Plain Characters - I Am A

OK the next one is a bit of a weird one, it’s definitely not punk, I don’t know what to call it (any opinions on genre?), and I struggle to say why I like it so much (what do you think?) I don’t know much about the band (found a few hits on Google) and I can’t even remember buying this single.

For completeness I have included the b-side even though I don’t rate it.

This was always a favourite with friends, hence why it is so crackly and scratched.

The sleeve is a gatefold. with lyrics as well, which I have included a higher resolution copy in the download.

Band: The Plain Characters
Label: Rouge
Year: 1977
Name: I Am A / Very Peculiar Julia

So see what you think, ripped from glorious scratched vinyl to inferior mp3, "I Am A":

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

Celia And The Mutations - Mony Mony

This single is one of interest based upon the fact that the Mutations who are the men in the shadows on the back cover are also the Stranglers. They play and add backing vocals to both sides.

The B-side is also a cover of the Stranglers "Mean to me".

If you visit punk77 at http://www.punk77.co.uk/wip/celia.htm you can find a little more about Celia.



Celia sounds like a very posh, English girl, which always makes me smile listening to her sing "Mean to Me".


Band: Celia and the Mutations
Label: United Artists
Year: 1977
Tracks:
1. Mony Mony
2. Mean To Me


Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

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

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 Gorillas - She's My Gal

When I was sorting through all my vinyls. I found this one. My instinct was to put it back in the box (check those sideburns out), and then I thought lets play it and see what it's like.

Boy am I glad I played this, I love it, to think I have had this for 30 years and its sat in the loft unplayed.

Its one of those songs that just sticks on your mind and you keep singing it. I liked it so much I went out and bought Jessie Hectors (lead singers) album, see link below (the sideburns are even bigger).



Band: The Gorillas
Label: Chsiwick
Year: 1977
Tracks
1. She's My Gal
2. Why Wait Til Tomorrow

So ripped from glorious vinyl

It's a bit too rock for me in places, but still there are some other excellent tracks on this. So if you like "She's My Gal" then buy this:

Gorilla Garage: the Jesse Hector Story

The Nips - Only The End Of The Beginning

The Nipple Erectors shortened their name to the Nips. I think this was released first as "The Tits Of Soho/Only The End of the Beginning" (which included all the singles and a live gig recording). It was then re-released in 1980 as just a 14 track live LP, just called "Only The End Of the Beginning", and it is latter that I am posting here.

It's a pretty good recording and one that I have always enjoyed, see what you think.

Tracks:
1. Love To make You Cry
2. Vengeance
3. Gabrielle
4. King Of The Bop
5. Ghost town
6. Fuss 'n' Bother
7. Venus In Bovver Boots
8. Happy Song
9. Stupid Cow
10. I don't Want Nobody To Leave
11, Infatuation
12. Maida Ada
13. Hit Parade
14. Can't Say No

Ripped from glorious good condition vinyl

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

The Monochrome Set - Alphaville

Another strange but very addictive song for you. This was The Monochrome Sets first single. Released on Rough Trade, I find it difficult to describe what kind of music it is, so you will have to try it out and mane your own mind up.

Both sides are excellent, there is jagged punk guitar riffs, mixed with harmony. They went on to produce a number of quality songs and albums for a few years (if anyone likes this then leave a comment and I will post some more of there stuff). although never really gaining the fame they may have deserved.

Band: The Monochrome Set
Label: Rough Trade
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Alphaville
2. He's Frank

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


If you like this then there a couple of "best of" CD's that will give you a taster of the Monochrome Set., neither of them have Alphaville. One word of warning they often changed their music style so it's not all like this single.

The Best of the Monochrome Set

Tomorrow Will Be Too Long

Steve Treatment - Heaven Knows (Juvenile Wrecks)

This ones a real gem, Steve Treatments second single and for me his best. Once you start playing these tracks you will struggle to get them out of your mind, especially the b-side "Step Inside a worn out shoe", you will be singing this all the time.

