Wildly influential proto-electronica/post-punk (oh, yes!) from Alan Vega and Martin Rev.
Suicide started performing in the early 197os in the New York scene of the New York Dolls which then prohed into the classic ear of The Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, et al.
This track was recorded in 1979 and appeared on the reissue of their second LP often known as “The Second Album” …. Pop perfection as the boys employ a rudimentary drum machine to become the Transatlantic counterparts to the Kraftwerk revolution.
Subsequently covered in his live shows by Bruce Springsteen (for example, here).
The studio version then a very rough live version from the ROIR sessions of the 1970s then an even sketchier live version from 2010. The first is the one to go for!
One of my favourite beat combos of all time, Leatherface just might be the last great English punk rock band.
A classic blend of Husker Du and Motorhead, the band are raised to the highest echelons of popular culture by the vocals and guitar of Frankie Stubbs. This track is taken from their classic third LP, “Mush”, released in 1991. I’ve already posted the seminal “Not Superstitious” from the same LP here.
An “acquired taste” I’ve heard it said. Take the trouble to acquire.
LP version then a more recent performance many years after the original release.
Another all time classic – tenuously added to the blog to coincide with David Bowie’s 65th birthday.
“Lust for Life” is one of the greatest LPs of all time and this is one of the reasons why.
Produced by Bowie who also helps out with backing vocals ….
“The Passenger” was never actually released as a single and, instead, appeared as the B-Side to the wonderful “Success” – already posted here on this blog!
The original LP track then an unbelievable live version from Manchester in 1977.
Setting Sons was my favourite LP when I was 15 in 1979.
Every song perfect.
For various reasons I fell out of love with The Jam for a few years; The Smiths and New Order filled the immediate gap then The Pixies, Pavement, Guided By Voices, Mo’Wax, Massive Attack, etc.
But tracks on this LP always resonated.
I’ve previously posted “Private Hell”, here, which, in my opinion, is the Jam at their unsurpassed best.
Thick as Thieves was only ever an LP track but the guitar, bass and drums are unbelievable and the part where Paul and Bruce trade lyrics from 2:48 on the LP version is sublime.
Two versions. The original LP track then a very grainy live version from 1980 – “Thick as Thieves” comes in around 3;23!
Wonderful track from the second New York Dolls LP “Too Much Too Soon”.
The handful of fans of the blog will know that I have tried to propagate a new “relentless” musical genre …. check here, here and here for just three pieces of evidence for its claim to fame ….
However, if “relentless” is accepted as a genre then this is one of the early texts and founding documents.
Five and a half minutes of rock and roll perfection that, quite literally Brian, never relents ….
And when it gets a bit obscene
… I’m a human being
Quite.
Tricky to find the original on Youtube but this does the business. Ignore any visuals and play LOUD!
In the winter of 1981/82, the two best songs of all time were “Temptation” by New Order (the 12″ version) and “Pumpin’ for Jill” by Iggy Pop from his wildly underrated “Party” LP.
Still remember hearing this for the first time on the school bus – unparalleled genius!
And, apparently, all about a chap who worked at a petrol station and enjoyed ensuring that his customers’ fuel tanks were properly filled…… I think.
You don’t get that sort of customer service outside of the excellent folk who keep Pret a Manger going these days.
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