Wall of Voodoo

Wall of Voodoo are an American new wave group formed in California in the late 1970s, noted for Stan Ridgway's distinctive vocals and a cinematic, western-inflected sound. Their best-known period includes albums such as Dark Continent and Call Of The West and the hit "Mexican Radio."

Stan Ridgway was the band's original vocalist; he left in 1983 after Call Of The West and an appearance at the US Festival. Andy Prieboy replaced Ridgway and fronted the band for two studio albums and live releases. The band was associated with I.R.S. Records and received support from Miles Copeland according to the reviews.

DeBaser reviews present Wall of Voodoo as a distinctive California new wave band centered on Stan Ridgway's singular vocals and cinematic, western-inflected sound. Key records discussed include The Index Masters, Dark Continent and Call Of The West. Later years with Andy Prieboy are noted as a more accessible but less innovative phase. A live document, The Ugly Americans in Australia, is highlighted for reassessing the band's second era.

For:fans of new wave, post-punk, Americana-tinged alternative, 1980s music collectors