Steve Treatment was a massive Marc Bolan and T Rex fan and you can hear the influence on both tracks on this single.

I was a little upset when I recorded this as I had placed the single in a clear plastic sleeve to protect the cover, and when i went to take the cover out to scan it, I found it had stuck to the plastic, so therefore I had to scan in the sleeve, hence the not so brilliant scan. if anyone has a better scan I will replace them. Oh well it's the music that counts so enjoy.

More etching trivia on this one. On a-side: it says "I wish I was a spaceman" and on the b-side: "But I'm a spaceman". Don't know what that's about, but I do like finding those little messages.

Singer: Steve Treatment
Label: Backbone Records
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Heaven Knows (Juvenile Wrecks)
2. Step Inside A Worn Out Shoe

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:



If you like this then its good news, as all Steve treatments material, including a new album is available on the excellent Topplers site (also visit this for some classic Nomen free downloads).

XTC - 3D EP

Most people will know XTC from some of their commercial hits like "Making Plans For Nigel". This a different and in my opinion a much better XTC.

3D Ep was their first single (released on 7" and 12" - mine is the 12" copy -lots of scans again). When I first heard "Science Friction" I was blown away, a brilliant song which hooks you instantly. The other two tracks are pretty good as well.

They did release a decent debut album and one other single before they become too poppy for me.

Band: XTC
Label: Virgin
Year: 1977
Tracks:
1. Science Friction
2. She's So Square
3. Dance Band

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:



If you like then try out their first album:

White Music

Sore Throat - I Dunno

Sore Throat were a decent live band, who released three good singles, and one album, and then appeared to disappear. This is their debut single, of which "Complex" the b-side is the best track, I love the lyrics (eight years later, I'm a pervert maybe now they'll see), my only complaint would be that it is a little too long (5 mins+). Each of their singles are very different, I will post some more later.

This is definitely new wave, so if you looking for some Punk don't bother with this one. As usual with New Wave bands they tended to be more musically accomplished and Sore Throat met that criteria.

Also in-line with this period you will see bands trying to be witty or humorous on the covers or labels. This one was released on "Hub Cap Records" as "Spin 1".

Band: Sore Throat
Label: Hubcap Records
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. I Dunno
2. Complex


Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

Jet Bronx & The Forbidden - Ain't Doin' Nothin'

The one and only single from Jet Bronx and the Forbidden, and its a shame because "Ain't Doin' Nothin' is a really catchy song.

One point of note is that Jet Bronx is actually Lloyd Grossman the TV presenter and Chef. He is not only the lead vocalist, but he also wrote the songs and produced them. Not bad.

You will see on the cover that the first 15,000 were in TERRIFIC Red Vinyl, mine clearly wasn't in the first 15,000 as it's in the CRUMMY black vinyl.

Check the price as well -75p - those were the days.

Band: Jet Bronx & The Forbidden
Label: Lightning Records
Year: 1977
Tracks:
1. Ain't Doin' Nothin'
2. I Can't Stand It

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:

Klark Kent - Don't Care

Klark Kent's was a pseudonym for Stewart Copeland (of the Police) and this was his debut single in this guise.

Clearly Copeland is a Superman fan, with the name Klark Kent (Clark Kent from the comic), The label is Kryptone (Kryptonite is the fictional material that weakens Superman), this vinyl copy is green (so is Kryptonite). Hey, I know all this and I'm not a real Superman fan.

"Don't care" is a decent New Wave song, I'm personally not so impressed with the two tracks on the b-side (not bad - but you decide)

He did release a few more singles and a 10" (green again) album, which I have if anyone is interested. They also released an album called "Kollected Works" which is going for £60 on Amazon market place (ouch!). If anyone has this, then post it please.

Band: Klark Kent
Label: Kryptone Records
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Don't Care
2. Thrills
3. Office Girls

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:

The Boys - First Time

This was "The Boys" second single and has always been my favorite. The Boys churned out an impressive number of quality singles and albums and yet never really achieved the fame they deserved.

When you listen to this single, it is difficult to understand how they never made it. It is pure punk and pop combined.

"First time" is excellent and should be on anyone's "Punk and New Wave" playlist. The two tracks on the b-side are average in my opinion, but you decide yourself.


Band: The Boys
Label: NEMS
Year: 1977
Tracks:
1. First Time
2.Whatcha Gonna Do
3. Turning Grey


Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


If you like this, then buy this (their debut album issued on the day Elvis died in 1977):
THE BOYS (Digi-Pak) - THE BOYS

Brian James - Ain't That A Shame

Brian James was formerly in the Damned and Tanz der Youth. He only released one single as Brian James and here it is.

I always liked this single especially "Ain't that a Shame" and "I can Make You Cry" even though it was never really rated on its release. He went on to produce an album as well which you can find at here at Rollmops blog.

For those of you who are interested, Stewart Copeland also played drums on this single.

Bit more etching trivia on the a-side: "A James Shame"

Band: Brian James
Label: J Records
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Ain't That A Shame
2. Living In The Sun
3. I Can Make You Cry

Ripped from glorious (pretty good condition) vinyl:

Yellow Dog - Just One More NIght

I was sure I had a picture cover, yellow vinyl version of this. but some how it's turned into a grotty black vinyl no picture sleeve. Oh well it's the music that counts.

A top ten hit for "Yellow Dog", most probably more pop than New Wave, but who cares I still like it.

My favorite bit is right at the end when he's asking to stay just one more night and the answer is shouted out "NO", then the phone goes and he keep singing down the phone "Just one more night" brilliant.


Band: Yellow Dog
Label: Virgin
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Just One More Night
2. Up In The Balcony

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:

The Only Ones - Lovers Of Today

The 'Only Ones' debut single. What an outstanding first release, and then they followed this with their equally brilliant 'Another Girl, Another Planet'.

I always loved the Only Ones, Peter Perrett has a distinctive voice which matches their music perfectly.

Check out the cover, I'm not sure what the guy on the right is wearing but he don't look too cool to me.

Band: The Only Ones
Label: Vengeance Records
Year: 1977
Tracks:
1. Lovers Of Today
2. Peter and the Pets
Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:



If you like this then you are in for a treat, as the 'Only Ones' released three excellent albums, and you can get all three for just under £11.00, bargain, go and buy now:

Why Don't You Kill Yourself: the CBS Recordings - the Only Ones/Even Serpents Shine/Baby's Got a Gun

Tanz Der Youth - I'm Sorry, I'm Sorry

Another good single and another band incarnation from 'Brian James'. When I first bought this, I played it once, and thought that both sides were average, and just left it in a box of records. Then about a year later I was sorting out my record collection (I used to do this a lot, file by band name, then by label or by genre - I know very sad), and I played it again, and ever since then I have continued to play it.

Brian James formed 'Tanz der Youth' when he left 'The Damned' and this is the one and only single that was released (there was also a three track John peel session which I don't have - anyone out there got it?).

Some etching trivia on both sides of this one: The a-side has "Der Youthful Kut" and the b-side has "Max Wall Is the man" (I don't know what the second etching means, but for those of you who don't know, Max Wall was a comedian who used to wear black tights and big boots and do funny walks - I saw him in his later years supporting 'Ian Dury' and he was brilliant, so I agree).

Band: Tanz Der Youth
Label: Radarscope
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. I'm Sorry, I'm Sorry
2. Delay

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:

The Edge - Macho Man

Another one, I know very little about. The only thing I do know is 'Jon Moss' (formerly of 'London' and latterly 'Culture Club') was also in 'The Edge on Drums and Vocals.

Anyone else know anything about the Edge?

This sounds like a 'poor man's Stranglers' to me, and I posted this more as a curiosity than a great song. But as usual I'll leave it for you to decide.

Band: The Edge
Label: Albion
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Macho Man
2. I'm Cold

Ripped from glorious (very) scratched vinyl: