SKIDS - Charles EP 1978

Damn, I guess I caught a cold yesterday. The morning wasn't pleasant and I also had a bit fever, so I'll keep it short and am grateful for the intro information discogs has to offer: The Skids were a Scottish combo formed summer 1977 in Dunfermline and consisted of Richard (vocals), Stuart (guitar), William (bass) and Tom (drums). They rode into British consciousness on the new wave backwash to the ebbing tide of Punk. The release of their self-financed, attention-grabbing Charles EP (this record brought them to the attention of John Peel.) came at the time Richard Branson's Virgin label were busy accruing an eclectic roster of post-punk hopefuls. Consequently, with almost indecent haste, the band were tethered to what was to prove an optimistic eight-album deal. They published four albums in their first lifespan (I like their second one) which ended in 1982. Since 2007 they've been active again and their current album Destination Düsseldorf is waiting for you.

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SKI PATROL - Agent Orange + 1 7'' 1980

A band that got little reputation is Ski Patrol from London, which founded 1979 by former The Wall and future Folk Devils singer Ian Lowery and Nick Clift of The Debutantes. Inspired by the darkwave and Punk-funk sounds and emotions of British PostPunk bands, and also influenced by the Jamaican rhythms and politically charged environment, Ski Patrol set about writing angular, moody songs that fused Lowery's dark lyrical pre-occupations with Clift's ringing guitar. Joined by fellow North-Eastern transplants Peter on bass and drummer Bruce (original drummer in The Wall), the band began playing shows at the London Circuit. They recorded four songs at Alaska Studios in Waterloo, two of which became their first singles. In early 1980, Bruce left and was replaced by Alan. More shows followed, and the four came to the attention of Malicious Damage (Killing Joke label). In June 1980, this new partnership produced the second single Agent Orange. Largely inspired by the film Apocalypse Now, Lowery's lyrics referenced the defoliant used in the Vietnam War and the song itself was built around a pulsing three-note bassline, guitar harmonics and a metronomic beat with catchy synthesizer atmospherics, the single was released later in 1980 and became their best known song, both are found in this post. In early 1981 Peter had left to join Fad Gadget, and was replaced by bassist Francis. The new line-up recorded a session for John Peel's BBC show in January 1981 and three tracks were broadcast on 19 January and repeated again later that year. A third single Cut was released on Malicious Damage in early Summer. The band's final recording session, in April 1981 yielded three new songs but none were released at the time, the band finally fell apart in August. A collection of the band's work, Versions Of A Life (Recordings 1979-1981), which includes the three tracks from the final recordings session was released in 2014. Their songs have drive and are extra class, driving and emotional and never get boring.

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REPETITION - The Still Reflex 7'' 1981

Now an older rip and I can't remember where and when exactly bought this 7Inch but is worth listening. Repetition were a Post-Punk band from London, which formed in August 1979. The band's initial line-up was ex SpizzOil guitarist Pete Petrol, Xtraverts drummer Tim Transe, keyboard player A.S.D.H. (Andy Hooper), bassist AWOL (Nicholas), and vocalist Sarah Osbourne. The band were signed to Les Disques Du Crépuscule after gaining the interest of Annik Honore in 1979. Their first single A Still Reflex'/Fade Out was released in January 1981 and was recorded at Spaceward Studios in Saffron Waldon and notably produced by Joy Division manager, Rob Gretton. Owing to the connection with Brussels based Les Disques Du Crepuscule the band toured in Belgium and Holland in 1980 playing at Plan K in Brussels and the Effenaar in Eindhoven and appeared on Generation 80 TV show. The band were managed by Mick Scholefield who later went on to start Heist Or Hit Records. Steve Musham joined the band during this period, playing bass initially, and then replacing Osbourne on vocals on the next single,'A Full Rotation', recorded at Berry Street Studios in London, in 1980. The band recorded a John Peel session at Maida Vale studios on 08/08/1981. The session of four tracks was recorded with a line-up of vocalist/guitarist Steve Musham, ex Spizzenergi bassist/guitarist Jim Solar, Tim Transe (drums) & Andy Hooper (keyboards).

