Vinyl #3 - Subway Sect

Subway Sect - "Ambition"/"A Different Story" (7" single)

One of my favourite ever singles, one that has lost none of its sheer drive and impact. Subway Sect were the 'almost nearlies' of the punk movement, they were there at the very beginning alongside the Sex Pistols and The Clash (with whom they shared a manager Bernie Rhodes). Indeed, they were on the bill at the original 100 Club Punk Festival in 1976. Led by songwriter and maverick Vic Godard (on the back of the sleeve below) they leave us with this masterpiece, on the Rough Trade label of course. The 'A' side is difficult to categorise - there isn't a lot else that sounds like it. The 'B' side is no slouch either. Both combine un-punk like keyboards and clever, astute lyrics. 

I saw them live only once, supporting Buzzcocks in October 1978. I still remember them playing 'Ambition', rawer than the record but still magnificently booming around the cavernous Portsmouth Guildhall.

Here's the song:

https://youtu.be/FlXdf7dTz7I

Vinyl #2 - The Cure

The Cure - "Killing An Arab"/"10:15 Saturday Night" (7" single)

The debut single from The Cure on the independent Small Wonder Records, a brilliant label that released many fine records in the punk/new wave era. I probably first heard this (as with many of the records in my collection) on the John Peel Show on Radio . Broadcasting 10pm to midnight, Monday - Thursday, Peel's programme was a must listen for those of us wanting to hear exciting, cutting edge new music rather than the sanitised elevator music that Radio 'Wonderful' broadcast most of the day.

Back to The Cure, this was when they were a drums/bass/guitar trio from homely Crawley, before they became doom-meister giants and certainly before Robert Smith grew his hair big and discovered red lipstick. In fact he looked like a regular home counties guy at his stage.
This song - and it's very fine B side - featured sparse production, angular guitars and thought provoking lyrics. All bound together with memorable melodies and hooks and a rock steady rhythm. The excellent first album 'Three Imaginary Boys' was more of the same and is worth checking out.

Very soon after this they changed direction, discovering doom, electronica and black clothing. Smart move as it turns out, selling out stadiums and gaining global adoration. But this still remains a great single...

Vinyl #1 - Buzzcocks

Buzzcocks - 'What Do I Get'/'Oh Shit' (7" inch single)

I'm going to start with a very special record for me. Aged 15, in February 1978 I got on a train at Havant and travelled to Guildford for a job interview with Lloyds Bank. Guildford seemed like the other side of the world, and I distinctly remember what I was wearing: light blue nylon trousers with a generous flare, and a dark blue blazer with a generous lapel. 

I arrived early and decided to seek out a record shop, where I was delighted to see this record for sales. Duly purchased I then wondered what I would do with it - taking a punk rock single into a job interview with a bank probably wasn't the wisest move. I can't remember what I actually did but I got the job!

I never tire of this song, it's a classic Pete Shelley slice of teen love angst, buzz saw guitars and melodies to die for. The b-side still gets an occasional outing at live shows, and powers through its 92 seconds.

A month after I bought this I saw Buzzcocks live for the first time, supported by The Slits, at Portsmouth Locarno. They didn't disappoint.