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:
