Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine

• Genre: Alt Dance

About

In England back in the late '80s, the music scene was still talking of fast cars and massive wealth, and no one was there to remind us that everyday life was still trudging on. Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine were the ideal pre-Streets vehicle to poke fun at the situation, and their cheeky, have-a-go attitude made them entirely lovable. Formed by Jim "Jim Bob" Morrison and Les "Fruitbat" Carter, their simplistic blend of pop with rock guitar 'n' drum machine was offset by their deft wordplay. Their songs were packed with quips, and even the titles could raise a smile. This was music made by people you know for people like you, and in that sense it had more in common with early punk than the proto-rave community that was seduced by its pre-programmed beats. Carter's live shows were an event. Standing in front of a wall of white light, the duo would thrash away merrily. But after all the we-don't-care mannerisms, it was clear that they did care, and their seven-album legacy -- most notably 30 Something and 1992 The Love Album -- will hopefully act as a template for future acts feeling the need to inject some much-needed humor and street wisdom into the current musical vogue.

- Nicholas Baker