In 1983, Richard Barone and James Mastro of The Bongos, taking a break after an extensive U.S. tour that produced a batch of new songs written in hotel rooms, planes, and dressing rooms, released a duo album called Nuts & Bolts. Recorded in North Carolina with Mitch Easter (R.E.M., Let's Active), the album had a more acoustic and intimate feel compared to The Bongos’ recordings, showing a different side of the two musicians. Influenced by folk-rock and powerpop sounds, full of hooks and harmonies, and performed with their signature spontaneous energy, the album received critical acclaim and appeared on many best-of-the-year lists (including People magazine!)