On 13 July Repetition, Marine, Eric Random, Richard Jobson & The Swamp Children performed during a Crepuscule Night at Heaven in London. The event was covered in NME and a cassette souvernir Rendez-Vous Au Paradis was announced but did not appear. Sexy 7Inch to calm down.

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V/A - Killed By John Peel #2 2021

At the end of the month another request that I'm happy to fulfill is the second splendid new installment of the Killed By John Peel series, focused on the less known, Punker side of the amazingly rich archive of John Peel's BBC 1 Radio session recordings. A collection of hidden underground gems with fourteen tracks of pure Punkrock bliss by some of the most exciting (and unfairly forgotten) bands of their era. Released again by Vatican Radio Records and maybe a third Volume will follow in the foreseeable future, because such rare records are indispensable. This is the start of a one-week vacation for me, which of course will continue in April with lots of more great posts. A good start is made today, sunny weekend to you!

1.Mary Thompson - 2TV

2.Nasty Media - EXPELAIRES

3.Escort Girls - THE PERFECTS

4.Paranoia - THE PETTICOATS

5.I'm Sorry, I'm Sorry - TANZ DER YOUTH

6.Jilly - THE PIRANHAS

7.Skill - THE DESPERATE BICYCLES

8.Just Like Lazarus - JIMMY NORTON'S EXPLOSION

9.Love Is Just A Dream - LEYTON BUZZARDS

10.Face The Facts - ICON A.D.

11.Rolf - SPLODGENESSABOUNDS

12.Disco Love - THE MOLESTERS

13.Drink Problem - GYMSLIPS

14.Hungry - THE ZEROS

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TWISTED NERVE - Caught In Session EP 1982

Awesome 7Inch by Twisted Nerve from Edinburgh, a four piece which were founded 1978 as the Insults by Gordon (vocals), Billy (guitars), Norbert (bass), Keith (drums) and this is their first record on Playlist Records. All three songs were recorded on a Session at the BBC Studios on 17/18th October 1981, broadcast by John Peel on November 2nd and 16th. They are one of the most underrated but one of the best goth Punk bands out there and after a long break they're back and and go on tour and here and there further vinyl comes out. A lots of Compilations contributions are not surprising because the catchy songs fits perfect with any decent record. A really interesting band that I can only recommend. Top!

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DER MODERNE MAN - Sandman 7'' 1981

Today a four piece from Hanover which were founded in autumn 1979 and disbanded in the beginning of 1984 and Sandmann is the second 7Inch on NoFun Records with two solid New Wave goodies, recorded by Mattus (vocals/synth), E.K.T. (guitars), Jens G (bass), Claudius (drums). Der Moderne Man was an experimental band descended from the Punk band "The Worst", their records appearing primarily on NoFun Records and one of the first radio hosts to spin records for the group was John Peel. In the spring of 1980 the first EP Umsturz Im Kinderzimmer was released on the Heile Welt Records label and was soon sold out. The reactions to this debut weren't really enthusiastic. At a time when the more conservative German rock groups woke up and frantically tried to find connection to what is en vogue, Der Moderne Man flirted with a wink to be unfashionable. That concerned wit, humor and more relaxed approach to the diversity of style, the attempted competition is light years ahead. In 1981 the first single with a new line-up was released. The two titles fulfilled the motto that E.K.T. once put it this way: "A three-minute song that gets off to a good start is much more important than some experiment that blows the ears of a few people. And the much-vaunted avant-garde is also going in circles: experiment today, convention tomorrow." Sounds certified that the quartet delivered "a good piece of German Pop Music" with the single. Two more albums followed, including one live, and by late 1983 they were working on new material and planned to release the third LP in spring 1984, but never came.

