DIODES NEWS: CATWALKER

Sep. 10th, 2000

BULLSEYE RECORDS TO RE-ISSUE 3rd DIODES ALBUM The long-lost ACTION/REACTION LP by The Diodes will finally be re-issued on CD this fall by Bullseye Records Of Canada. In addition to the hit singles, "Catwalker" and "Strange Time", the CD will include previously unreleased and long unavailable bonus tracks from this era in the group's career. Following the positive response to 1998's SONY re-issue of The Diodes first two albums -- collectively and lovingly repackaged as the single disc "Tired Of Waking Up Tired" CD -- Bullseye Records Of Canada has licensed ACTION/REACTION (1980) from Ralph Alfonso and Crash 'N' Burn Music (representing The Diodes). The CD will have the same deluxe re-issue treatment as the current Sony compilation, with liner notes and artwork by Ralph Alfonso and production input from guitarist John Catto (writer of "Catwalker" and "Tired Of Waking Up Tired"). "The cover graphics will be completely revamped," comments Ralph Alfonso, the group's manager / publisher, "And the music will be thoroughly digitally remastered. Because we actually own this album now, we are really conscious about putting a lot of care into its production." Though the album marked a decided change of musical direction, ACTION/REACTION was no less a musical milestone as the single 'Catwalker' wound its way into mainstream radio rotation at a time when New Wave was asserting itself across the continent. A video of the song (filmed at New York's 80s Peppermint Lounge club) still gets airplay on MuchMusic. "It was one of the first experiments wherein a rock band joined forces with heavy dance producers," recalls John Catto, currently living in London, England. "It's a really loud record and probably the most representative of our live shows at the time." The Diodes on ACTION/REACTION are: Paul Robinson, Vocals; John Catto, Guitars; Ian Mackay, Bass; Mike Lengyell, drums

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