Was TITN a surprise?

[HejiraNYC]

For me, every time I bought a new SN or FM album when it was released was an EVENT that had its own timespace - I remember the place I bought it, how much it cost, and most of all, the sense of anticipation of getting to the car, ripping it open and looking at the inner sleeve/booklet for pictures and lyrics. TITN was no exception (CD, Kemp Mill Records, Greenbelt, MD $14.99).

I remember that my biggest anticipation was to see whether Stevie's voice had changed. Some months earlier I saw my first Stevie concert, the RAL tour, and I was sorely disappointed- her voice was off-key and hoarse. As it turned out, TITN confirmed my fears, especially WISYA. And I was also really bummed that Stevie was barely on the album. And although I loved the cover art work, there really weren't any decent band shots in the CD booklet! Grrr...

Musically I wasn't all that shocked- it seemed like the next logical step after the very poppy "Mirage." And "Stand Back" and the RAL album had already paved the way for a very 80's contemporary, synth-driven sound. But the one thing I absolutely deplored (in addition to WISYA) is "You and I Part II." Gawd, that song was cheesy then as it is today. It reminded me so much of "Copa Cabana" and it was definitely a song that I didn't want blaring out of my car speakers.

In a nutshell I thought it was an okay effort, but even for its time I thought it sounded cold and mechanical. Oh, and Stevie's songs were by-and-large ass.