Wendy and Lisa 'Fruit At The Bottom'

“A real sweet cup, will keep him up

Till Morning Comes”

'Fruit At The Bottom' Wendy and Lisa 1989

'Fruit At The Bottom' is the second studio album released by Wendy and Lisa after their departure from The Revolution. I bought this album, in cassette form after becoming hooked on Prince's music the previous year as a young teen and highly rating Wendy and Lisa's contribution on recordings with Prince and The Revolution. There was (and still is) something inspiringly wonderful and entrancing, to me, when it came to female musicians. I think it boils down to the inner musician I aspired to be but sadly didn't get to fulfil. Back in the 80's, Wendy and Lisa, Sheila E and the Bangles brought 'Girl Power' to the forecourt of pop music whilst their other female contemporaries were satisfied showcasing their vocal and dancing abilities as opposed to performing music.
 Wendy and Lisa at Amazon

'Are You My Baby?' was the albums most popular release in the UK. Many critics and Prince fans said their music was a carbon of Prince's style which is insulting to their talent. Wendy and Lisa come from musical families and shared a lot of their creativity with Prince during The Revolution era without getting much credit for their art. Of course influences and similarities are going to be heard. I don't remember their music getting a lot of air play on the radio but the video for 'Are You My Baby' was often screened on cable tv, Cable Jukebox was the channel if I remember right. I was intrigued, their image was a world away from the clothes they sported in The Revolution and they were funky.

'Fruit At The Bottom' is a feelgood throwback to pop music of the late 80's opening the doors of the dance sounds of the early 90's. 'Lolly Lolly', 'Are You My Baby?' and 'Satisfaction' are all funky club tracks. Undertones of R&B Soul can be heard in ballads 'Tears Of Joy', 'Always In My Dreams' and the uplifting 'Someday I'. 'From Now On (we're one)' and the album title track 'Fruit At The Bottom' are what I call punchy pop with a hit of rock. The former has a stunning guitar solo by Wendy, the latter is an electrifying, drum thrashing composition that certainly never did my ears any favours, maxed out on my personal stereo whilst I air-drummed Carla's (Wendy and Lisa's drummer) sticks. Lisa's grand piano at the start of 'I Think It Was December' rattles listeners soul for the gospel influenced melody that's to come.

'Everyday' is the one song on 'Fruit At The Bottom', in my personal opinion, that screams Prince and that's not a diss to Wendy and Lisa, but a beautiful compliment. 'Everyday' doesn't imitate him but as a fan I could imagine him co-singing on the track and the vocal arrangement highlights how great Wendy and Lisa were with Prince, totally mesmerising. With so many great songs, it was no surprise, yet totally upsetting when the reel on my cassette bust after constant rewinding years later. I updated to the CD version via Amazon as my album collection wouldn't be truly mine without it. My daughters dig Wendy and Lisa too.

Check out Wendy and Lisa music and videos from Donnatella's Playlist on the mixpod in the side menu

Look out for more Wendy and Lisa reviews in future posts

“Boy Meets Girl and Girl Meets Boy

They Promise Each Other Eternal Joy

Thanking Heaven and God Above

For They Never Thought

That They Would Find Such A Love

Singing Lolly Lee Lolly Lee

Forever They're Together

Hearts And Souls Forever Free”

'Lolly Lolly' L Coleman and W Melvoin 1989 Virgin Records Ltd