(Pop Rock, Synth-pop) Bourgeois Tagg - Yoyo - 1987, MP3, 192 kbps

biography by Stacia Proefrock
Brent Bourgeois began performing in Dallas clubs at the age of 13. After graduating from high school, he moved with his friend Larry Tagg to Sacramento, CA, forming the pop group Bourgeois Tagg in 1984. A duo by name, the band also included drummer Michael Urbano and guitarist Lyle Workman. They released a self-titled debut album in 1986, which produced the hit single "Mutual Surrender (What a Wonderful World)." The following year, they released their second album, Yoyo, which was produced by Todd Rundgren, and had another hit, "I Don't Mind at All," which reached the Top 40. The band appeared to have a bright future, but Bourgeois became addicted to drugs and alcohol. When fellow musician and drinking buddy Charlie Peacock began going to church, Bourgeois followed and became a Christian. Conflicts that were brewing in the band became exacerbated by Bourgeois' trend toward Christian lyrics and they split. Tagg eventually released two solo albums, both on Damian, with Skeleton Crew in 1995 and Rover in 1997. Bourgeois worked as a producer and solo artist within the CCM scene, and continues to produce new work.
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/bourgeois-tagg-mn0000081537

This is a fun little record -- and unfortunately the last for this group with hot, catchy songwriting not too over the top with '80s cliché. Clever wordplay is a strong point in their songwriting -- akin to Elvis Costello without all the sarcasm. Not a weak song here -- every song is loaded with smart pop hooks and intelligent lyrics -- the only weak point coming with the use of the name "Frankie" as the character in an otherwise fantastic song "15 Minutes in the Sun." Single "I Don't Mind at All" is very pretty, with syncopated rhythms, string arrangements, and great acoustic guitar work by Lyle Workman. Great closing number -- "Coma" -- has an unexpected, almost transcendental ending. The listener also finds nice percussion work on "What's Wrong With This Picture" -- a sad song about infidelity. One of the finest examples of '80s power pop one is likely to find.

Teressa Adams Cello, Group Member
Terry Adams Cello
Bourgeois Tagg Arranger, Primary Artist
Brent Bourgeois Composer, Keyboards, Producer, String Arrangements, Vocals
Mary Ann Bourgeois Programming
The Coast String Quartet Primary Artist, Unknown Contributor Role
Joseph Edelberg Group Member, Violin
Scott Harrison Crew
David J. Holman Producer
Stephen Innocenzi Mastering
Michael Jang Photography
Bob Lebarre Crew
Ray Leonard Engineer
Paul Lester Liner Notes
Mingo Lewis Percussion
Ian Matthews Vocals (Background)
Scott Moon Keyboards, Synthesizer
Charlie Peacock Composer
Todd Rundgren Arranger, Engineer, Mixing, Producer
Rebecca Sebring Viola
Brent Tagg Composer
Eric Tagg Composer
Larry Tagg Bass, Composer, Producer, Vocals
John Tenney Group Member, Violin
Andrew Thomas Programming
Larry Toomey Crew
Michael Urbano Drums, Percussion
Jim "Watts" Vereecke Assistant Engineer
Rick Walker Drums
Lyle Workman Composer, Guitar, String Arrangements
Tony Wright Cover Art