APB

Certain bands throughout rock history have managed to enjoy great success in certain regions, but not on a wide scale. One such band would definitely be Scotland's APB, who were a favorite in the New York tri-state area in the mid- to late '80s, thanks to heavy play on local college radio and in dance clubs. The group was akin to a more mainstream-sounding Gang of Four, since both used funk bass to lead the charge. Their 1985 debut, Something to Believe In, has become something of an underground classic, and with its 1996 CD edition out of print for some time, it was increasingly difficult to snag a copy by the early 21st century. But come 2006, the Young American label issued a Special 20th Anniversary Reissue of the album (actually, "21st Anniversary" would be more accurate, but never mind): a double-disc set that includes the original album as well as a second disc that includes unreleased tracks and live recordings. Why the group never enjoyed its N.Y.C. area success elsewhere will forever remain a mystery -- especially upon listening to the incredibly strong and consistent Something to Believe In from front to back. In fact, such tracks as "Palace Filled with Love" and "One Day" sound almost identical to early Red Hot Chili Peppers (especially during their Freaky Styley period). But as mentioned earlier, APB had more in common with the dance crowd than the punkers, especially on the album-opening "Shoot You Down" (perhaps their best-known track) and the self-explanatory "Danceability, Pts. 1-2." Instead of shelling out high prices for the 1996 CD edition of Something to Believe In, you can't go wrong with the modestly priced Something to Believe In: Special 20th Anniversary Reissue double disc. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide