N N New York by Spy: A Fistful of Classic Rock Energy
Alright, let’s get this straight—Spy’s N N New York isn’t some overblown masterpiece you’ll see plastered on every “Best Of” list. But damn, it’s got teeth. Released in 1980 outta Germany, this sucker slams down hard with that raw Classic Rock vibe. Bernd Vonficht produced the hell outta this thing, and while Ariola might not have been the biggest label back then, they sure didn’t phone it in here.
Now, I gotta talk about “Can’t Get Out Of My Mind.” It’s one of those tracks that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The riff is nasty—like, greasy-fingers-on-a-guitar-neck nasty—and the vocals? They’re all gravelly and pissed off, like someone just woke up from a three-day bender. You don’t forget a tune like that. It sticks to your brain like gum under a table.
Then there’s “N-N-New York,” the title track. This one’s got swagger for days. It’s loud, brash, and unapologetic—a love letter to NYC written by dudes who probably never set foot in America. Doesn’t matter though, because the energy is insane. When the chorus hits, it’s like getting punched in the face… but in a good way? Yeah, weird analogy, but that’s how it feels. It’s messy, chaotic, and totally unforgettable.
You know what bugs me? People act like Europe didn’t do rock right in the ‘80s. Sure, everyone talks about the UK or Scandinavia, but Germany had its moments too. Spy might not be as flashy as some of their peers, but they bring the thunder without begging for attention.
Here’s the kicker—I listened to this album on a busted cassette player I found at a flea market. Half the time, I couldn’t tell if the distortion was coming from the tape or the band itself. Honestly? That made it even better. Like, maybe N N New York wasn’t meant to sound clean. Maybe it was supposed to feel like a punch-drunk brawler staggering through the streets.
So yeah, check this out if you want something rough around the edges. Just don’t expect no polish. Oh, and if anyone asks where you heard about it, tell ‘em some random dude online called it “a fistfight in audio form.” They’ll either think you’re nuts or totally get it. Either way, win-win.
