RED LETTER DAY - More Songs About Love & War 1991

Red Letter Day is a punk band which formed in Portsmouth in 1984 and they released their first single in 1986 which found favour with disc jockey John Peel, who invited them to record a session for his BBC Radio 1 show. The single receive good reviews and two years later the first 12'' came out on Released Emotions Records, a split with The Sect. More Songs... followed three years later and this is my first contact with them. Red Letter Day play a solid heavy loud punk'N'roll with no barriers and you can get more info about the band on punkoiuk, it's worth a click. A very good record with eleven melodic fetzer. And now folks, have an exciting weekend!

- Special Thx to Fredrik -

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THE CYBERMEN - You're To Blame 7'' 1979

"This British punk band released two 7" records on their own Accrington-based Rockaway label: The Cybermen EP (1978, aka Cybernetic Surgery) and the You're to Blame 7''. Their songs boast intelligent lyrics, well-performed vocal harmonies and catchy riffs, but little is known about the group besides the line-up: Ian P Dixon (Bass/Vocal), Paul Milek (Drums) & Roger Entwistle (Guitar/Vocal). Because of their name, some record dealers will attempt to charge ludicrous amounts of money for these records, but they're worth hearing should you find someone selling them at an honest price! The You're To Blame single came with a "Free Info Pack", a sheet of typed and signed A4 paper that revealed that the band had been quiet since their first release (which apparently John Peel had "loved... needless to say") owing to the "unfortunate 'borrowing" of most of their equipment!"

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CRANES - Adoration 7'' 1991

Now we take the tempo a bit down and come to a band that I really adore. Formed in 1986 in Portsmouth/England by siblings Alison and Jim Shaw, and named after the many mechanical cranes around the city's docks, Cranes are best known for the childlike, high-pitched vocals of lead singer Alison. Cranes are a UK band often remembered for touring the USA with The Cure in 1992. Since then they have acquired a loyal fan base around the world, who seem to find perfection in everything they do - whether it be fierce, sometimes stark guitar sounds of early albums like Wings Of Joy, Forever or folk-inspired Future Songs release. Cranes first album Self Non Self had a peculiar intensity which seemed all the more unusual at the time. John Peel picked up on the album right away, with the group recording a session for him in the album's first week of release. Some intense media interest followed and shortly afterwards the group signed to Dedicated-BMG and went on to record a lot of beautiful albums.

The band's music has been described as "gothic minimalism", although the band themselves disputed the 'gothic' tag. They have also been described as dream pop. In the early 1990s they were briefly lumped in with the "shoegazing" bands of the era. Much has been made of Alison Shaw's vocals, with descriptions ranging from "the helium tones of a small child", "baby-doll-voiced", and "a mewling, childish wisp of a voice". One reviewer described the band: "Imagine a small child singing lullabies at the bottom of the well with a background of grinding guitars".

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PERVERTS - Ronka EP 1979 + Nevergreens EP 1980

Active from 1978-1980 were this Gothenburg combo called Perverts. They released two awesome 7 inches on Dolores Records. Some info I found from the cool SwedishPunk site: "Lasse Dolores (bass) is probably the most important person for the Gothenburg punkscene. He was the one who imported the first singles to his magazine store "Dolores". So one day he found himself in a punkband: Perverts. The name was taken after a politican who said that "punks are perverted". Legendary BBC-DJ John Peel played their single "Ronka" (with Wadling on the one tone solo) who has to be one the most, if not THE MOST, classic punksongs ever in Sweden. Freddie Wadling (guitar) had a major role in the Gothenburg music scene and played in several bands, for example Cortex, Rukorna, Blue for Two (electro music), Lädernunnan (The Leather Nun) and The Mobile Whorehouse. Christer Blomgren (voice) today plays in Troublemakers." They featured on various compilations. Excellent KBD stuff!!!!

- Big Thx to Fredrik -

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CRANES - Forever 1993

It's Sunday, a day I like, everything can happen. But I must tell you, I'm confused. I'm always confused because I can't understand people. I don't wanna tell you much about my experiences I've made but I don't understand them at all. Well, let's leave this behind and now I have to post this record.

If I speak about Cranes I will post their album which I first came in touch with this extraordinary band. I can still remember it very well. I was there with a new girl and we came very close and casually ran this record and as I was able to think clearly again, I asked her about it. That's it, long long time ago. Every relationship has its good. So at this moment I start to listen to Cranes and bought more stuff. Here's a small sample of info from their MySpace site: "Originally based on the south coast of England in Portsmouth, Cranes first album 'Self non Self' had a peculiar intensity which seemed all the more unusual at the time. John Peel picked up on the album right away, with the group recording a session for him in the album's first week of release. Some intense media interest followed and shortly afterwards the group signed to Dedicated-BMG (which also became home to Spiritualized and Beth Orton) and went on to record five albums. Cranes' is a blend of celestial atmospheric rock and metaphysical minimalist electronics, made instantly recognisable by Alison Shaw’s childlike vocals and Jim Shaw’s uniquely inventive compositions. Much has been made of Alison Shaw's vocals, with descriptions ranging from "the helium tones of a small child", "baby-doll-voiced", and "a mewling, childish wisp of a voice". One reviewer described the band: "Imagine a small child singing lullabies at the bottom of the well with a background of grinding guitars" After the release of Population 4 in 1997 the band fell silent for a period of approximately four years and in 2000, the Shaws formed a new line-up and began writing music again and they're still active." - Cranes are a notable band and transport joy/love/yearning in your heart.

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THE LICKS - 1970's EP 1979

Formed in 1978 in Bishop Stortford the band decided to call themselves The Epileptics following a suggestion from one of their mothers. In August 1978 Crass played in Bishop Stortford and a long lasting friendship was established. Complaints of ‘ill-conceited jocularity’ from The British Epilepsy Association resulted in a name change to Epi-x, then changed to The Licks under pressure from Stortbeat who in 1979 released the band’s debut single, much played by John Peel. The band changed their name back to The Epileptics, more releases followed, then in early 1980 the nucleus of The Epileptics re-emerged as Flux Of Pink Indians. In 1981 the record was again released with the same songs but a bit faster and rougher, listen - Repressed in 2015 on Overground Records in an edition of 500 pieces - Nice one!

- Thx to Fredrik -

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THE TIGHTS - Bad Hearts EP 1978

A damn good record is the following one and I cite two reviews to the beginning: "Ignore any prejudices you might have about being reminded of the sound of '77 and learn to enjoy again (like last summer) the constant riffing guitar, studied vocals and melody line supported by the bass alone. Ignore the girl in barbed wire bondage and war pic sleeve and pick up on guts of the performance and wit of the tune. It's no 'Orgasm Addict' but not long ago, Pete Shelly would've been proud of it. And Brian Jones aside, that's better than we have any right to expect of something coming out of Cheltenham." (Sounds, 8.July 1978) - "Lay down a raucous rhythm guitar in the background, bring in clear foreground vocals, and finally make the sound complete with the bass and drums combining as one unit, and you have a superb modern pop record." (Radio & Record News, 1978) - The Tights are an English punk rock band from Worcester. The band's only two singles were released by the Cherry Red Records label. After John Peel played "Bad Hearts" on BBC Radio 1, this single made it to number six in the UK punk chart. Follow-up "Howard Hughes" reached number four in the same chart. After playing their farewell gig at the Marquee Club, London, the Tights split in 1979. In 2004 the band reformed. Visit them on their HomePage for more records, information and music. Enjoy all three amazing '77 punk tunes like I do and I'm sure I'm gonna watch out for more.

