80's Hit Song Review: "All Touch" by Rough Trade (1981)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 58 (Wasn't released as a single in the U.S. until a year later in late 1982 on the now defunct Boardwalk Records, which had money problems and closed down a year later. Single peaked at No. 58 on the Hot 100 in January of 1983.)

Background: This somewhat controversial but highly influential Canadian New Wave originally formed as a group simply called O in 1968 by openly lesbian Carole Pope. From 1970-1974, they were also known as The Bullwhip Brothers until finally changing their name to Rough Trade in 1975. (Wanna know the meaning behind their band name? Search it up on Urban Dictionary. You'll be shocked, but also laugh your ass off.) In 1980, they released the highly controversial but successful single, "High School Confidential" which included profanity and sexual lesbian themes. Despite all of the controversy, it peaked all the way up at No. 12 on the Canadian Singles Chart. A year later, they released this single off of their album For Those Who Think Young on True North Records, but it wasn't until a year later that the single was released in America on Boardwalk Records in the fall-winter of '82. It was their only ever U.S. hit. The group released two more albums before disbanding in 1988, but still reunite to go on concerts occasionally. They have a huge fanbase in Canada. (Site note: The famous drag queen Divine even performed in a musical performance by them called Restless Underwear in December of 1977. Shows how much of the LGBT themes there were to this band, even before Bronski Beat and Culture Club. Interesting, huh?)

The review: This is a great and highly catchy New Wave song with an awesome and fun upbeat and slightly bouncy chorus. Pope is like a cross between Grace Slick and Pat Benatar. Great synths, bass, and drums make this a forgotten New Wave tune, although some folks remember it. Should've been a top 40 hit. If Ellen DeGeneres has a favorite New Wave band, it's probably them. (Side note and interesting fact: DeGeneres older brother, Vance, was in an obscure New Wave and rock band called The Cold who formed in New Orleans in 1979. He even was the original Mr. Hands in the Mr. Bill Show on Saturday Night Live in the 70's and 80's. Very interesting, huh?)

Final rating:8/10

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