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SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES - The Peel Sessions 1977-1978

One more great release is another John Peel session by Siouxsie & The Banshees and on this record are the first two recordings. Info: "At a time when no other record company on the planet would touch them, Siouxsie & The Banshees came very close to signing to the BBC's own label. At least, they would have if DJ John Peel had had his way. Absolutely entranced by the two sessions that the group recorded for his show during 1977-1978, and disgusted by the rest of the industry's fearful avoidance of the band, he tried his hardest to interest the Powers That Be in at least releasing a Banshees single drawn, if necessary, from one of the actual sessions. Of course the BBC passed and, while Polydor would eventually step in to give the band the chance they demanded, it would be another two decades before the sessions themselves finally made it out, across two EPs (compiled, in turn, onto an eight-track mini-album) that returned to Siouxsie & The Banshees' first recordings for the corporation and left fans still demanding the six sessions that followed over the next ten years. Historically, of course, these are all you really need, the sound of the Banshees refining their clatter from the early rent-a-punk stylings that marked out their first shows, to the dense, chiming clang that laid the groundwork for their monumental debut album, The Scream. Spikily enthralling, six of the eight songs featured on the two sessions, from December 1977 (first transmission) and February 1978, would appear on that album; one more, "Hong Kong Garden," would become the group's first hit single, and all are instantly recognizable from their radio incarnations. But there's also a wildness here that Steve Lillywhite's LP production purposefully suppressed, a jagged vein of excitement that reminds you that here is a band kicking against all the odds, watching while a horde of lesser talents landed record deals, but refusing to compromise an iota of their vision in the hopes of joining that queue. It is that, even more than the performances, that makes this such an intense, and intensely valuable document -- if you want to hear the Banshees at their best, after all, you simply put on The Scream. But if you want to hear them at their most defiant, walk this way." (Dave Thompson)

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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THE ADICTS - The Peel Sessions 1979 EP [2015]

Again a fine John Peel session record, this time by the Adicts from Ipswich, influential and idiosyncratic British Punk outfit known for their wry lyrics, ferocious yet upbeat sonic attack, and distinctive image (still an active and popular live treat 😊); on Pirate Love Records which came in an edition of 300 copies. This goodie was recorded on 20.November 1979 and broadcast on 5.December. I really have to say, this DJ has done a great job and made many bands known and is certainly appreciated in the music scene, but are there any honors, remembrances or anything else? Admittedly, I haven't really done any research, but a lot of superfluous shit is remembered and the real, innovative personalities are forgotten. It's a damn gray World! On this nice one we have four classics and everyone who knows the boys will be delighted and those who don't know them will be this as well. Enjoy!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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THE UNDERTONES - Downtown Radio 1978 EP 2018

Nice bootleg by Downtown Records and this 7Inch contains four fabulous 'lost' recordings by the Undertones which they recorded 1978. The Lost Peel Session is in parentheses and discogs says: "Not recorded on the BBC but funded by John Peel." Well, fans of the combo among you know the real story and I don't give a shit because all songs on here are bangers and might not even be released yet. Info: the Undertones were formed in Derry/Northern Ireland by Feargal (vocals), John & Damian (guitars), Michael (bass), Billy (drums) in 1975 and have enriched mankind to date with seven albums and numerous 7Inches, and are still a-live. You can follow their detailed biography on the www and I say goodbye to the weekend.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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SHAM 69 - John Peel Session 28.11.1977 EP [2020]

Another unofficial release of an early John Peel session, this time by Sham 69 and the line-up on these recordings were Jimmy (vocals), Dave (guitars), Dave P. (bass), Mark (drums) and I guess, I don't have to tell you much about this early English and brilliant band. Founded 1975 in Hersham and with Borstal Breakout & If The Kids Are United they create two immortal hymns and everyone who listens to Punkrock must know this bloody songs and both will long be heard while you and I rot in eternal black! If not, catch up immediately! Maybe together with them, but that's a fartz. The four hasn't commercially successful as many of their contemporaries, albeit with a greater number of chart entries, Sham 69 has been a huge musical and lyrical influence on the Oi! and streetpunk genres. The band allegedly derived their name from a piece of football-related graffiti that founder Jimmy Pursey saw on a wall, which originally said Walton and Hersham '69 but had partly faded away. Numerous albums were released just waiting for you to hear and they are still touring the world, be sure they are coming to your town. Some compilations in the blog aren't unimportant as well. Enjoy five rough goodies in a row and in one go.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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COCKNEY REJECTS - The Peel Sessions 08.08.1979 & 13.02.1980 EP's [2014]