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TV21 - Playing With Fire 7'' 1980

Originally formed 1979 in Edinburgh by Norman (vox + guitar), Neil (bass), Colin (drums) and Ally (guitar), the band took their name from Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson's fanzine, TV21 released a string of singles and one album, 'A Thin Red Line' via Deram Records. During that time they toured extensively, both in their own right and as support to bands such as The Skids, The Moondogs and The Undertones. But by May 1982 the band had grown frustrated at their inability to break through to the next level and decided to quit while they were ahead, immediately after coming offstage supporting The Rolling Stones at Edinburgh Playhouse. And that was the end of that, until October 2005, when out of the blue, they agreed to perform as part of the John Peel Day gigs organised around the country to mark the anniversary of the DJ’s death. 'Playing With Fire' (released on Powerbeat) is their first record and it's a very nice PowerPop goodie with two melodic mid-tempo tunes, optimal for traveling. The sound goes immediately in my veins and makes me extreme positive. Honestly, this 7inch is a real highlight and I'm sure I'm going to catch the album.

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ALLER VÆRSTE! - T.A.V.! EP 1980

Here's a record how I love it: oblique, extraordinary beats, funny and hard to classify. I would describe the sound as punk but different, not 1-2-3-4 let's go hey ho, rather friggelig you know and I'm really excited. The Aller Værste! (The Worst!) exists from 1979–1981 and were formed in Bergen, members are Sverre (bass/organ/vocals), Lasse (guitar/organ/vocals), Chris (guitar/organ/vocals), Harald (bass/organ/vocals) and Ketil (drums) which started out as a hobby project by four members of long-forgotten group Johnny Banan Band. They are influenced and inspired by punk, new wave, ska and reggae and released two albums and three 7inches. Several of their releases are considered classics in Norwegian rock. They received a Spellemannprisen (a Norwegian music award presented to Norwegian musicians) in 1980, for the album Materialtretthet. Their two first singles are played at the influential BBC, by program manager John Peel. The group disbanded after their second LP Disniland I De Tusen Hjem. They had a reunion tour in 1990 and concerts in Bergen and Oslo in 1999. So this is their second EP on Den Gode Hensikt with four goodies.

- Special Thx to Fredrik -

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BUZZARDS - Jellied Eels To Record Deals 1979

Let's stay punk with the next album from the UK. Both sides quite cool and I think some of you known this combo. The band took their name from their home town of Leyton, an area of east London, punning upon the name of the Bedfordshire town, Leyton Buzzards. They were initially a pub rock band, but soon adapted to punk rock/New Wave. Their debut single '19 & Mad' was released in 1977 by Small Wonder Records. They won a high-profile "Battle Of The Bands" competition organized by BBC Radio 1 and The Sun (F.U.), resulting in a major-label deal with Chrysalis Records. The first fruits of this deal, "Saturday Night (Beneath the Plastic Palm Trees)", reached Number 53 in the UK Singles Chart in March 1979, spending five weeks in the chart, and led to an appearance on Top of the Pops. The band shortened their name to The Buzzards for the 1979 single "We Make A Noise" and the album Jellied Eels To Record Deals, before reverting to The Leyton Buzzards for their final single, "Can't Get used to Losing You". They recorded four sessions for BBC Radio One's John Peel between July 1978 and January 1980. The band split up in 1980, with Deane and Jaymes going on to greater chart success with salsa-tinged pop act Modern Romance. The Buzzards were present on tons of compilations and Captain Oi! released in 2003 a CD called 'The Punk Collection'.

