About Me

My photo
Just musings and views. Nothing more, nothing less.

Thursday 18 January 2018

Vinyl #16 - Stiff Little Fingers

"Suspect Device" / "Wasted Life" (7" single, 45 rpm)

A brilliant band from Northern Ireland who wrote great guitar-based rock songs that spoke about the 'Troubles' in Ulster (hence "Suspect Device"). I immediately warmed to them when John Peel picked up on this - their debut single which was originally released on their own Rigid Digits label [rigid digits = stiff fingers, geddit?], and then picked up by that guaranteed-high-quality label Rough Trade - and this is the version I bought at Focus Records in Waterlooville. They subsequently recorded several great sessions for Peel.

SLF had a raw power and songs with honest lyrics that told the real story of what it was like to be a teenager living in a religiously divided province - they sang about issues that nobody else would sing about - often directly addressing the terrorists in their midst.

A more polished version of the song reappears on their classic debut album "Inflammable Material" but for sheer aggression and power this is my preferred version. I went on to buy several more of SLF's records (which may indeed appear on this blog at a later date) and saw them live at the Portsmouth Guildhall where they didn't disappoint. Like a lot of original punk bands SLF still play live and have a loyal, if ageing following. Personally I don't feel the urge to see them again, they were perfect for the time, but the world and the issues they sang about have moved on...






Here's the song:

https://youtu.be/ZedI0NPU6U4


Tuesday 2 January 2018

Vinyl #15 - U.K. Subs

"Stranglehold" (7", 45 rpm)


The UK Subs were part of the original punk rock scene, having formed in 1976, but this  single is the only record of theirs I bought. Although Peel played them a lot, they never really registered with me but this is a little gem of a song, a typical punk song of limited chords but great hook. And only just over two minutes long. Perfect. I love the red vinyl but can't remember whether that was a factor in buying it (quite possibly though!). 

The really interesting thing about the UK Subs is that they are still gigging and touring around the UK, and that 73 year-old (yes I said 73) lead singer Charlie Harper is the only original member left (he also writes the songs). I actually saw him at the Concorde 2 last October - he was at the bar watching his old mates the Buzzcocks who were playing at the venue. Looked pretty good for 73 years old, and still looks cool in a leather jacket...





And here's the song:

https://youtu.be/S0VEFalOnyQ