Harder stuff to finish with. It says 1989 on this Mute released twelve so it’s going up!
Mark Stewart ex lead singer of The Pop group and collaborative with Sherwood’s On-U Sound buddies, on here as Mafia members are Sherwood, Doug Wimbish, Keith LeBlanc, and Skip McDonald giving it a rock/funk edge.
B-side “Possession” I used to have on tape and reminds me of early Shamen, electro beats with weird sampled sounds and some rave piano at the end.
Don’t get me started on this beautiful dub! Lovely Sherwood stuff.
Local Hero where a duo of Gordon Campbell and Derek Yeaman (both from late 70’s Scottish Teeny Bop band The Upstarts) who updated the Georgio Moroder, Michael Holm and Pete Bellotte classic which was made famous by Chicory tip.
These two gnarly old rockers obviously discovered synths and supped it up under the production of Neil Ross. Suitably bubbling bassline and synth chords. The B-side “Just Let It Be” is a rock ballad with added synths,it could be a modern Moroder production.
After initial success with “No Memory.” The duo released their third single in 1988, a very polished bit of synth rock in the Power Ballad style (another category I’ve made up!) Maggie De Monde (voice) and Rick Phylip-Jones (instruments and production) were certainly ahead of their time on this , Goldfrapp anyone? Pre-dating Roxette too.
“Plug Me In” (their 2nd single) is included in all it’s crispy glory, given a PWL sheen. As well as a bit of synthy dance provided by Silver Bullett.
The problem of having a successful debut release and a rubbish record label who didn’t know how to promote them.
…..Well some will be when we return to the 90’s on Tuesday.
Getting stuff out of the way now and this debut release by Steven Hale under the moniker of Language. Released on the Stiff Records label in 1983. Hale was a Glaswegian producer, writer and synth player and probably a mate of fellow crooner and synth player Paul Haig and in the same style.
Funky New Wave Pop produced by Alan Shacklock. Joining him was Debbie King from their previous band Flying Club with Eddi Reader and Nassim Khalifa also on backing vocals. James Lee providing the funky guitar. The B-side is more of instrumental version, not really sure he played everything on it. Recorded twice as I have seemed to have acquired a lot of vinyl that had been cleaned by sandpaper!
A spoof on novelty holiday records that became a Number 1, taking the piss out of Black Lace et al. Released in 1986 the 12 Hour Version is simply the 7″ repeated twice!! The video is the funniest bit but has been blocked by Channel 4 so the one above is the video played backwards!
The pick of the tracks is a Phil Collins spoof “Hello, You Must Be Going” proving he wasn’t much liked even back then! The classic “(I’ve Never Met) A Nice South African” is a two finger salute to Apartheid and “We’re Scared Of Bob” is a parody charity record about being scared when Bob Geldof phones you up to appear on a…..charity record.
The second release by Oldham’s Inspiral Carpets. Released on their own label, Cow Records and featuring founder member Stephen Holt on vocals with guitarist Graham Lambert, Clint Boon (organ) and David Swift (bass) and the late Craig Gill on drums.
Four short, punchy tracks of perfect pop with the ever present swirling, distinctive channelled, Farfisa of Boon. Sounding raw and hungry, I love the punk element of “Greek Wedding Song.” A sneaky peek at a young band who would become massive in the 90’s. Holt left the band soon after to be replaced by Tom Hingley on vocals.
Presumably the added UK so they didn’t clash with the US funk band of the same name. Time U.K. are another of those band that only released a few singles and then disappeared into obscurity. Probably the only place on the Web to find them. The Line-up included Fletcher Christian, (guitars/vocals) Rick Buckler, (former Jam Drummer) Jimmy Edwards, (Sham 69) Nick South (Sniff N’ The Tears) and Ray Simone
This has a definite feel of The Jam / Style Council to it, produced by Nigel Gray, (producer of the first three Police albums) there is a political message here but it suffers from gimmicky stutter effects on the “dance mix” which is shorter than labelled Nice brass section tho’!
The B-side still has more serious messages but is very Bowie influenced. Nice E-bow guitar and a stirring chorus but a tad short.