- Special Thanx to Fredrik -

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THE STIFFS - Volume Control 7'' 1980

"From Blackburn in Lancashire the Stiffs started in 1977. Their first single 'Standard English' was released in early 1979 on their own Dork Records label. The much more impressive follow up "Inside Out"/"Kids on the street" was also released on Dork Records in December 1979 and both sides became instant favourites of BBC Radio One..s John Peel, who was quoted as saying on air that it was 'the finest record in the entire history of the universe'! EMI quickly snapped the band up and re-issued 'Inside Out' on their Zonophone subsidiary in early 1980. The single 'Volume Control' was released by Zonophone in November 1980 but it's lack of chart success prompted EMI to release the band from their contract and cancel plans for an  album. They signed to STIFF Records in January 1981 for a one-off single 'Goodbye My Love' (a cover of the 1975 UK hit by The Glitter Band), whilst the band went out on a UK tour with the U.K.SUBS. Several line-up changes ensued, but the Stiffs didn't release another record until 1985 with 'The Young Guitars' 12", once again on their own Dork Records. After incessant touring the band folded in 1988, leaving behind a fairly large legacy of unissued material." (source: Still Unbeatable Records) - Two great PowerPopPunk smasher which demand your attention!!!!

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INNOCENT VICARS - Funky Town 7'' 1980

Specially the b-side is the burner here, brilliant song with pointed lyrics.

I never thought that would mean so much now.

The music from this band is really one of my favourites and it's no wonder that I choose the flip 'Voices' for my selfmade compilation Forward Into The Past because it's one of these tunes I can hear again and again, all day long you know. So Richard Norris was part of the Vicars and he wrote some info about when and why:

"The Innocent Vicars formed in 1980, with an average age of 14. The St. Albans band met at school, bonding over a love of Bo Diddley, the Undertones and Buzzcocks. The line up chopped and changed for a while before settling on Richard Norris (vocals + rhythm guitar), Aaron Russell (lead guitar) brother of the Toys Mick Russell), and Nigel Benson (bass) who went into a Christian recording studio in Wheathampstead to cut 'She's Here'/'Antimatter'. A host of local talent guested on the record, including Nick Egan from the Tea Set on backing vocals, Cally from the Tea Set on drums, Mark Adams from the Bodies on Roland 101 synth (making the acid house noise on 'Antimatter' nearly a decade early) and Waldo's Phil Smee on production duties.

The single sold out of it's initial 500 pressing, thanks to support from John Peel and Radio 1's Round Table show, where it was spun straight after the Clash. The band played many school discos, local clubs, various church halls and youth clubs in St. Albans, Hatfield, Luton and Harpenden, as well as a number of spots at St Albans City Hall (supporting Kagagoogoo and Paul Young's band Q Tips). They also played at the Fleur De Lys pub, despite all being underage, at a girl's Boarding school and in St Albans Abbey (twice).

After a quick line up change (Mike 'Mac' McDonald replaced Nigel Benson on bass, Steve Watts took over on drums), the band recorded a second single, a cover of Lipps Inc's 'Funky Town' backed with 'Voices'. They also appeared on two compilation albums, with the tracks 'Starship 22' and 'She Was My Girl'.

Since their release thirty years ago, the original singles have been bootlegged a number of times in America and Japan and regularly sell for over £100 on ebay. BBC Radio's Steve Lamacq named 'She's Here' one of his all time favorite records, playing it on BBC 6 Music as recently as February 2011. Richard Norris, 'Mac' McDonald and Steve Watts have all had long careers in music. Aaron Russell and Nigel Benson are currently missing in action (any updates gratefully received)."

I hope you have come to taste and on compilations: Teenage Treats Vol. 1, Killed By Death #69, The Class Of '81 and Rupert Preaching At A Picnic, all classics I think.

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V/A - Underground Rockers 2 1989

One of the best covers I think is made here on this compilation and I quote the liner-notes on the back cover which I can only agree: "Another bunch of UNDERGROUND ROCKERS bands who, outside of the fanzine network and for a few, the John Peel show, are totally ignored. The first "Underground Rockers" compilation saw The Instigators sing "Full Circle", a phrase that seems very suitable when you think about influences. A growing number of British bands are being influenced by the American "Hardcore" groups, whose sound has evolved from listening to the likes of The Ruts and Stiff Little Fingers. On this LP you'll find both bands who lean towards the U.S. Hardcore sound and others who favour the early sound of the British Punk bands. But who ever they listen to they refrain from straight copying, each strives for their own sound and style, with just a nod in the right direction of their musical preferences. As with the first volume, it's not important whether you'd give these bands the "Punk" or "Hardcore" tag, judge 'them on their songs, be they fast or slow and on their energy, excitement and power. They deserve to be heard. Many of these bands are finding that they're better received over in Europe. Countless tales of big crowds at gigs, friendly, appreciative people and good treatment all round. It's time we, in this country, stopped being so snobbish and started treating bands, be they British, American, European or whatever, with the respect they so rightly deserve." (Tony Suspect)

1.One Word - H.D.Q.

2.Busload To Bingo - SENSELESS THINGS

3.Fear Is The Key - THE AB'S

4.Shattered Land - THE PRICE

5.Suicide Alley - MANIC STREET PREACHERS

6.Caroline - IDENTITY

7.Nothing To Me - SUSPECT DEVICE

8.Love Alone - H.D.Q.

9.Legal Lies - SENSELESS THINGS

10.Englebert Humperdink's Racing Pigeon - THE AB'S

11.The Cover Up - THE PRICE

12.Tennesse I Get Low - MANIC STREET PREACHERS

13.What's The Point - IDENTITY

14.Raw Deal - SUSPECT DEVICE

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RIVALS - Here Comes The Night 7'' 1980

No wonder that this band is represented on several compilations, Cheap & Nasty # 1, Back To Front #3, Punk Rock Rarities Vol.1.....because their sound is hot and snotty, here's their 2nd one with two goodies. A bit info: The Rivals were an English punk band from Ramsgate, Kent and were active from 1976–1981. They released two 7inches on Ace Records. This here is their 2nd one with two cool tracks. Here's a reception about this record I like to use from wiki: "But it was 'Here Comes The Night' that attracted attention in London. Mike Read made it his single of the week on Radio 1 and Paul Burnett and John Peel were both enthusiastic about it. The scenesters were less unanimous. Some praised the record as 'a spirited version of the song that owes more to enthusiasm than expertise, but thankfully free of cliches and worn out platitudes', but others cited it as an example of 'how to ruin a good song using an ancient Pete Townshend guitar technique and a surplus of unharnessed exuberance', and yet others wished that the Rivals would get back to recording their own material. Nevertheless, for the listener today, 'Here Comes The Night' is probably the band's signature recording, sharp and bright, and the A-side is one of the most frequently anthologized punk obscurities of its time." Well, if you want some more info then click The Rivals. Superb record!

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THE SQUATS - Noise Overdose EP 1981

80s Dutch punk band from Nijmegen here with their only record on Nep & Bedrog Records with five cool punk goodies with a nice Oi! touch. Excellent dirty kbd sound. Found much info from their web site and here's a small excerpt: 

The Squats are probably one of the most controversial bands Nijmegen has ever known. The kind of teenagers you better could not have living next door to you. It seemed that they ruined more or less everything that came along their way, conform the Punks most used term in that time: DESTROY! An unbelievable 23 years ago (1978) three guys aged 14 till 17 years old from the "Grootstal" district in South Nijmegen watched the Dutch variant of 'Top of the Pops' (TopPop) on the TV and saw Iggy Pop shaking the nation up side down with his performance of "Lust For Live". The boys used to listen to stations like "VPRO"' and John Peel on the BBC on an old tube radio and they were heavily bored. But one thing was sure: They not just wanted to listen to punk, they wanted to play it. First thing the trio did before even owing any instrument was to chalk the whole of Nijmegen with the (future) band name: The Bored. In the fall of 1979, the three were able to buy a bass guitar and drumkit, changed the name into "The Squats" and placed an add in the local news paper for a guitarist. In the months following, the band had their first appearance in the local venue "Doornroosje", shocked a school in Nijmegen during a highschool band festival, and did another gig at "Doornroosje".

