The Monochrome Set released four singles in 1979 (including two versions of the brilliant 'He's Frank' which you can still find one of them here). The same titled single 'The Monochrome Set was their fourth single and is a real gem, but then again nearly everything they did was. The Monochrome Set always had their own unique sound and you can hear it here, does anyone know anyone else that sounded like them?The a-side is the stand out track but I still love the b-side Mr Bizarro with it's Latin style (they were never afraid to mix different music styles).
A few etchings on this one, the classic "a porky prime cut" plus "To Penman With Love" anyone know what that one means? and on the b-side "PRAG VEC are Fab", well I would have to agree with that one (and you can check their debut single out here). I wonder if the band knew that was on there.
So does Mr Bizzaro get you dancing around or do you prefer 'The Monochrome set? Leave a comment and let ASFM know.
Band: The Monochrome Set
Label: Rough Trade
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. The Monochrome Set
2. Mr Bizarro
Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl
If you like this then your in luck as you can get most of their classic singles (including both sides of this post) on this excellent compilation here (I have to say whilst I like hearing scratchy vinyl, I also like to hear the Monochrome Set in a quality recording) . for only £5.98 what are you waiting for.:
7 comments:
"Penman" would refer to 'legendary' NME journalist Ian Penman who was tireless in his espousal of noisier new music (as well as the hedonistic excesses of the Spandau kind) and whose hedonism was only matched by the studied post-modernity of his prose. He and Paul Morley constituted the main reasons to read the NME in the later 80s.
I met Ian Penman once, early 80s sometime: you know how he used to write? He didn't talk like that, thank fuck.
Anyway, on the 'remix' edition of this single, the matrix says 'remix for Louise': who's Louise??
Doh! Thanks Simon, I should of known that one, thanks for pointing it out.
Hi Steve, I didn't even know there was remix edition, is it a different version?
This is the only Monochrome Set 7'' I've ever owned. But its a good-un. Peely used to like them alot if I remember righty.
Yes, the remix is nicer, if I remember rightly, with the vocal more upfront.
Dead curious to hear if this is as good as the mighty Alphaville, for which also many thanks. Anecdotally, the MS drummer John Haney was the brother of Crass member Joy de Vivre ... cheers, Dave Sez.
Hi Longy I think I first heard the Monochrome set on Peel, then again most of what i found out was from himm.
Hi Steve, I'll have to look out for the remix (wouldn't be surprised if I've got it and didn't even know)
Hi Anon, in my opinion not as good as Alphaville but still very good. Thanks for the extra bit of trivia always nice to add to the knowledge.
Post a Comment