The 'Swell Maps' were (and still are) one of my personal all time favourite bands. This their debut single released in 1977 fitted perfectly in the Punk genre, and then you go out and buy their album and find out that these guys make some seriously strange (but brilliant) music which defies classification.Three tracks on this single, all sub two minutes and all classics. For me 'Read About Seymour' is the best track, but all of them are great (It should be noted I am a total Swell Maps fan so my ratings could be biased, but I don't think so)
The more famous members consisted of brothers Epic Soundtrack and Nikki Sudden, and Jowe Head.. The excellent Nikki Sudden, writer, guitarist and singer in the Swell maps unfortunately passed away in 2006 leaving a prolific catalogue of music which if you like this then I recommend you dip into. Also worth looking at is Jowe head, who also has released some excellent material of his own (some free Jowe Head stuff can be found on this Toplers link)
Etchings on both sides, on the a-side the most common one 'Porky Prime Cut' and the more specific 'Read About The Boys' on the b-side 'To Mark Solid Gold is Gold'.
Band: Swell Maps
Label: Rather Records
Year: 1977
Tracks:
1. Read About Seymour
2. Ripped & Torn
3. Black Velvet
Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:
If you like then, buy the Swell maps classic debut album, another one for a £5, bargain:
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12 comments:
I was looking all over for this! Salut sir.
A classic single, still stands the test of time. Nikki Sudden, a nice guy, shame he's gone. Top post, hats off to yer Gary.
Hi Gregory, thanks for your comment, and glad to help
I'm with you Nuzz, I still play the Swell Maps and te later Jacobites stuff, Sudden was a genius in my books.
Just wanted to say how brilliant your blog is. I'm of this generation and have many of these 7"s myself, but just for nostalgia value alone this one's a regular read. Keep it up, friend. -- Stefan M. / Occupied Territories
Thanks for your comment Stefan, it is much appreciated.
You aint wrong there gary, in all my years of rock'n'rolling, he's the only musicians autograph I've asked for, got him to sign all his solo albums when I booked him for a gig in Stevenage. I Felt like a bit of a star fucker, but what the hell, a really nice bloke, regret not getting Johnny Thunders when I met him, but I aint really into that sart of thang.
Hey Nuzz, now I am really jealous. I saw the Swell Maps a number of times but never talked to Nikki,
No it's me that should be jealous, never saw the Swell Maps, only several of Nikki's solo shows, one where My Bloody Valentine were supporting.
I too was a SMAPPIE.. I saw them at ULU with PINK MILITARY.. Jowe had the most marvelous which mad him look like a psychedelic "cat in the hat" ..Funny thing when O was at 6th form the brother of a friend, Duncan went on to play bass for Nikki.
Small world but you wouldn't want to paint it!
Had forgotten how good this band was. Will be in the loft this weekend digging out the old vinyl. Thanks for your great site bringing back many memories.
Hi Anon thanks for your comment, would be intterested if you find any rarities that we havent posted yet.
All the best Gary
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