The early 80s have been the most productive years, lots of gigs were played and they also started recording in the studio, result was a demo called "The First, The Best, The Last?" which was released on their own "Nep En Bedrog (Fake & Fraude) Records" label. In 1981 borrowed all the money, found a studio close to town, smacked down 5 songs on 8 tracks in a couple of hours and the 'Noise Overdose" EP was a fact. 500 copies were pressed, and again released on their own label and sold out in 2 months. For sure, notorious they were, obnoxious and rude as well, call them arrogant, irritant, and ignorant but what else should you expect from 17 year old teenagers on speed, on the dole, in the early 1980's playing in a punkband from Nijmegen? That's how teenagers should behave. And after all, musically, it was a great punkband!

The Squats on compilations: Oi! The Rarities Vol.2, Punkrock From Holland, Oi! Rare & Exotica Vol.2 and Oi! Made In Holland 2. Brilliant Stuff!!!

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AHEADS - s/t LP 1981

Excellent record now: short crunchy crackers and another one of my favorites. The Aheads from Herford were one of the first punk bands in the region of East Westphalia. 1975 they were founded as "Ron Age Band" and their first appearance was in 1977 at Hellepark under the name "Those Fuckin' Aheads" named after rockers from the Crumb Comix. After the first punk songs from England could be heard through the radio broadcast by John Peel in Germany and by attending a concert by Wire, the band began writing their own songs. With their unconventional sound for its time the band led by former British soldier Andy Stillon known punk bands like the Dead Kennedys has enthusiastically. The Aheads debut was the 'Freedom Of Speech EP' and one year later two songs on the great Soundtracks Zum Untergang compilation. Then toured with Slime, Betoncombo and Middle Class Fantasies. After the tour the band recorded their only album in Berlin which was released by AGR. Their last gig was in 1982 at the Audimax in Bielefeld. After the dissolution of the band guitarist Bernd and drummer Werner played in the 80s in a number of not very long-lived bands. Under the name Roll On Roll Off they released the single "Fig. 320" and the self-produced mini album "Pussy Push" in 1988. Andy Stillion, the singer of the band died on 11.July 2010 in the morning. With his girlfriend on a boat trip to the Farne Islands, he collapsed on the boat. In 2011 the remaining band members published a showcase with all produced songs including a DVD supplement with photos of their active career. A consistent, strongly recommended LP.

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V/A - Winters Of Discontent: Peel Sessions 1977-1983

A feature of Peel's BBC Radio 1 shows were the famous John Peel Sessions, which usually consisted of four songs recorded by an artist live in the BBC's studios, and which often provided the first major national coverage to bands that later would achieve great fame (These 'sessions' are similar to 'Live Lounge' sessions recorded today for the station). The BBC employed it's own house bands and orchestras and it also engaged outside bands to record exclusive tracks for its programmes in BBC studios. This was the reason why Peel was able to use "session men" in his own programmes. Sessions were usually recorded and mixed in a single day; as such they often had a rough and ready, demo-like feel, somewhere between a live performance and a finished recording. John Peel remained on BBC Radio 1 for 37 years, until his death in 2004. During that time over 4000 sessions were recorded by over 2000 artists. Many classic Peel Sessions have been released on record, particularly by the Strange Fruit label and this one of these.

1.Somethin' Better Change - THE STRANGLERS
2.Love In A Void - SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES
3.Gary Gilmore's Eyes - THE ADVERTS
4.Shoplifting - THE SLITS
5.Fast Cars - BUZZCOCKS
6.Rich Kids - RICH KIDS
7.Of One Skin - THE SKIDS
8.It Doesn't Matter - ADAM & THE ANTS
9.Another Girl Another Planet - THE ONLY ONES
10.Suspect Device - STIFF LITTLE FINGERS
11.Mess Of My - THE FALL
12.Stretcher Case - THE DAMNED
13.Anti-Pope - KING
14.Read It In Books - ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN
15.Sus - THE RUTS
16.A Brand New Life - YOUNG MARBLE GIANTS
17.Start From Scratch - THE NIGHTINGALES
18.Big Jesus Trash Can - BIRTHDAY PARTY
19.A Matter Of Gender - THE ASSOCIATES
20.The Fan And The Bellows - THE CHAMELEONS
21.Wall Of Fir - THE VERY THINGS
22.Enchanted - WILD SWANS
23.Sun - MICRODISNEY
24.Kick Over The Statues - REDSKINS
25.A New England - BILLY BRAGG

