Photos

  • Photos
  • The Photos (Epic) 1980 

Post-Blondie popsters in punk clothing, the Photos were a competent male trio backing Wendy Wu’s distinctive visage and Ronnie Spectorish voice. Unfortunately, Wu and her Worcestershire compatriots lacked the presence and sheer sauciness to compensate for inane lyrics and likable but forgettable tunes. There are some smart touches — like the punk-cum-strings reworking of Bacharach/David’s “I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself.” Early UK pressings included a bonus disc of the Photos’ developmental Blackmail Tapes, proving that the band could actually work up a sweat while remaining amiably dull.

[Jim Green]