PERSONNEL
Eric Neher: Vocals, guitar
Joe Mollura: Vocals, bass
Phill D’Ancona: Drums

TRACK LISTING
Forever Endeavor
The Traveler
Understanding
Laugh & Cry
Pioneer Beat

An informal “greatest hits” tape from a terrific band that never got its due. This recording’s provenance is murky; I don’t remember when nor where it was made, nor why the band’s name is misspelled on the spine. Pioneers frontman Eric Neher gave this cassette to Carole, in 1984 or 1985. He will have to answer for misspelling his band’s name on the spine.

Every song here is killer, but “The Traveler” is epic with a capital Pic. “Understanding” is another scorcher. Stick around for “Pioneer Beat” and dance your mess around.

“Every pilgrim on the block/Wants to dance the Plymouth Rock/Every cowboy on the street/The Pioneer Beat”

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PERSONNEL
Eric Neher: Vocals, guitar
Joe Mollura: Vocals, bass
Phill D’Ancona: Drums

No track listing

Modern Pioneers were one of my favorite Long Island-based bands of the 1980s. The 1982 release of their vinyl debut EP, The Big Hookup, was among the first 12-inch indie releases by a local band; a watershed moment.

Singer and songwriter Eric Neher was, and is, a compelling on-stage presence, able to convey strong emotion while always remaining firmly in control. His plaintive, soaring vocals, and twanging Mosrite guitar, were perfectly complimented by Joe Mollura’s supple bass and Phill D’Ancona’s taut back beat. It’s New Wave surf-rock supreme, heroic and moody, with lyrics that take in the broad sweep of history and conclude: We’re screwed, let’s dance!

This 1986 performance followed the release the previous year of the 12-inch single “The Traveler” b/w “Everybody Knows” on the band’s own Adventure Records. Although Modern Pioneers would not survive the decade, they are at the peak of their powers on this recording.

The post Modern Pioneers: Live at CBGB, July 29, 1986 appeared first on Jim Santo's Demo Universe.