The Mekons - Where Were You?

The Mekons., there is so much to be said about this brilliant band. I bought their first single “Never Been in a Riot” which is a simple, classic, “123” punk song. The Mekons apparently wrote "Never Been In A Riot" as a sarcastic response to the Clash’s “White Riot”, based upon the premise of how many white middle class people have actually been in a riot (not many I guess).

I still like “Never Been in a Riot”, but there was much better to come, their second single “Where was You?” was a true classic that met the ASFM (Always Searching for Music) criteria, the first time I heard it, it made me smile and every time I played it people would say “who is this? It’s brilliant” (my son’s friend recently said this – and that’s 29 years after its release).

The B-side is also a gem. Again I don’t know why these tracks are not available, there was a FAST compilation album, but this has been unavailable for many years, and if you buy the “Heaven and Hell The Best of the Mekons album”:

Heaven and Hell: the Best of the Mekons

neither of these tracks is on it (in my opinion they should be). Heaven and Hell is still worth buying, as is most of the Mekons back catalogue, however one word of warning, each Mekons album is very different (and the best of gives sample of the different genres that they cover), that’s a good different by the way, but if you are looking for more punk then you will be in for a surprise.

Band: The Mekons
Label: Fast
Year: 1978
Name: Where Was You? / I’ll have to dance then on my own

So ripped from glorious scratched vinyl to inferior mp3 – Where were you?

One final note for vinyl enthusiasts, this record has an etching: "This Signal Is A Product". Don't know what it means, but I always liked finding these.

Punishment Of Luxury - Puppet Life

Here they come
I'll Never let them take me away
I won't go to room 16.

YOU WILL

The opening lines to "Puppet Life".
From the beginning, this record is weird, and I have always loved it. the B-side is magic as well.

I have classed as New Wave but it could be anything. Who cares.

If you want to get clean digital copies of both of these you will have to buy two excellent compilations:

Small Wonder Punk Singles Collection Vol.1

and

Small Wonder Punk Singles Collection Vol.2

Of which it looks as volume 2 is not available any longer, so if you can't find it drop me a line. Small wonder was always one of my favourite labels, with the Carpettes and Menace to name but a few (sometime I will share a few of their classics).

On the strength of this single, I went to see Punishment of Luxury at Camden's "Music Machine" now some dance place (Shame, it was a good venue) and they didn't let me down.

Their first album "Laughing Academy" is rated but unfortunately I have never got hold of a copy, anyone out there got a copy?

Band: Punishment of Luxury
Year: 1979
Label: Small Wonder
Tracks:
1. Puppet Life
2. The Demon

ripped from glorious scratched vinyl to inferior mp3

Snatch - Stanley, All I Want and Snatch (s/t)

It's time for a Snatch fest, and no this is nothing to do with porn (thats all you find if you ever trying to a search for this band). Snatch were one of my favourite bands of 1977.











Every track is brilliant, and I have never stopped playing there stuff, everyone I have shared this with has also loved it.





The album has different versions of the singles, check out All I Want (in my opinion their best single) both versions are outstanding, and I never tire of them.

I cannot understand why these tracks have never been released on CD. Come on someone out there must be able to do it.

Band: Snatch
Label: Lightning
Year: 1977
Tracks:
1. Stanley
2. I.R.T.
&
1. All I want
2. When I'm Bored
&
Same title album - Snatch


So ripped from glorious scratched vinyl to inferior mp3

Rikki And The Last Days Of Earth - Loaded

Definitely not punk, and a bit of an oddity that would full under the category of New Wave. I put this up as a curiosity rather than one of my favorites, although it did not go unplayed over the years.

A punk version of "Street Fighting Man" on the b-side is not bad.

This was Rikki's third single, not sure what the others are like as I have never heard them. If anyone has got them I wouldn't mind a sample.

See what you think

Band: Rikki And The Last Days Of Earth
Label: DJM
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Loaded
2. Street Fighting Man





So ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

Adam and the Ants - Young Parisian

Many people may not realise that Adam and the Ants were originally a very cool band.
This was way before he went with the OTT Red Indian, pirate, highwayman, etc. rubbish.

His first offically published material was two tracks "Deutsher Girls" and "Plastic Surgery" on the soundtrack to Derek Jarmens Jubilee film (I will post these sometime).

It was sometime later in 1978 that Adam and the Ants released their first single "Young Parisians" on the Decca label. Both tracks are good, but for me the best track is the excellent b-side "Lady"

The lyrics for both tracks are on the back cover which I have included a high resolution scan so you can sing along.

Band: Adam and the Ants
Year: 1978
Label: Decca
Tracks:
1. Young Parisians
2. Lady

I'm not sure this is available on any of the Adam and the Ants albums, so no recommendation this time.

So ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

The Normal - T.V.O.D. / Warm Leatherette

This was the the Normal's first and only single. You may know it for two reasons:

1. It was the first release (MUTE 001) for the Mute Label, which Depeche Mode made famous
2. The b-side "Warm Leatherette" was released as a single by Grace Jones.

These tracks could be classed as electronic. They are very sparse but strangely engaging.


See what you think.

Band: The Normal
Year: 1978
Label: Mute
Tracks:
1. T.V.O.D.
2. Warm Leatherette

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

The Nipple Errectors - King Of The Bop

This was Shane McGowan's (of the Pogues fame) first band and first single.

And what a debut, the a-side "King of the bop" is good, but the b-side "Nervous Wreck is even better.

They went on to change their name to the Nips and continued to release some excellent songs.

Band: The Nipple Erectors
Year: 1978
Label: Soho Records
Tracks:
1. King Of The Bop
2. Nervous Wreck

If anyone like this then I also have an excellent live bootleg, leave a comment if your interested.

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

If you like this then you can buy this, both of these tracks are on it, and their excellent follow on single Gabrielle:

Bops Babes Booze and Bovver

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Metal Shadow (Bootleg)

The Scream for me was always Siouxsie's best album. It was raw and dark, and nothing like their first single "Hong Kong Garden"

I think I played this bootleg as much (if not more) than the Scream. So if you do like this go out and buy "The Scream", you will not be disappointed (see link as usual at the bottom).

Please note this is not a concert bootleg but some early studio cuts.

Tracks:
A-Side
1. Love In A Void
2. Metal Postcard
3. Suburban Relapse
4. Mirage
5. Carcass
6. Overground

Side B
1. Helter Skelter
2. Hong Kong Garden
3. Make Up and Break Up
4. Love and Romance
5. Carcass (II)
6. Love and a Void (II)

Ripped from glorious (not too) scratched vinyl

If you like this, then buy this. There is a cheaper version, but this deluxe edition includes a few John peel sessions.

The Scream [Deluxe Edition]

The Table - Sex Cells

This is "The Tables" second and disappointingly their last single. maybe they knew this, as there is a tiny little "Help" etched on the vinyl.

It followed their excellent "Do the standing still". The lyrics aren't great but I've always enjoyed it. Its a catchy sing along song and at 2.10 minues longs its difficult to get bored with.

As usual for many punk singles the b-sides not bad as well.

Band: The Table
Year: 1978
Label: Chiswick
Tracks:
1. Sex Cells
2. The Road Of Lyfe

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

The Depressions - Messing With Your Heart

The Depressions, slow, mean and menacing, their second single, "Messing With Your Heart". For me far better than their first single "Living On Dream". In fact if you listen to the first single you would not class them as punk, but the second single definitely does. I guess this is why they were accused of jumping on the punk bandwagon. But hey who cares its a great song (and the b-side ain't too bad either).

I bought both singles but only ever play this one, and their album which you can only get secondhand. If you like this then leave a comment and I will post the album later on.

Band: The Depressions
Year: 1978
Label: Barn Records
Tracks:
1. Messing With Your Heart
2. Street Kid

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

Spizz Oil - 6,000 Crazy

Spizz Oil - What a name for a band, where did that come from?

Before Jack and Meg Whites "the White Stripes", there was Spizz and Pete Petrols "Spizz Oil"

A two man band, with one guitar, and on one track a Kazoo (this must be the first ever punk record with a Kazoo solo - Listen to 1989).

These tracks are stripped down and raw, and I love them.

Released on the excellent Rough Trade label in 1978. I am not sure I can think of any bands that has had as many incarnations as Spizz (Spizz Oil, Spizz Energi, Atheltico Spizz 80, Spizzles, etc.). If you have heard of this band it was most probably as Spizz Energi when they released the chart hit "Where's Captain Kirk".

6,000 crazy is their first single and one of my favorites.

Band: Spizz Oil
Label: Rough Trade
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. 6,000 Crazy
2. 1989
3. Fibre

So ripped from glorious scratched vinyl (please note I have included a little cheat here, as 6,000 crazy was scratched a little too much I have also included a clean digital version from the very best of Spizz CD):

If you like this then buy this. It has some classics missing which I will post later, but its still a good snapshot of some of the excellent music that Spizz released.

Where's Captain Kirk: the Very Best of Spizz Energi

Gloria Mundi - Fight Back!

For me this is a real gem. It's a little too poppy to be classed as punk, its got some catchy riffs and is easy to sing along to.
This was their first of two singles, and an album followed.


Being on the RCA label is most probably a little give away sign (although Siouxsie and the Pistols went to major labels and it didn't affect the quality of songs).
Looking on other sites' they appeared to have become a goth band in their later life. This single does not give any indication of that direction
See what you think.

