POST NO. 3: STIV BATORS GOES POP!

As an aside to his work in the Dead Boys, Stiv Bators' solo career was fairly decent, if short-lived. But, considering that this man once was involved in the writing of such brash punk classics as "Sonic Reducer" and "Ain't Nothing to Do," Bator's legacy as a Dead Boy casts a long shadow -- and rightfully so -- over his pop leanings as a solo artist. That said, Bator's Disconnected, originally released on Bomp! in 1980 as the Dead Boys were disintegrating, is an often overlooked power-pop gem that Bomp! reissued in 2004.

Bators' '60s influences come to the surface on this recording, which finds the music more accessible and his vocal tracks far more subdued. Much in the same way Iggy Pop's brand of nihilistic rock became pedestrian once he hit the studio as a solo artist, so too is Stiv Bators' effort tame and almost charming at times on Disconnected. "Evil Boy" was co-written by Dead Boy Jimmy Zero, and stands as one of Bators' strongest songs regardless of era. While the chorus finds Bators repeating "I'm an evil boy," he does so in a coy, whiney style that's nonetheless addictive. It's pretty funny, actually. Other highlights include the exceptionally catchy "Make Up Your Mind," the brooding swagger of "A Million Miles Away" (no relation to the Plimsouls song of the same name), the frantic drums-guitar interplay of "Swingin' a Go-Go," and the playful "Ready Any Time."

In hindsight, it's easy to see how a band like The Replacements might have taken notes while listening to this record. Disconnected is worth investigating for fans of the Dead Boys as well as folks who find much to like in '80s power-pop. It's worth the price of the disc simply to read the insightful (and downright amusing) liner notes from former Bators' bassist Frank Secich, who recounts Stiv's "car surfing" days with ease.

Stiv Bators - "Make Up Your Mind"

For more info on Stiv, see this fan site or visit Bomp!.