Well, since the fucking formatting doesn't allow me to write any text next to the picture, I have to write my words as usual, although I would like it to be different. Fuck This Bitch! This is really a pain in the ass and I can't understand this bullshit system... Egal, now a double feature with two rare John Peel sessions by the Cockney Rejects which came out on Pirate Love Records in a limited edition of 300 numbered copies each. I guess, I don't have to tell you much about the boys, they were one of the first Oi! bands that formed by brothers Jeff & Micky Geggus in the EastEnd of London 1977. The band are fans of West Ham United and the violence depicted in their lyrics was often mirrored at their concerts, and they often fought to defend themselves (often from supporters of opposing football teams) or to split up conflicts between audience members. But those are just side notes, the Cockneys are a venerable combo who are still touring and very active, even forays into the metal genre show how versatile and brave the Londoners are, and to date they have released nine albums, the first two are classics which the so-called Punks will still hear in one hundred years, I think. It's been a nice day of swimming so far, I bought a pack of fifty Rolo's and now I'm watching a little Tour De France with a Benediktiner but weekends without football suck which you can certainly confirm!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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THE PRATS - Die Todten Reyten Schnell 7'' 1980

Puuhhhhhh..... my dear friends... I have to admit, I slept little, much party & drunk and I'm still not sober. What a match it was? Tension to the end and very exciting. I think both sides lost a lot of energy and nerves that night. I will not say much about the game, you all saw it and the better team won in my opinion, and this post is dedicated to the Scots who played really well and need some consolation: The Prats were founded late 1977 in Edinburgh and comprised the Maguire brothers Paul (vocals/guitars), Greg (guitar/vocals), Tom (bass) and David (drums). Their first vinyl appearance was on the Earcom 1 compilation in 1979 with three tracks, In the same year they recorded a session for John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show. Peel also offered his fee from a DJing appearance in Edinburgh to finance a single release by the band. A series of 7Inches then followed, including General Davis and Die Todten Reyten Schnell, which was released on a German indie label called DaDa Records. In 1980 followed their last record called The 1990's Pop EP via Rough Trade. But the end of school in 1981 meant saw the demise of the Prats as they went their own separate ways into the big, bad world. Cheers & Prost!

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THE OUTCASTS - The Punk 7Inches Collection 1995

The following combo is also been a guest in my theater several times and it's the Bad boys of the Ulster Punk scene: The Outcasts - Formed in Belfast in June 1977 by the Cowan brothers: Greg (bass/vocals), Martin (guitars) and Colin (drums). They were joined by Getty on guitar. The band played their first gig in May 1977, playing a mixture of their own songs and cover versions. After building a strong local following, they were picked up by the local It record label, who released the band's debut single, Frustration, in May 1978. They were then signed to Terri Hooley's Good Vibrations label, who released Just Another Teenage Rebel 7Inch in November 1978, which saw the band receiving airplay on national radio from John Peel. And so the history went on. They made three albums and a few 7Inches and all those goodies are united here on this fantastic compilation by Anagram Records. 

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VICTIM - All Our Dreams Are Gone 2011

Eye-catching compilation by RaveUp Records and you know what to expect from them. This record is part of their glorious "EUROPEAN PUNK SERIES" and Volume 6 is the following highlight: Formed in Belfast in Mid 1977, Victim soon became familiar faces on the emerging Belfast scene. Following their appearance on the legendary UTV punk documentary 'It Makes You Want Top Spit' and a rapidly increasing live following, Terri Hooley signed the band to his Good Vibrations label in 1978 and released Strange Thing By Night / Mixed Up World 7". In early 1978, prompted by a lack of venues, Victim made a trip to a local city centre pub because they heard it had a stage! They secured a gig and the legendary Harp Bar was born as a punk venue. In July 1979 they were offered a modest record deal by TJM Records and decided to depart to England, settling in Manchester.

Early gigs saw them playing with The Fall and Revillos as well as playing the legendary Factory club to accompany the screening of Shellshock Rock, a film on Irish punk featuring among others Victim. A second release "Why Are Fire Engines Red/I Need You" on TJM secured good reviews and radio support from John Peel despite its horrendous cover. In November 1979 Victim supported the Damned on an extensive tour. Rat Scabies produced the band's third single The Teen Age EP released in 1980 on Illuminated Records.

