V/A - Hicks From The Sticks 1980

One more New Wave compilation, this one with exclusively UK bands, released via Rockburgh Records. And like the previous post with sixteen decent songs that aren't boring. I would like to quote the makers' notes from the back cover because I believe that their words are still more relevant than ever:

"This record is the first of many special self-help projects designed to disturb established A&R practices in favour of provincial rock bands, also to neutralise the incredible London bias of the music press as effected by its most powerful journalists. Provincial bands have traditionally been ignored-in actuality discriminated against- but the recent reactivation of the music industry has emphasised the syndrome to the point where the imbalance has besome completely unacceptable. Demoralised by the lack of significant media support, many musicians have lost confidence, become unnecessarily self-critical, and either repeatedly re-grouped or else quit altogether.It is obvious that the majority of bands represented here would already have secured recording contracts, if instead of living in a part of the country inadequately police by 'professional' A&R personnel, they were natives of the metropolis - and knew exactly how 'media support' can be achieved. The quality of these recordings is self-evident. They will serve further to embarrass those record company executives who, since '76, have signed countless no-talents at the expense of the good guys. There is more, much more, to come." (Nigel Burnham/Des Moines, 29.2.1980) 

A nice album with versatile sounds and definitely worth the money!     

1.Move In Rhythm - AIRKRAFT

2.Sympathy (Don't Be Taken In) - EXPELAIRES

3.You're Without Sound - CLOCK DVA

4.The Human Factor - MUSIC FOR PLEASURE

5.Shangri-La - NIGHTMARES IN WAX

6.Head In The Clouds - ADA WILSON & KEEPING DARK

7.Choreography - MODERN EON

8.Them Or Me - MEDIUM MEDIUM

9.True Colours - RADIO 5

10.Where Have I Seen You? - THEY MUST BE RUSSIANS

11.After-Image - SECTION 25

12.Gimmick - ART FAILURE

13.I Don't Know - I'M SO HOLLOW

14.Hey Disco Joe - WAH! HEAT

15.Immortal In Mirrors - STRANGER THAN FICTION

16.T.V. ME - THE DISTRIBUTORS

here