Band: Gloria Mundi
Label: RCA
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Fight Back
2. Do it

So Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

Tubeway Army - That's Too Bad

The first single from Gary Numan, in the form of Tubeway Army. When this came out we all thought it was punk, and we all loved it, same with the excellent second single "Bombers" (which I will post later).

Both sides of this single are brilliant. Most of you will know Gary Numan's later electronic material, if you didn't like it, do not be put off, this single is well worth a listen.

The cover for me is an indication of how ahead of his time he was, he clearly wanted to be making some kind of futuristic music (check out his name on the back cover - Valeriun!). Also check out how he was dressed.

Band: Tubeway Army
Label: Beggars Banquet
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. That's Too Bad
2. Oh Didn't I Say

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


His first album, originally called the blue album is also excellent. So if you like this then go and buy this remastered version

Tubeway Army: Remastered

and also some interesting versions of early material on this one:

The Plan + 12 Bonus Tracks

Magazine - Shot By Both Sides

If Howard Devoto had not left the Buzzcocks is this what they would have sounded like? In my opinion we were lucky that we ended up with both the Buzzcocks and Magazine. This was Magazines first release and Devoto does not let us down. Both sides are brilliant, and still a little more punk than his later records.

Its not surprising how good Magazine were, look at the line up on the back of the cover. Barry Adamson on bass, who went on to produce some excellent solo material. John McGeoch who also played in PIL, The Banshees, and Visage. Pete Shelly contributed to the music for "Shot By Both Sides"

If you have not heard both of these tracks, then you are in for a treat.

Band: Magazine
Label: Virgin
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Shot By Both Sides
2. My Mind Ain't So Open

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


If you like this, then go out and buy Magazines excellent first album. It is still one of my all time favorites:

Real Life

Gang Of Four - Damaged Goods EP

Although early (1978) this was never seen as Punk, and is now classed as post punk. I personally couldn't care less as all three tracks are top notch. released on the FAST label as a double a side (on one side it says "Side 1" on the other side it says "Side 1 as well").

I posted this as only two of the three tracks appeared anywhere other than this single. "Armalite rifle" for some reason was left of the album, even though it is brilliant. So here's all three for you.

There is an amusing little note on the back cover, about what should be on the front cover, I have included a high resolution scan in the download so you can read it.

A bit more etching trivia, I think this is another take on the classic "Porky Prime Cut" this one has "A Spikey Spectacular"

Band: Gang Of Four
Label: Fast
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Damaged Goods
2 Love Like Anthrax
3, Armalite Rifle

Ripped from glorious very scratched vinyl:


If you do like then definitely go and buy their brilliant debut album:

Entertainment

Subway Sect - Nobodys Scared

Now I'm gonna be a little biased here. As far as I'm concerned everything that Vic Goddard has been involved with is brilliant. I have stuck with him through all of his incarnations (punk to swing to world music to whatever) and I have loved everything.

And this is the song that started it. In fact I saw Subway Sect first and then bought the single. This for me was what punk was about. I love the b-side as well (but then I would) even though I admit for some it might take a little getting used to.

But now you can make up your own mind. Try out the legendary Subway Sect and tell me what you think.

Band: Subway Sect
Label: Braik Records
Year 1978
tracks:
1. Nobodys Scared
2. Dontsplitit

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:



I was going to say, if you like then buy this, a good snapshot of all Vics different styles, but its only available on the market place from £45 - So if you like the posting tell me and I will post some more. Come on whoever owns this stuff - re-release it.

20 Odd Years: the Best of Vic Godard & the Subway Sect

The Unwanted - Secret Police

Back to punk classics, and boy is this one. It's "The Unwanted's" second single and in my opinion their best. released on the legendary "Raw Records", the a-side is a punked up reggae style song called "Secret Police" (does anyone know which punk band first used the reggae style?).

The b-side is even better. Move over Nancy Sinatra for a pure punk cover of "These Boot Were Made For Walking". I love it, and so will you.

More etching trivia which again I have no clue what it is about, on the a-side it say: "Eye spy" and on the b-side "Cobblers".

Band: The Unwanted
Label: Raw Records
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Secret Police
2. These Boots Are Made For Walking

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:

Vice Creems - Won't You Be My Girl

Not massively well known, originally called the "Aylesbury Bucks" formed inn 1977. This was their first single, released on Tiger Records in 1978.

Another gate fold sleeve which I have scanned in for you to see. The Vice Creems were not not classic "1234" punk, they were much more melodic as you will see when you listen to this.

Both sides are very catchy and stick in your mind. For me the best song is the b-side "01-01-212", this is a little more punk than "Won't You Be My Girl".

Band: The Vice Creems
Label: Tiger Records
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Won't You Be My Girl
2. 01-01-212

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl: