Inundated with sexually explicit innuendo and taboo subject matter,
Rough Trade
was led by the crass but forceful vocals of
Carole Pope
, who along with
Kevin Staples
wrote the bulk of the band's music and lyrics. Best known for the sleazy-sounding
"High School Confidential,"
was much more popular in Canada than anywhere else, but they did enjoy a hint of success in the U.S.
The Best of Rough Trade
is the most accessible and consistent album offered from this now defunct band. Bypassing huge amounts of unnecessary filler, this ten-song compilation includes all of their singles, highlighted by the seductive implications of
"Crimes of Passion"
and the overwrought feminism of
"Weapons."
"All Touch"
kept up with
's attempt at sounding sultry while
"Fashion Victim"
spotlighted the importance of looking good in the self-conscience '80s.
Pope
fails to emit the same roughness or jagged persona of, say,
Joan Jett
, but the songs do employ some
rock & roll
amicability. ~ Mike DeGagne