The band continued for several years with line up changes including Mike Joyce (later of the Smiths) and Toni Isaac (the girl leaning against a lamppost on Jilted John's single of the same name!) before deciding to call it a day. This anthology contains a great selection of all their punk material. If you are a fan of Undertones and Stiff Little Fingers, don't miss it!!!!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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SELF ABUSE - Unestablished Since 1982 [2019]

Let's continue with an interesting combo and a record, which now are already hard to get. But from the beginning: Self Abuse were formed in Bournemouth 1982 at the height of the second Punk wave by Andy (vocals/bass), Dave (guitars/vocals), Roger (guitar), Steve (drums)... age 16/17 respectively. They've been trying to form a band for some time and hit it off right away when they met through a local recording studio. In the next few months they wrote their first songs. Played their first gig in Poole/Dorset and released the State Of Mind demotape on their own Abused label during that year. In March 1983 followed the second demo Teenage (again on their own label), which was recorded in the famous Poole studios and it shows that the five made technical progress: the simple, rough monotony gives way to a playful style, whereby drums, bass & guitars have an outstanding feature and only bassist and singer Andy still sings naively infantile. The improved sound also implied old songs from the 2nd demo in a better way and also ensured that they could increase their local and national awareness after the release and played in the south of England together with Screaming Dead, Amebix, Idiom Tribe, Breakout, Shock To The System, Madmass, Cult Maniax, etc.. Sound-wise they were described by fanzines as being a cross between Stiff Little Fingers & Chron Gen.

In 1984 the ‘(I Didn’t Wanna Be A) Soldier’ EP was released by the Radical Change label, the late great John Peel played it on his radio show and the record climbed to number two in the Independent charts. Two tracks from their not released ‘Third’ demo were taken for Party Pooping Punk Provocations! compilation on by Xcentric Noise records late in 1984. Despite a mostly triumphant year, there is considerable unrest between the band members and friends, with disagreements about almost everything. Self Abuse played their final gig on 29th Dec. 1984 in Bournemouth to a packed house, two days later they split up. - Twenty years later in 2004, the original line-up reformed to play a gig in Bournemouth and released the No Change EP on Abused Records and the next year saw them play the Wasted Festival [now Rebellion Festival] in Blackpool. And since then, they're still hungry, and continue to indulge in anthemic mid-tempo Punkrock and still can't get enough of the rock circus. This classic compilation was released via Mad Butcher Records, 250 copies exist, and features sixteen delicacies [Demos, EPs & Outtakes], which outline the development of the band as well.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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THE CHAMELEONS - John Peel Sessions 1990

Music that I very admire comes from the Chameleons and they were a four piece formed out of the ashes of the short-lived combo Years in Manchester 1981 and one thing in advance: all albums are fantastic. Through the singing of Marks darkly ironic lyrics, their songs often dealt with personal themes of childlike innocence and awe of nostalgia. Perhaps most notably musically about their work was the band's innovative and distinctive use of double guitar melodies, provided by Reg and Dave. These arrangements were often characterized by the use of delay and chorus effects. Dave played a melodic and atmospheric guitar while Reg played a more traditional riff-based guitar and John's drumming blends in perfectly. This typical sound accompanies all records, a mix of rhythmic electric guitar textures that provide an atmospheric and intense backdrop for Mark's haunting vocals. After their third record Strange Times in 1986 and the sudden death of band manager Tony Fletcher in 1987, they abruptly broke up and numerous spin-off bands emerged, none of which achieved much success. - The John Peel Sessions were recorded between 1981-1984 and they released a total of four fantastic albums, each a masterpiece. This is music I can leave my everyday life, troubles, dark moments and other worries far far behind me, and this for decades, I only recommend buy their records wherever you see one. Come relaxed into the weekend and enjoy the wonderful music of this great and much too underestimated combo. Thx!

