NZ Pop : The Ritz

From Countdown (Australia) 1981. Excuse the slightly truncated ending; such is the nature of recording near the end of VHS tapes...

As best as I can tell, this song was a B-side in NZ and an A-side in Australia.

"The New Zealand band Pop Mechanix formed in Christchurch in 1979; originally dubbed Splash Alley, the group comprised vocalist Dick Driver, guitarist Paul Mason bassist Paul Scott, keyboardist Chris Moore and drummer Kevin Emmett. After mounting a national tour, the group changed their name to the Popular Mechanix, later abbreviated to simply Pop Mechanix; under that name, they issued their 1980 debut single "Now." Driver soon exited, signing on with Blam Blam Blam; his replacement was vocalist Andrew Snoid, formerly of the Whizz Kids. After a second single, "The Ritz," the band toured in support of Split Enz; they followed with a third single, "Jumping Out a Window," which became their biggest hit, stopping just shy of the Top 20. Upon relocating to Sydney, Pop Mechanix were issued a cease-and-desist order by an Australian band named Popular Mechanics; as the case waited in court, they worked under the name NZ Pop, beginning sessions on their debut LP. As recording drew to a close, Snoid jumped ship to join the Swingers; his vocals were then overdubbed by bassist Scott. Another name change -- to the Zoo -- preceded the release of the LP, titled Cowboys and Engines; issued in late 1982, the record stiffed, and the group disbanded. As Pop Mechanix, they re-formed in 1985, and reunited again three years later. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide"

Category:

Music

Tags:

• NZ
• Pop
• Ritz
• New
• Zealand
• Popular
• Mechanix
• new
• wave
• 1981
• Zoo

[raelene101]

is this pop machanics, Jumpin out a window

[mck750]

Go to failsafe records web site for CD's. My brother was in The Doomed that lead to Splash Ally before 'jumping out a window" lol.

[zaniac100]

great song. some influence of split enz and the b-52s perhaps?

[marcusbondi]

Choice, eh bro?

[cathiiannii]

love it!!!

[beatlenut65]

Loved Pop Mechanix back in the day and i still do,great stuff.

[mjs166]

Hi to Paul (on guitar)

[pavelsteidl1]

Oh man!!! This is awesome!! I 've been searching this song for years!! I'm from Argentina and I listened to this song on Jack McCoy's STORMRIDERS!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[beatlenut65]

Brings back wonderful memories of the 80's

[veloxtrees]

I wish all of their stuff would make it to CD!