Punk and Goth, the Best of Both Worlds: The Ocean Blue – City Traffic Take 1

The Ocean Blue

“City Traffic Take 1”

The Ocean Blue came out in the early 80’s with a sound similar to Echo & the Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs, and The Teardrop Explodes.  Many people mistakenly though the Ocean Blue were from England.  Actually, the band of was comprised of four high schoolers from Hershey, Pennsylvania who  went on to do three well-received records for Sire, the eponymous The Ocean Blue, the ethereal Cerulean, and alt pop Beneath the Rhythm and Sound.  Rhino Records has re-released the first three albums to a new generation, including the recently released track, “City Traffic Take 1”.  I am so glad that these three albums have been released.  The Ocean Blue was one of those bands that paved the way between the punk of the Damned and the Sex Pistols and the Goth of Depeche Mode and the Bauhaus.