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VISITORS - Compatibility 7'' 1981

The Visitors hailed from Edinburgh, where they started off as the Deleted. Members were John McVay (vox), Colin Craigie (guitars), Derek McVay (bass) and Keith Wilson (drums). They released three 7inches and their third single on Rational records featured two tracks taken from the band's second Peel session. Both songs very emotional, bass-driven and long. Very nice gloomy atmosphere where you can indulge in nostalgia, not desperation this is about new hope and get up again. They are represented on some compilations, for example: Neighbour Annoyer and who like Joy Division, Pink Turns Blue or melodic New Wave sounds should not waste any time to download this fine record.

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NOTSENSIBLES - Instant Classic 1980

Classic record from a band which I did't knew until now and I promise this is quite awesome. I use the info here from wiki: Notsensibles are a punk rock band from Burnley, England, who had their greatest success with their second single, the tongue-in-cheek "I'm in Love with Margaret Thatcher". The band was formed in 1978 by Michael "Haggis" Hargreaves (vox), Steven "Sage" Hartley (guitar), Roger "Rog Sensible" Rawlinson (keyboards), Gary Brown (bass), and Kevin "Ploppy" Hemingway (drums).

The band explained their approach: "all we want to do is make silly records and play silly gigs". After releasing the "Death to Disco" single in April 1979, they "celebrated" the election of Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister later that year with the single "I'm in Love with Margaret Thatcher". Initially self-released in a pressing of 1.000, but reissued on the Snotty Snail label due to continuing demand, the release gave them a No. 8 UK Indie Chart hit at the start of 1980, and the band also recorded a session for John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show. According to one review, the song was: "Meant as neither a pro- nor anti-Thatcher song. It revolved around the idea that no-one was too sacred to get the piss taken out of." Writer Simon Reynolds stated that it "...taps into the side of punk all about not taking anything seriously..." At one performance in 2012 Hargreaves claimed that he had "great reverence for Thatcher". The single's B-side included "Gary Bushell's Band of the Week", which poked fun at the journalist.

In March 1980, the band's only studio album, Instant Classic, was released, reaching #16 on the UK Indie Chart, and two singles followed, both indie hits, but not selling as well as their earlier single, before the band split up in March 1982. Cherry Red subsidiary Anagram Records issued a compilation of the band's output, Instant Punk Classics, in 1994. The band reformed for a performance at the first Wasted/Holidays in the Sun festival in 1996, and reformed more permanently in 2005 with the original line-up. The song "I'm In Love with Margaret Thatcher" was featured in the 2011 film The Iron Lady starring Meryl Streep. The single was re-released on vinyl and download to celebrate its appearance in the film.

In 2013, after Baroness Thatcher's death, "I'm in Love with Margaret Thatcher" received additional publicity when there was an online campaign by Thatcher supporters to boost the record's re-entry into the charts as a download, to counter the promotion of the song "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead" by anti-Thatcher activists. Although the Notsensibles' song was reportedly considered "more favourable to Baroness Thatcher", band member Steven Hartley commented that it had been written as a satirical swipe at her. Hargreaves said: "I find it hilarious that Tories have adopted it. The song is a sort-of tribute and sort-of not." The song charted at number 35 on the UK Singles Chart on April 12, 2013.

So this album has great songs "Sick Of Being Normal", "Death To Disco", I Am A Clone" and "Freedom" must have heard. Unique legacy of this extraordinary band. TOP!!!

- Extra Special Thx to Fredrik -

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