Scott Milk and The Walls

In 1980, the long lamented progressive rock station Starview 92 in Harrisburg/York started playing a great new wave ditty called "Radioactive." As a huge fan of Elvis Costello and The Attractions, i was trying to figure out why I hadn't heard this song on any EC album or B-Side. Or why he'd drop in a Three Mile Island reference. The answer was simple: the band was from Chicago. Scott Wilk and The Walls released this lost New Wave rave-up in the year of "Armed Forces" and did their utmost to pass themselves off as an American Elvis. The cover art screams 80's and the back cover photo of Wilk, wearing goofy glasses with the rest of the band in tight, fishbowl style close-up did nothing to deter the "Armed Forces" allusions. One thing, though. "Scott Wilk and The Walls" was a darn good album.In addition to the previously mentioned "Radioactive," there was "Suspicion," a pure EC piece of paranoia that also picked up some localized airplay and even had a video made around it. Wilk's keyboards as sophisticated and nervy, there's a dark sense of humor that runs through many of the songs. Joe Jackson even gets a nod on "Instant This, Instant That," and producer Michael Omartian lays down a nifty piano solo on the final song, "Shadow Box Love." Yes, for those of you who follow such things, the same Michael Omartian who the same year delivered Christopher Cross's cheesy debut delivered a production job here worthy of Nick Lowe.However, Chicago and Central PA must have been Wilk's lone pockets of fandom, as the debut stiffed commercially, and an argument with management and record label left Scott Wilk and The Walls high and dry, even with a large chunk of songs ready for a follow-up. (You can find these for download as "The Lost Session.") For those of us that can't get enough of the prime skinny tie new wave that was embodied by "This Year's Model" or "Look Sharp," "Scott Wilk and The Walls" is an absolute must. I've been waiting for this one myself a long time.

I can't believe how little this fine album is going for! As the other reviewers have stated, it sounds a lot like early era Elvis Costello. Every song is well written, nicely recorded, expertly played and very infectious. Not a clinker in the bunch. I treasured this album on vinyl for years and was thrilled when Wounded Bird reissued it a few years ago. You can pick up a used copy for as little as $1.30! If you love late '70s- early '80s new wave and early Costello you'll really appreciate this obscure treasure. What are you waiting for?

This overlooked album by Scott Wilk and the Walls was made in the early to mid 1980's. Quality songs and solid performances anchored by their "hit," "Suspicion," make this a nice recording to own. Reminiscent of early Elvis Costello, (I actually thought it was Elvis Costello, at first listen) Scott Wilk and The Walls turn in a great effort here. I recommend this to any and all Elvis Costello fans. This is am import and probably the only way you can find this CD, anymore. Enjoy "Radioactive," "Too Many Questions" and of course, "Suspicion."

You could think of this as the best album Elvis Costello never made, since it captures the sound of EC's first few albums almost perfectly. Like the originals, this item features songs and performances that were built to last. Anyone who needs a fix of Eighties nostalgia or some not-often-heard songs to spice up their playlists should check it out.

A great album that few have ever heard of. If you like Elvis Costello in his "Armed Forces" era then you will love this album.

I LOVE this album and remember listening to it in my dorm room at RPI in 1980. Like other reviewers have said, good songs, reminiscent of Elvis Costello, but let me add, more polished: meticulously well arranged and recorded. Really an impressive effort and I have never stopped wondering WTF happened to Scott Wilk and the Walls. Why just one album? Did they all go off and become accountants or something? They should have stuck with it. Really, this album is great. In addition to the strong tracks other reviewers have recommended, I also love the song "Instant This, Instant That."