Distortion (Game Theory EP)

Critical response and legacy

The Michigan Daily, in a 1984 review, called Distortion "near-perfect vaguely retrograde pop, with consummately whiny adolescent vocals by Scott Miller and gorgeous tunes by the same." Pointing to producer Michael Quercio as a "neo-psychedelic whimsy-pop superstar," the review also cited the "addictive melody" and "lyrics of the century" in "Nine Lives to Rigel Five," and called "Shark Pretty" a "thumping must at any party."

In the early 1990s, comparing Distortion to the earlier Blaze of Glory LP, Trouser Press found Distortion to be "fuller, but not as fresh sounding", stating that "Miller's fey falsetto and fragile melodies" were rendered "too precious" by a "more baroque presentation."

Conversely, AllMusic critic Ned Raggett wrote that in Distortion, Scott Miller "practically defines winsome vocal sweetness spiked with bite," calling the EP "some beautiful art pop," and "one set of treats after another." Raggett added that "the band collectively put in great performances," crediting Dave Gill's "rumbling drum punch" and Nancy Becker's keyboard lead on "Nine Lives to Rigel Five," which another reviewer called "gloriously cheesy synth-pop riffs."

Assessing Gill's percussion on "Nine Lives to Rigel Five," Stephen Burt wrote, "It sounds old-school science-fictional, early-digital, like late Devo, or late Yes. The chorus imagines exile via starship, propelled by what sounds like, not a drum machine, but electronic drums, the kind with hexagonal heads."

In the 2002 book All Music Guide to Rock: The Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul, reviewer Stewart Mason cited "Shark Pretty" for its "exultant charge" and "some of the band's strongest-sounding guitar yet," provided by guest soloist Earl Slick.

Mason also pointed to "The Red Baron" as an example of the EP's "stellar material," calling it an "anguished acoustic lost-love song" with its heartbreak lightened by "keyboardist Nancy Becker's mocking 'Fifty or more' backing vocal," which tied the song's title to the Royal Guardsmen's 1966 novelty song "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron." Miller and Becker's "dreamy acoustic strum and synth" in "The Red Baron" were also cited by Raggett as contributing to the "breezy sweetness of the band."

Later performances

In 1999, "Nine Lives to Rigel Five" was covered by the band Gaze on their album Shake the Pounce.

Game Theory's 2013 reunion performance, a memorial tribute to Scott Miller, included "The Red Baron," and the set closed with the upbeat "Too Late for Tears" and "Shark Pretty."

In 2014, a version of "The Red Baron" was recorded by Donnette Thayer, who had been a member of Game Theory from 1986 to 1988. Thayer's version, released as a music video in June 2014, is expected to appear on an upcoming Scott Miller memorial tribute album.

Track listing

All tracks written by Scott Miller, except as noted.

Musical credits

Members:

Guest musicians:

Production credits