Sure, it was tough to come up with a follow-up to their hit debut album, but
Close to the Bone is quite a fine album in retrospect. There is a sense of
Tom Tom Club repeating themselves, but then again, it's a formula that they created: a trio of female singers over bouncy reggae and hip-hop-inspired beats, with a dash of
Talking Heads' art-school sensibilities. "Pleasure of Love" rides the coattails of "Genius of Love," perked up with
Wally Badarou's swirling keyboards. Lyrics are Dionysian and silly paeans to love, equivalent to James Rizzi's artwork on the cover, with occasional dips into social commentary ("On the Line Again" spins a tale of the downside of club culture).
Tina Weymouth and sisters Lani and Laura make good with the harmonies, smooth and icy. Fans of "Genius of Love" won't be disappointed. ~ Ted Mills