This EP was recorded in September 1977 at Spaceward studios and was due to be released on Raw Records as RAW 28, but the label folded and it was finally released on Chaos Records in 1983. Not a lot is known about the band, but Damaged Goods re-issued a lot of Raw records and here's what they know. Another track later.
2. NOTSENSIBLES - '(I'm In Love With) Margaret Thatcher' - Redball 7" - UK - 1979
Well, we all thought it was a hoot at the time but, rather than a novelty single, most of the Notsensibles songs were, er, not too sensible. This one quickly sold out of it's 1,000 pressing and was quickly re-issued on Snotty Snail. It finally re-appeared in the 'Iron Lady' film (2011) and thus was re-released in vinyl and download form to mark the occasion, and then re-promoted after Thatcher's death in 2013 at which point the song was endorsed and promoted by Thatcher supporters who just couldn't see it was all tongue-in-cheek. At the end of the song is 'Concerto No.2' - a track not credited on the label or sleeve.
3. ALBERTOS Y LOST TRIOS PARANOIAS - 'Snuffin' Like That' - Stiff 7" - UK - 1977
From the 'Snuff Rock' E.P. 'Council estate, filled with hate, gonna kill myself before it's too late'. No, they weren't serious either.
4. THE SCABS - 'Amory Building' - Clubland 7" - UK - 1979
About the trials and tribulations of Exeter University. I love this song and yet, like The Huns, I'm still not sure of all the lyrics. If James, John, Simon, Steve or Patrick are reading this, can you help, pleeeeeze?
5. NEON - 'Bottles' - Sensible 7" - UK - 1978
A unique little record from a band based in County Durham, where I was born. This, the first of only 2 singles was a three tracker. You can read more here.
6. THE CRABS - 'Victim' - Peel Session - UK - 1978
This lot were a regular support act at The Roxy and The Vortex but despite having a track on 'Farewell To The Roxy' they didn't manage any records of their own, unless you count the Fulham Furies 7" which is reputed to be them. They did however manage to get a Peel session, from which this excellent track is taken.
7. THE FRESHMEN - 'You've Never Heard Anything Like It' - Release 7" - Ireland - 1979
And this was played relentlessly on Peel's shows too. They were actually a successful Irish showband but this upbeat knees-up punk pastiche somehow became their last hurrah.
8. SHRINK - 'Valid Or Void' - A&M 7" - UK - 1979
A bit of art-punk now. Shrink wore a silver foil body suit, painted his face gold, played a flying V and made some strange recordings. The offbeat Oval records had a production deal with A&M and that's how the single came about. There's a legendary video here.
9. THE TOY DOLLS - 'Tommy Kowey's Car' - GBH 7" - UK - 1980
Stifled as a guitarist in the club act 'The Showbiz Kids', Michael 'Olga' Algar left to form his own band and spread mirth around the globe for decades afterwards. Being local, I saw them more times than any other combo and they were never less than fantastic. This was their first single.
10. JOHNNY CURIOUS & THE STRANGERS - 'In Tune' - Illegal 7" - UK - 1978
From a 4-song E.P. (another track later). Yet another classic recorded at Spaceward. You can read some history here.
11. JOE 9T & THE THUNDERBIRDS - 'Joe 90 Theme' - Gemme 7" - UK - 1979
From a split single with They Must Be Russians. 'Joe 90, Joe Joe Joe 90, I've been away for a while and gone right out of style and now I'm punky Joe 90!' Probably could have been funnier but I'll settle for any such D.I.Y. amateurish nonsense.
12. ALIEN KULTURE - 'Culture Crossover' - RAR 7" - UK - 1979
Second-generation immigrant youths caught between two cultures. They wrote songs about racism as well as arranged marriage, leading to attacks from both the National Front as well as other Asians who felt they were a disgrace to their community.
13. A.D. 1984 - 'The Russians Are Coming' - Voyage International 7" - UK - 1979
Whereas this lot were lyrically less than inspiring. The CND logo on the back is somewhat confusing but as it sounds good I've included it. The best thing they did.
14. THE NIPS - 'Happy Song' - Test Pressings 7" - UK - 1981
Shane MacGowan's first band. This was their 4th and final single as by the time it was released they'd split up.
15. FINGERPRINTZ - 'Who's Your Friend?' - Virgin 7" - UK - 1979
One of those well-honed bands of the era who got to release a load of stuff, and good stuff too, but didn't quite make it. They did nick the 'b-b-b-b-baby' bit from Devo's version of 'Satisfaction' however so maybe the kids just didn't trust 'em.
16. THE SICK THINGS - 'Street Kids' - Chaos 7" - UK - 1983
As promised, another track from the Sick Things E.P.
17. RAPED - 'Raped' - Parole 7" - UK - 1977
From the 'Pretty Paedophiles' 4-song E.P. - recorded at Spaceward. They had a hard time of it back in the day as everyone took offence to the name and title until finally they changed their name and style and morphed into Cuddly Toys. Very underrated.
18. TRASH - 'Priorities' - Polydor 7" - UK - 1977
After punk hit, some of the majors panicked and signed up any old band that sounded remotely punk. Trash were one such band but neither of their 2 singles made any impact.
19. NOTSENSIBLES - 'I Thought You Were Dead' - Snotty Snail 7" - UK - 1980
Their 3rd of 4 singles (although they did get back together to record a Limited Edition EP commemorating the Railway Workers in 2005).
20. AIRSHIP - ' Get Out, Take Your Mother With You' - Decca 7" - UK - 1979
Pub-rock played by 30-somethings but it was all part of what was going on at the time. Chas and Dave with guitars, anyone?
21. JOHNNY CURIOUS & THE STRANGERS - 'Jennifer' - Illegal 7" - UK - 1978
As promised, another track from the E.P.
22. THE SCABS - 'Leave Me Alone' - Clubland 7" - UK - 1979
Ditto for the above.
23. THE BEEKEEPERS - 'The Trouble With You' - Rundown 7" - UK - 1981
From a 3-tracker from Whitstable in Kent. The band evolved from The Ignerents (see Best of BTL 011).
24. NEON - 'I'm Only Little' - Sensible 7" - UK - 1978
Another track from the Neon E.P.
25. ALBERTOS Y LOST TRIOS PARANOIAS - 'Kill' - Stiff 7" - UK - 1977
And to end with another from the Snuff Rock E.P. Classic video here.
***BONUS TRACKS***
26. THE NOTSENSIBLES
- 'Gary Bushell's Band Of The Week'
27. THE NOTSENSIBLES
- 'Little Boxes'
28. THE NOTSENSIBLES
- 'I Make A Balls Of Everything I Do'
29. THE NOTSENSIBLES
- 'Teenage Revolution'
30. THE NOTSENSIBLES
- 'Lying On The Sofa'
31. THE NOTSENSIBLES
- 'Death To Disco (Single Version)'
Get it here
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