
It was March of 1979 when The Babys showed up at the famed New York City club The Bottom Line to play a two-night stand (the 23rd and 24th) in a month that also saw the venue host performances by Steve Reich, Peter Tosh, Dire Straits and Herbie Hancock. The popular radio program the King Biscuit Flower Hour was in the house to record the shows for future broadcast, capturing this vital new edition of The Babys firing on all cylinders as they blasted through such hits as “Every Time I Think Of You,” “Head First,” and “Isn’t It Time.”
Highlights from the March 23rd gig are now available with the release of Live At The Bottom Line, 1979 on Omnivore Recordings. And while the aforementioned fan favorites are included on this new 11-track collection, what makes this live album distinctive is the debut of three completely unreleased tracks.
One track, “Crystal Ball,” would appear in a different form as “Anytime” on their 1980 LP Union Jacks; another, “Stick To Your Guns,” was recorded for that album but never issued; and a third, “Loaded,” existed only in their live shows.
The Babys would go their separate ways in 1981 after one more album, 1980’s On The Edge, though Waite, Cain and Phillips would reconvene later in the decade as Bad English alongside Journey guitarist Neal Schon and drummer Deen Castronovo. And yes, the band’s original five studio albums are perfectly serviceable pop-rock excursions. But there’s something special about hearing this version of The Babys – Waite, Cain, Phillips, guitarist Wally Stocker and drummer Tony Brock – in the right venue at the right time, that makes for an essential listen.
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