This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Martin Briley's "The Salt in My Tears"
Friday April 6, 2007
Perhaps not even completely classifiable as a one-hit wonder (as this, his most well-known tune, reached only No. 15 on the mainstream rock niche charts and made little impact on the pop charts), Briley nonetheless quietly registered one of the finest guitar riffs of the early-'80s, which fueled this nifty hybrid rock nugget. Nestled skillfully at equal points between new wave, classic rock and roots rock, "The Salt in My Tears" glides effortlessly on a great vocal performance from Briley as well as clean, straight-ahead rock production and pleasing harmonies.The total package feels very much of its time but in the best possible way, primarily because of Briley's strong guitar work and punchy songcraft on prominent display. Though Briley had made a solid living as a professional musician before this track's brief moment in the spotlight as well as after, he probably should have been given another kick at solo glory somewhere along the way. Still, no tears necessary; after all, he gave us at least one great rock song, which is far more than most can muster.
Album Cover Image Courtesy of PolyGram Records
Comments
Yeah, I liked his music, especially on “One Night With a Stranger”, but he won’t release it in digital format. Is he a total d__k head or just an egomaniac?
Hey Drew, I’m glad you like my music, however, your jumping to the conclusion that I’m either a dickhead or an egomaniac for not digitally releasing One Night With a Stranger, shows how incredibly stupid and ignorant you are.
Does it not occur to you that maybe I, like countless other recording artists, have NO control over what my record company ( Universal ) wants to do with my past catalogue?
Also, how would NOT wanting my music being heard make me an egomaniac?
You make no sense.
Regards
Martin Briley
I am so incredibly depressed. I bagan looking for one of my old favorites today, only to find that it is beyond my reach. I was eighteen when I had the LP “One Night With a Stranger”, I loved it. I was hoping to find it online. Maybe someday I’ll have it again. For now, I will have to carry on without it.
Oops I only found this a year after the fact.
But hey hey I GOT THE SALT IN MY TEARS SONG ON ITUNES!!! (OK, it’s a remixed 2008 version but still rawkz)
If Mr. Briley was able to snatch it from the record company to release it then THANX!!!
It’s all available on amazon.com now.