EARTH DREAMS, 1987 BY GREAT CITY
Great City was played on 68 college stations across the U.S. Canada and Europe. It was in the top 10 of many CMJ rated stations. The first album, self titled, was played on the L.A. based alternative rock station KROQ.
The Great City sound is about the merging of Franki's vocals and melodies with Grayson's music and beats (co-artist in Great City). Both artists had the ability to create sounds that moved you, emotionally as well as rhythmicly. And despite the electronicness of the sounds the music is well crafted and well produced. A good listen.
Great City (1st album) "Doomsday visions from a talented duo. Grayson Wray backs Franki's artfully tuneless vocals with synth stabs, guitar licks and drum machine rhythms that tick like time bombs. Wray constructs his accompaniments carefully, even throwing in an occasional jazz chord where other electro-rockers may stick to open fifths.".............
BD, In Review section, KEYBOARD magazine
The first song sort of reminds me of late 70's Devo with it's basic but up front pogostick keyboard riffs, but especially "I Am Here Now" builds into an interesting climatic crescendo. Franki's vocals absolutely are first rate throughout the entire disc and the occational stinging guitar that surfaces from time to time are right on the perfect moment. Other faves; 'Gone to Holland'. 'Luxury'. A great record; sure glad the vocals and synth works when it could so easily have sounded like 1980 new wave, but sounds very modern here.......
author: Mark K'Tarkus'O 'Neil, KEOL-FM Oregon
Impressive Music 2009