R.F. and the Radar Angels

  • R.F. and the Radar Angels
  • Picture of Linda (Hib-Tone) 1982 

Great rock and power pop from Atlanta. With evidence of numerous positive influences — from rockabilly to Anglo-pop — Russ Fowler and the three Radar Angels lean mainly toward Buddy Holly and early Tom Petty, playing hard and loud (but melodic) one minute, slow and pretty (but spirited) the next. Fowler’s originals on Pictures of Linda are so excellent that covers of “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” and Buddy’s “Everyday” are superfluous. (Incidentally, Hib-Tone was the local indie label that first released REM’s “Radio Free Europe.”)

[Ira Robbins]