THE THOUGHT - THE THOUGHT (1985, MCA)
Rob Marienus - bass
Wieb Zigtema - vocals, bass, guitars, synthesizers
Kok Dejong – vocals, guitars
Jan Dejong - drums

Background
Dutch band with several releases to their credit although only one made it to North American shores that I am aware of and naturally it's the album we will review here. Formed out the ashes of 60's influenced punk band The Rousers who released a couple albums between 1979 and 1980, The Thought came together in 1982 releasing a single 'I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night' a cover of The Electric Prunes classic followed later that year by their first long player. The Internet is full of information about The Thought and there's been plenty of critical praise for the band in recent years in particular this album, but does it measure up to GD standards?

The Songs
These guys were definitely in the new wave camp although from the opening track 'Every Single Day' it's clear The Thought, like The Rousers never let go of their 60's influences. At times I am reminded of The Reds album reviewed elsewhere on this site with dark psychedelic patterns weaving in and out of the influence of bands like The Cure and Virgin Prunes. While the vocals leave a lot to be desired and are in that typical mono tone picked up by so many of this era, instrumentally The Thought has much to offer. Imagine the 60's garage psych of Question Mark & The Mysterians (remember '96 Tears'?) wrapped up in tight 80's production with plenty of good tunes like the haunting 'Lone Wolf' or the excellent cover of 'Eight Miles High' which is one of the most creative versions I've come across.

In Summary
This LP is probably not for everyone and some might find it a little too 'alternative', but for those with more diverse tastes, it's definitely a record to check out and enjoy.

Track Listing:
01 Every Single Day
02 Stranded With A Stranger
03 The Rise And The Fall
04 Lonewolf
05 Secrets Of The Heart
06 Out Of Oblivion
07 Eight Miles High
08 Maggie Maccoll
09 Tonight Again
10 Rapture

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