The Heats – S/T

Back in 1980, The Heats were supposed to be Seattle’s breakout power pop band. Signed to Albatross Records and championed by Ann Wilson of Heart, their destiny was sealed – they would be the next big thing. They opened for Heart as well as The Kinks, The Knack and other chart toppers of that time.

When they weren’t opening for big name bands, they were playing in local pubs all around Seattle; places like Central Tavern, Edmonds Theatre, The Town Pump, Old Mill Tavern. That and their no nonsense, back to basics approach suggested they had much more in common with the UK pub rock bands of the mid 70’s, artists like Nick Lowe, Killburn & The High Roads (Ian Dury), Ace, Graham Parker, Eddie & The Hot Rods and The 101ers (Joe Strummer). And their regional hit, “I Don’t Like Your Face”, tapped into the defiant attitude of the day.

Shoulda Been HUGE

They had one stellar album to their credit, 1980’s Have An Idea. Chock full of should be hits, Have An Idea is a must for any collector of power pop, often cited in articles about the genre. Goldmine’s John Borack has it listed as one of the top 50 power pop albums of all time. It’s in my top 20.  So when I heard that the guys (sans one original member) decided to put out one more album, I was thrilled to say the least. And now it’s here.

The Heats’ (self-titled) second album picks up where Have An Idea left off. Once again, Steve Pearson takes on the lion’s share of songwriting duties. Keith Lilly is still on bass and Kenny Deans on drums. However, this time around Jon Memolo adds his guitar and five very worthy tunes to the ten new tracks – well, mostly new. I’ll explain that later.

From the opening chords of “I Hope You’re Wrong” it’s evident that the guys in the band have lost nothing. Keith Lilly’s familiar chugging bass makes “You Know” sound instantly familiar. Guitar jangle lures us into the irresistible “Life of the Party”. Jon Memolo’s “You Know” has a meatier sound than we’re used to from the band but  it’s quite enjoyable and a juxtaposition that makes for a more interesting collection. Memola’s guitar work is brilliant, by the way.

The Beatlesque “She Belongs To Me”, while it was never properly recorded until now, was a staple of live shows back in the day. In fact, it can be heard on Live at The Showbox, a broadcast from Thanksgiving day of 1979. This track is as good as any you’ve heard this year and a wonderful surprise for long time fans of the band. The audio of the show was released thirty years later (2011) by Green Monkey Records with the proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House. You can get it here.

The best is saved for the end of the album. “As If” is an instant, roots rock classic and one of the best tracks of the year along with the aforementioned “She Belongs to Me”. The guitar solo is indispensable. And for those who know me, I’m generally not fond of guitar solos.

Get Your Copy of The Heats – S/T

There’s only a handful of must have albums from 2024 – and The Heats’ new one tops the list. You can get your copy – and you really, really must – by visiting their website at www.the-heats.com. Get yourself an early Christmas gift – or get one for a friend with equally impeccable taste in music.

Unfortunately, the band has nothing from the new album on soundcloud, Youtube or anywhere else. However, I did find a live track from last year with the band performing “Remember Me” from Have An Idea. Enjoy.