Department S - Is Vic There?

The classic debut from Department S, released in 1980 on Demon Records (and later picked up by RCA in 1981) "Is Vic There?" got to #22 in the national chart. Even though they released some other excellent tracks their new record label Stiff gave up on them, and this disappeared.

I always loved this song, and liked a lot of their other material as well, its a shame that they never got the support and recognition that they deserved. The b-side of this is a cover version of T.Rex's "Solid Gold Easy Action" which as the original was such a brilliant track in the first place , it was a mistake to cover. There is a nice touch at the end where it merges into the Stones "(I Can't get No) Satisfaction"

Nice little etching on the a-side "Is Porky There?"

Band: Department S
Label: Demon Records
Year: 1980
Tracks:
1. Is Vic There?
2. Solid Gold Easy Action

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


If you like this then your in luck as both tracks and much more are available on their debut album which although produced in 1981 was not released until a few years ago:

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Department S - In Concert 20-02-1982

This is more of a warm up set for 'The Jam' (which will follow some time soon) than a full gig. Recorded from the Radio 1 In Concert program you get six full songs, but hey as long as you get 'Is Vic There?' who cares (and check it out you also get a secret bonus track).

Another homemade cover, I bet you couldn't tell.

Band: Department S
Year: 1982
Tracks:
1. Intro
2. Is Vic There?
3. Going Left Right
4. I want
5. Clap Now
6. Tell Me About It
7. Going Up
8. Outro
9. Secret bonus - Is Vic There? (Italian Version)

Ripped from glorious hissing FM radio

If you like this then get their originally unreleased album (Stiff refused to release it and I for one can't understand why) plus you now get their singles as well. Not bad eh!

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