Group called "Technique " Can we Try Again

[Disc0tek]

I just heard this track and was wondering what the history of this group was. Sounds like Abba a little. Can't seem to find anything about them on the Net. Thanks

[Jeff H]

Here's what I can tell you about the 12-inch: "Can We Try Again" was actually the B side of "(Looking for Someone to Love) Tonight" (which was later covered by one of the many PWL artists, I think). "Tonight" is 102 BPM and clocks in at 4:37. "Can We Try" is 129 BPM/5:11; remix was produced by Michael Lewis with "special thanks to Robbie Leslie." Both songs were written by Muff Murfin and the 12-inch was released on Arial Records in 1983. Hope this helps.



"Can We Try" is a catchy, energetic tune that always reminded me of Boystown Gang meets Bananarama!

[markydefad]

In addition to what Mr. Jeff said (all 100% accurate--he IS a PRO after all), the Michael Lewis mentioned was a main DJ at Trocadero and also at a stand-up bar on Market street that had the chain link fence inside (what was the name of that bar?). It's right at Castro & Market. Oh, now I remember-the Detour. Anyway, he was a big fave of mine--we had real similar tastes. I'm pretty sure he passed away from AIDS--I think in a documentary on the Castro that I watched on PBS, they had a scene where the camera perused the obituaries in the BAR ( local paper) and I noticed Mike's name. Anyway, this record was released by a local SF distributor, but I don't know where it was recorded. The Robbie Leslie "thanks" leads me to believe that it was not recorded in SF, but I might be wrong.

[Jeff H]

A pro, Marky? Nah--I was just copying what was printed on the record label that I had in front of me. And I did buy the record in SF; it even still has the Butch Wax sticker on the jacket.



As for the Detour, your comment about the fence reminded me of one of my favorite descriptions from the travel guide "Betty & Pansy's Severe Queer Review of San Francisco." They wrote something like "the chainlink fence bisecting the room makes the bar look like a leftover set from a high school production of West Side Story, except no one here can sing or dance."



_________________

"...a once in a lifetime feeling that returns every week..."

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Jeff H on 2002-04-16 09:57 ]</font>

[hotdiscomix]

Michael Lewis produced for Hot Tracks a Special Remix (7:39), this mix published on Hot Tracks Series 2, Issue2 and Very Best Of Hot Tracks Vol. 4

[Disc0tek]

Thanks. I have the Hot Tracks version. I thought it was excellent. I could just picture a crowded dancefloor!

[uriah]

This is waht I know. Technique (or Teknique) started as a sideproject from Daniel Boone and rocksinger David Byron (of uriah heep fame). It has been said that the female vocals on the singles and album are from david and daniel's wives! The did a few singles and an album in 1983.

Teknique - Michael Angelo, 7" 1979
Teknique - Looking For Someone to Love (Tonight), 12" 1979
Technique - Can We try Again, 7" 1983
Technique - Michael Angelo, LP 1983

Daniel and David also did some other disco/futuristic pop projects:

The Warlord - Ultimate Warlord, 7" 1979
Intergalactic Orchestra - Star Probe Navigator, 7" 1981
Intergalactic Orchestra - Super Nova, LP 1981

Hope this info helps.....

[uriah]

Most tracks on the Technique (or Teknique) LP "Michael Angelo" including Looking for someone to love, Can we try again & Michael Angelo were written by Daniel Boone and David Byron. Muff Murfin produced the album together with Boone but Muff wasn't involved in writing.

Muff Murfin did write the B-side to the Warlord single (I shall return) and he was also involved in David Byron's solo album "Baby faced Killer".
I can't confirm his involvement in the "Intergalactic orchestra" project (written by Byron) but it looks clear the 3 worked together on a regular basis between 1978 and 1984.

For his sideprojects David Byron used the pseudonym Mark oxford and it is by this name he is listed on labels and covers.

[the disco kid]

The ABBA comparison is justified. I remember most everyone in my circle of friends thought it was a new ABBA single the first time we heard it. and now to find out that it was 2 husband and wife teams behind the group, just adds to that comparison.

I may be wrong, but I think the "thanks to Robbie Leslie" came about because Robbie discovered the song and was one of the first, if not THE first DJ to play it in the States, Michael Lewis then remixed it for the San Francisco based Arial Label.

The remake of "Tonight (looking for someone to love)" by Quartzlock that came out later...late 1980's if i remember correctly (there is no date on the vinyl or jacket, I hate it when the records aren't dated!) and features Lonnie Gordon and Shirley Gordon on vocals.

Remicks if you're reading, here's another Daniel Boone disco connection for your previous thread.