Vinyl #30 - Alternative TV

"Action Time Vision" (7" single)

Alternative TV were the brainchild of Mark Perry whose main claim to fame was in 1976 creating the first and best fanzine of the punk era - 'Sniffin' Glue'. A certain Danny Baker - a fellow Deptford boy - contributed with articles and we all know what happened to him. More here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sniffin%27_Glue

Like me, Perry was a bank clerk in real life who like a lot of us wanted to play punk music rather than write about it (he managed it, it took me over 20 years!).

Most of ATV's music was pretty ordinary to be honest but I bought this 1978 single because I've always liked it's energy - typical punk/pop fare but that's no bad thing. It's the only thing I own by them, the front cover is a mini-classic too. Here's the music:

https://youtu.be/ysPSqtCaDAk

Vinyl #29 - Jonathan Richman

"Roadrunner" (7" single, no picture sleeve)



I saw Jonathan Richman live at a gig in Portsmouth a few years ago - just him and an acoustic guitar along with a drummer. Fantastic in a quirky, individual way. 

I'm pretty sure this was after he became semi-famous from his appearance up a tree singing the title track to the hit movie "There's something about Mary". See https://youtu.be/v1Ev4kebjq0

Several versions of "Roadrunner" were recorded in 1972 before this version was released and was a hit in 1977. Even this version was actually recorded in 1974, which just shows that there's a time and a place for everything. 

This was Richman's big hit (although he did have another one called "Egyptian Reggae") "Roadrunner" is classic early US indie rock, living the song's title with driving guitars, bass and drums - the early 70's influence of the Velvet Underground is very apparent. All delivered with Richman's quirky (that word again) vocal delivery. It was a great radio hit, and still stands up. It also features a brilliant ending (I love a good ending).

Interestingly the A-side (above) is credited to Jonathan Richman whilst the B-side (below) is yet another (slower) version credited to his backing band The Modern Lovers.

Here's "Roadrunner Once": https://youtu.be/6ZWoJ8_75Mo

And here's "Roadrunner Twice": https://youtu.be/lJAUoBe6K7A