Icehouse

On its original release in 1984, Sidewalk was a marked disappointment in comparison to its predecessor, Primitive Man. This reissue is made more notable due to additional bonus tracks: "Java," a slice of Oriental ambience and one of Iva Davies' strongest pieces of that period, makes its long-overdue debut on CD. Also new are "Dance On," a delightful snapshot of '80s pop-funk that at the time would have been better served as an A-side; a single take on "Dusty Pages"; and the cruisy, extended version of "Taking the Town," much better for lacking Davies' cringe-worthy Bowie vocal. Of the surviving ten cuts that make up the original, the Ferry-esque croon of "This Time" and the two culled from Davies' score to Aussie flick Razorback -- "Shot Down" (with outstanding rhythm work from Guy Pratt and John Lloyd) and the Aboriginal percussive-driven (near instrumental) "The Mountain" -- remain pick of the crop. ~ Kelvin Hayes, All Music Guide