Artist: Jules And The polar Bears
Album: Got No Breeding
Released: 1978
Jules and the Polar Bears was a short lived band from the late 70's. I have a promo version of this album, which was given to me by my freshman year (college) roommate. I think his girlfriend got it from the Duke newspaper, or maybe the radio station. They gave me a couple of albums back then, stuff they didn't like. And all of which I did!
The promo package, besides the gold stamp, includes an 8x10 promo photo of the band, and a 2 page typed bio from Columbia records. Rather cool.
Jules and The Polar Bears was centered on songwriter Jules Shears. He's probably best known for writing the Cyndi Lauper hit "All Through The Night".
This is a really strong album, very very good. A little hard to describe, which may be part of the reason they didn't catch on. Some of the songs kind of remind me ever so slightly of early Police, but not the "white reggae" stuff. Think "Next To You" or "No Time This Time". Or maybe it's just the semi-similarity of vocal style between Jules Shear and Sting. Or maybe not... Anyway, here's how Allmusic describes it:
Jules and the Polar Bears' debut album, Got No Breeding,
fell into a commercial twilight zone shortly after its release in 1978; the
music was too quirky and the wit of the lyrics was too curious for the
mainstream rock audience, but the band's approach was too firmly rooted in
mainstream pop for the new wave crowd, who Columbia thought would be the
record's likely target audience (and the shaggy picture of Jules Shear and his
band-mates on the cover wasn't likely to encourage the skinny-tie wearing record
buyer). However, in time Got No Breeding became a cult favorite, and with good
reason -- it's a superlative collection of smart, well-crafted pop tunes played
with enthusiasm and élan by a great band.
It has been one of my favorite records since I got it. Or at least one of my favorite obscure records!
My favorite songs include: Driftwood From Disaster, Shadows Break, You Just Don't Wanna Know, Convict, Got No Breeding. There are no weak songs.
Back Cover:
Inner sleeve:
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