Athens, GA-based four piece Pylon certainly had the songs and creativity to match the commercial success of scene mates like R.E.M. and the B-52s throughout the 1980s, but for whatever reason they were constantly overlooked by the mass record buying public.
Part of the problem was the fact that executives from major labels, on their 1980s gold rush to Athens to sign bands, somehow overlooked Pylon. Which seems crazy when you consider how solid their catalogue is and how well the songs hold up three and four decades later. From 1980, with the stellar debut Gyrate, followed just three years later by the similarly great Chomp, they ultimately called it quits after the 1990 release of Chain.
Fans can finally rejoice with the impressive four LP Pylon box set New West Records that includes those first two studio records remastered from the original tapes and available on vinyl for the first time in three-and-a-half decades. This collection also contains 18 previously unreleased B-Sides, live tracks and additional songs, plus the 13-track unreleased Razz Tape, a collection of the band’s first recordings from 1979. All copies of the box set have been autographed by the surviving members (Vanessa Briscoe Hay, Michael Lachowski, and Curtis Crowe). All of this adds up to mana from heaven for Pylon fans.
Getting reacquainted with the band’s music – their unique take on Post-Punk, blending it with the Athens jangle pop sound of the ‘80s – their influences become pretty clear with obvious nods to danceable guitar rock bands like Gang Of Four, Wire and Talking Heads. But there is still plenty that was unique about their sound to avoid any accusations that they were simply aping their musical heroes.
Beautifully constructed, this box set is a perfect excuse for fans to get reunited with the band and a natural introduction to those who missed Pylon on the first go round. Due to fan demand, the label is releasing a CD version of the box set in the spring.
Photo credit: Brian Shanley
