This is the second installment of "Highlights from My Vinyl Collection," an appreciation of great music, not necessarily rare finds or expensive imports. This is not about "deleted Smiths singles and original, not rereleased - underlined - Frank Zappa albums," as Rob Gordon so eloquently put it.
The Alarm - Eye of the Hurricane
Some people may peg the Alarm as a lesser man's U2, but I am not some people. Sure, there are similarities in their four-piece, American folk rock inspired earnestness, and their occasional foray into topics of social justice, but the Alarm explored other nooks and crannies. "The Stand," for instance, the first hit single from their debut EP, was inspired by and recounts plot points from the Stephen King novel of the same name. "68 Guns" was based on a book about Glasgow street gangs in the 1960s. Religion and revolution were consistent themes throughout the Alarm's discography and 1987's Eye of the Hurricane was no different. With titles like "Newtown Jericho" and "Hallowed Ground," there is no doubt that this Welsh band was still devout. But the more mainstream tracks, like the single "Rain in the Summertime," reminded everyone that this anthemic guitar band could stand alongside their contemporaries and heroes with ease. Not only did they end up touring with U2, but opened for Bob Dylan. I found this beauty for $1.99. I know that it isn't valuable to most, thus it's low price, but it was and is worth so much more than that to me. I saw the Alarm play in San Diego back on March 22, 1988 on this tour and I'll never forget it.
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