7 inch single collection: J.Geils Band - Centerfold

Rocky, catchy and a bit dodgy...

J.Geils Band

A: Centerfold

B: Flamethrower
(EMI America 1981)

Oh, come on- you know this one, surely! It was very popular in 1981 and even got to number one here in the UK - can't say for the rest of the world - but I suspect it did pretty well.

What can I tell you about the band - not much. The singer's surname was Wolf - which feels pretty appropriate, and J. Geils himself (the guitarist) passed away quite recently (2017, I think)

You can tell that I'm trying to put off reviewing the record, because I'm not really sure what to say. Yes, Centerfold is a load of big and bouncy fun! It's got a good hook, and great sing-a-long, punch-your-fists-in-the-air chorus. The lyrics are simultaneously pervy and self-righteous and definitely full dodgy double standards. I'm paraphrasing the chorus and the latter half of the song but it goes something like this:

"I was shocked to see a girl I used to fancy at school in a pornographic magazine that I was reading*/looking at/using. I hope next time I meet her in real life she's got all her clothes on. Then I can take her to a motel, and take off all her clothes, and have sex with her, 'cos she's obviously gagging for it."

Then there's that god-awful squeaky synth sound that ruins so many rock records of this era. The whole thing is cheesier than the deli counter at Tesco.

I'm not sure what to expect when I flip the disc to Flamethrower. I've no memory of listening to this, although I know I must have done. I was expecting more of the same - and wasn't too surprised with what I found. It starts off with a clattering of drums, then those 80's squeaky keyboards come in. It's got a slightly funkier feel that the other side, and a long, daft instrumental break broken up with "Huh's" and yelps. It breaks down at the end into a sax and keyboard mush, which then tails off.

Obviously it's a terrible, but enjoyable record. I feel a little sullied after listening - but it's going to be an earworm for ages.

*For the articles obviously...

Next time some fairly obscure mid-80's British guitar pop...