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FLACKOFF - The Flackoff EP 1980

 

The rooster crows at an early hour and its wake-up call alarms and urges you to get the following awesome slab by this four piece from Leamington Spa on Sofa Records, and this is the only vinyl release by Flackoff with great female vocals and the band consisted of Claire (vocals), Arthur (guitars), Rod (bass), Rick (drums) and this infectious energetic catchy three song goodie is one of those great local one-off EPs that would get a spin on John Peel back in the day, brimming with an endearing and infectious energy that characterized the era. Re-released 2018 by Inflammable Material/Sofa Records in a limited edition of 300 copies and I don't think it's easy to get hold of one of them today. No wonder, three mercilessly brilliant songs who made it onto the essential Killed By Death #007 compilation. Top record of a short-lived combo that definitely had what it takes for more.

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THE NEGATIVES - The Bradford EP 2016

The Negatives formed in Bradford in summer 1978 by Dave Wilcox R.I.P. (vocals), Pete Stobbs (guitar), Bob Robinson (bass) and Tino Palmer (drums). They had a very strong local following, the highlight of which was 1000 local fans turning up at their final gig at Bradford University Great Hall in December 1979 after which the band split up. The Negatives had released a 1979 single ‘Stakeout’/Love is Not Real’ on Look Records which sold out of all the 1000 copies pressed and was played on Radio 1 by John Peel. The band whilst perhaps missing out on the big time first time round, gained wider appreciation in the longer term and were both amazed and humbled to be included in John Peel’s treasured box of 140 special records along with only four other punk/new wave bands. The Negatives are and always will be very proud of their home town a multicultural city with rich diversity. Bradford is famous for its arts being the birthplace of renowned artist and the song is dedicated to all the Bradford Punks of 1979 but also to anyone who is still proud to call Bradford their home town. (Robin Banks) - This nice EP was released by Paramecium Records in an edition of 500 copies and offers four unpolished superb stompers and they very popular on the Bored Teenagers compilations.

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FREIWILLIGE SELBSTKONTROLLE - Stürmer 1982

Interesting electro/synth-pop/minimal/new wave/punk combo and essential part of the German underground scene of the early eighties and since the mid 1990s more in techno and house active, numerous records were released to date; we're talking about Freiwiliige Selbstkontrolle which were formed 1980 in Munich by Wilfred (vocals, guitar, trombone), Thomas (guitar, vocals, concertina), Justin (electric piano, guitar, xylophone & vocals) and Michaela (vocals, bass + melodica). The band name is a reference to the German motion picture rating organisation F.S.K. (German self censorship institution), which uses the same acronym. Their early records (all on ZickZack Records) gave the band the reputation of being West Germany’s most intelligent art school combo and the debut Stürmer received international attention because it was able to place in the independent charts in San Francisco. Due to the "original musical approach of F.S.K - that is, to electronically underline the dialectic of German song tradition - the people of Munich classify themselves as an 'intellectual ensemble' that makes music for the German intelligentsia". In the beginning the musical influence of punk was still clearly recognizable, because the sound sounded rough and the vocals very harsh. Living in a very americanized country meant to them that they soon, in means of love and hate, started to work out structures of Euro-American heritage in their music. Not only did they so bring back the Texan Blue Yodel to its Bavarian source, they also started to add the occasional cover version of American standards and non-standards to their German repertoire. From 1985 the band was championed by British disc jockey John Peel, recording six sessions for his BBC radio show, and were themselves strongly influenced by the independent British music scene of the time.... Enjoy!

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HARVEST - Fashion Parade 7'' 1980

Wanted-List goodie now and this is the extremely rare single by Harvest from Glasgow on Secular Records and was featured on John Peel show Feb 1981 and was performed live on Scottish Television (STV) same year on Sunday evening show. Certainly not pressed in a large edition and therefore very much sought by many record collectors and If you search for any infos/pics about the band on the web you will find: nothing! Even I wouldn't be able to hear any of the both songs from their Fashion Parade if they weren't on the list. The a-side is a cozy poppy powerpop piece which electrifies immediately and the guitar sounds like an insect that wants to mate, while the flip is clearly the winner, a catchy mid-tempo number with a tasty dose of punk ala KBD style. A fantastic record in every way, and Harvest has been honored on two unofficial CD-R compilations, should anyone have them, I'll be happy to take them and post it here. Enjoy the music and stay tuned!

- Great Thx to Bristolboy -

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