SSQ (Q) - Playback (Original Version)

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• published: 06 Jan 2013
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This is the original version of the song "Playback". It appeared on "The Q EP", which was recorded by the techno/synthpop band Q. "The Q EP" was released by M.A.O. Records in 1982 and only 1,000 copies were printed. In 1981, Stacey Swain became part of the group Q when she was brought in as a producer. When the band was ready to record its first track they realized that they had no vocalist and Jon St. James (the genius of Q) asked her to sing. She did, and the group had found their new vocalist. In 1983, Stacey Swain and Jon St. James changed the name of the group to SSQ and added more members. 'SS' stood for Stacey Swain, and 'Q' to represent the band. SSQ only recorded one album; Playback, which was released on Enigma and EMI America records in 1983. Oddly enough, the song "Playback" does not appear on the album by the same name. In 1986 the group decided to capitalize on the large amount of attention that Stacey Swain was receiving at the time and changed the groups name again. This time to Stacey Q... 'Stacey' for obvious reasons and 'Q' to again represent the band. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Q EP, as a whole, was way before its time... It is an impressive four tracks that really shows off the group's talents in all areas of music production. "Playback", which is the first track on the EP, is really a music lover's anthem. It's a cleverly crafted allegory that relates the process of recording a song to a romantic relationship. It's very difficult not to sing it in your head for quite a bit after you listen to it. "Video Girl", the second track, is a total sign of the times, which isn't a bad thing. Songs like this were popping up everywhere in the early 80's, but few had the musical prowess found here. "Music's Gone", the third track, is dark and compelling, and compares one's feelings after a relationship is over, to that of a world with no music. "Sushi" is the fourth and final track on the EP. A song that is quite unlike the other three. It's an upbeat, toe-tapping calypso song in which the singer decries her love for both sushi and a boy in a band. Again, it's tough not to sing along. True fans of electronic music will appreciate this record for its simplicity, its creativity, and the total appreciation for music demonstrated by Q. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The following "insert" came with The Q EP... Story of Q QUESTION 1 What happens when a wide-eyed child of innocence sets off on her own voyage of sexual discovery down the cold computer corridors of modern life? ANSWER: Q QUESTION 2 What happens when this same child (refugee showgirl from a circus elephant act) is thrust together with a lingerie fetishist and electronic wizard in the south of France, and they decide to form a group? ANSWER: Q QUESTION 3 And what happens when these three travelers lock themselves away in a recording studio and engage in the erotic ritual of strenuous musical intercourse? ANSWER: This new Q mini-album. Featuring the songs - "PLAYBACK", "VIDEO GIRL", "MUSIC'S GONE", and "SUSHI". Lie back, listen and love... It may be your last chance to rediscover the bitter-sweet of lost innocence. STACEY SWAIN, JON ST. JAMES and ROSS WOOD They may not have all the answers, but they will give you all of Q .