Reviews for
“Obsessions of You” & “Sink & Swim”
(1st single from
Debut LP)
Released May 20, 1980 at 3:46 PM Greenwich Mean Time
Released internationally on I.R.S. Records (Illegal Records) – Manufactured and Distributed by A&M Records
“The fullest sound I’ve clapped ears on in a while, this ‘uns awash with wondrous melodies, mellotrons, clavinets, synthesizers and harmonies like only Americanos can muster. Zips of Zappa and refreshes the parts only Rundgren can usually reach. Swept me off my tootsies. And it’s a statement of unrequited love: “You infest my blood stream / You grow roots in my heart / You are the disease in me....” Aaaah. The biggest nose in the business should prove a bigger wow than WOW’s tits when he plays Milton Keynes (r‘ n’ r capital of the world), next month.”
- Betty Page - Sounds - June 28, 1980
“One of the great ugly visages, this fellow is poised to support The Police at the Milton Keynes rites later this month. And, we are informed, the official worldwide release date and time of this record is May 20, 1980, 3:46pm Greenwich Mean Time. Wizzard. The best laid plans of mice and fish... The A side is turbulent, full of screaming synths, decent singing (Gayle Crowder helping out Our Jim), and absolutely no space between the notes, and strangely attractive. Obsessional music. B track begins with some very peculiar fluid noises, then develops into another guitar thrash with the fastest known vocal line in the Universe. Puts in mind of something Zappa might have done had his nose grown to the size of Jim’s. Not for those of nervous or genteel disposition. Lobotomy flavoured.”
- Dave Blake - Musicians Only - July 19, 1980
“...Skafish! Much has been made in history from large noses - Cyrano de Bergerac, an entire play concerning large nose; Jimmy Durante built whole career on the large nose. Skafish too has large nose but small ideas. Ho ho ... large nose, small id-ears. I make a joke.”
- New Music News
“...Chicago native Skafish leaps into his first single with arresting vocals that will keep you guessing. Perfect for adventurous AOR programmers.”
- Cash Box - June 28, 1980