Blue Plate Special: The Power Station

The Power Station was a rock and pop supergroup formed in 1984, including Robert Palmer (vocals), Tony Thompson (drums, formerly of Chic), and Duran Duran‘s John Taylor (bass) and Andy Taylor (guitar). Bernard Edwards, also from Chic, was their recording producer and even played bass on the band’s second album. As a massive Duran Duran fan, I was interested in the side projects of the band (including Arcadia) and instantly took to the band’s sound and Palmer’s vocals (I still have a poster from the era featuring Taylor, Taylor and Thompson).

The band’s inception was during a break for Duran Duran. Named after the Power Station recording studio in New York, the idea behind the band was to produce an album with musical continuity from the core members and feature a different singer for each track. Artists such as Mick Jagger and Billy Idol were initially considered. However, after Robert Palmer’s involvement on the track “Communication”, the group opted to record the entire album with him.

Their debut album, produced by Edwards in 1985, was a success, reaching #12 in the UK and #6 in the US. It spawned major hits like “Some Like It Hot” and “Get It On”. Palmer, after the album’s success, chose to work on his solo career, leading to his temporary replacement by actor/singer Michael Des Barres for live performances. The Power Station faced multiple challenges including personal differences and Palmer’s departure for his solo endeavors. They made guest appearances on TV shows like “Miami Vice” and contributed to movie soundtracks such as “Commando”. The band saw a reunion in 1996, only to be marred by challenges, including the sudden death of Edwards. They disbanded shortly afterward. Both Palmer and Thompson passed away in 2003.

Here are some of my favorites from their brief catalog:

Some Like It Hot – from the album The Power Station (1985)

The song that launched it all, with the single reaching #6 in the US and #14 in the UK, and helping the album hit #6 in the US and #12 in the UK.

 

Get It On (Bang a Gong) – from the album The Power Station (1985)

A famous T.Rex song that has been covered a number of times, this version is by far the best one out there.

 

She Can Rock It – from the album Living in Fear (1996)

More of that signature Power Station sound from the second album, where John Taylor needed to back out due to other projects.

 

Someday, Somehow, Someone’s Gotta Pay – from the Commando soundtrack (1985)

I was not much of a fan of Des Barres as the singer, but this track from the Commando movie soundtrack is pretty good. There was supposed to be an EP with 2 or 3 other tracks from the band, but it was killed by the record label.

 

Communication – from the album The Power Station (1985)

The 3rd single from their debut album, which did not perform as well in the charts. However, this was the song where Palmer was initially brought in to sing, and which convinced the other members to make him the permanent singer for the band.