MINE toe 30 — Friday, September 23, 1988 - North Shore News HOTHOUSE FLOWERS unfold to full bloom on the debut disc; john Hiatt hits the open road to find love and adven- ture along the way; Bragg offers a tive half dozen; zooming Zouk music makes for a moving experience. Hothouse Flowers — People, London Records 1988 This band truly has the spiritual heat. The musicians are fram Dublin, Ireland, The names say so — Laim O’Maoniai, Fiachna O'Braonain, Peter O'Toole, Leo Barnes, Jerry Fehily. But the roots are firmly grounded in the fertile musical soil of traditional American gospel. In time, Hothouse Flowers will be a Major Act. Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the band’s Van- couver show, Oct. 24 at 86 Street Music Hall. See them while you can still spy the white of their eyes irs a small-scale venue. MICHAEL BECKER music reviewer Lead singer O’Maonlai pounds piano with a wanton fervor. And he serves up some sensitive lyrics with an equal, searing intensity. Don't Go, I'm Sorry, [t'll Be Easier In The Morning have been rattling around my skull ever since | first heard the blasted songs. . Pure and soulful pop. Big, bold production. Positive messages. This disc sticks you with a state- rent and boy does it feel good. John Hiatt — Slow Turning, A&M 1988 The gravel-throated Indiana drawl pops off ballad-form vi- gnettes from the American heartland with the sparin, economy of a twenty-dollar pistol. Those who appreciated Springs- teen circa Nebraska, will love this collection. Hiatt’s musical style shifts through the country-folk- rock gears as easily as a Cadillac slipping through the Graceland gates. Each cut offers a succinct, emo- tional snapshot with the open road, hotel rooms, Chevrolets and Oe WHC SUHSCL, Caneel Al. med dat CROMaTCC!