Albums of the Year 2019

Here is Old Indie Kid's Top Ten Albums of the Year 2019

I found this sitting in my drafts from December 2019 and it was never published until now. 

Being a top social media influencer if any of the bands featured want to send me any free merchandise or VIP concert tickets I will continue to promote your careers. ;-)


10) Days of the Bagnold Summer by Belle & Sebastian 
I understand that this is the soundtrack to an unreleased comedy film directed by Will from the Inbetweeners about a boy living with his mother set in the 1990s.  This explains the return to their original nineties sound and the inclusion of a couple of re-recorded tracks but it is mostly new material.  Top Track: "Get Me Away From Here I'm Dying".

9) A Bath Full Of Ecstasy by Hot Chip
Great songs with catchy hooks that grow on you like an unpleasant fungal infection but leave you grinning from ear to ear. Top Track: "Melody Of Love".

8) Hot Motion by Temples
They remain devoted to replicating 1960's psychedelic pop and they are unrivaled in the Chamber Psych genre. (Yes Chamber Psych. Try and keep up).  Top Track: "You're Either On Something".

7) Encore by The Specials
Social commentary in an age that needs it when too many artists appear to avoid it.  I only know their early material so was surprised by how good this modern album was. Top Track: "Embarrassed By You". 

6) Midnight Love, Vol 2 by Sloan Peterson
Only 8 songs on this release but all killer and no filler.  Beautiful vocals from Sloan singing classic pop songs accompanied by an Aussie garage band.  Sounds like Lana Del Rey fronting the Vaccines.  Top Track: "Our Love"

5) Lux Prima by Karen O & Danger Mouse
I always preferred the ballads from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.  Karen O has a great voice when she isn't being a shrieking punk rocker.  This album is her best work so far.  Switching a NYC punk band with the funky genius of Danger Mouse has elevated the quality of the music from the gutter to the coffee table.  Top Track: "Lux Prima"

4) Weezer (Teal Album) by Weezer
A covers album where Weezer manage to interpret classic songs faithfully whilst the album retains the homogeneous sound of a Weezer album.  Weezer's Teal album contains covers of famous songs originally released by Toto, Eurythmics, Black Sabbath,  Michael Jackson, The Turtles, Ben E King, TLC, ELO, Tears for Fears and A-ha.  Top Track: "Africa".

3) Apple Crumble by Winston Surfshirt
Laid back funky hip hop beats with Winston crooning away.  They sound like the Fun Lovin' Criminals if they chilled out and moved to a beach-side suburb in Australia.  Top Track: "Make A Move".

2) No Geography by The Chemical Brothers
A solid dance album that ranks alongside their 90's albums in big beats, squelchy 303s, use of samples and the overall consistency and intensity makes this the best dance album of the year.  Top Track: "Got To Keep On".

1)  Smooth Big Cat by Dope Lemon
A hazy narcotic trip from Angus Stone. Top Track: "Salt N Pepper".


Honorable mentions to bands that missed out in the top ten - Ride, Methyl Ethel, The Black Keys & Kaiser Chiefs.

Albums of the Year 2020

 Greetings Music Lovers,

Here is my 6th annual end of year review of my top ten albums.  I’ld like to start by quoting some lyrics from the I’m Good single by Hilltop Hoods.

“I’ve seen better days man, we all have, 2020’s nothing but an unshaped ball bag, it’s not all bad...” The soundtrack was phenomenal. 

#1. Finer Times In Other Worlds - Crimson Bloom

Teesider Andrew Johnson has been releasing music for nearly 20 years as a solo artist and under a few different names.  He sings with a successful cover band The Southmartins (Housemartins, Beautiful South, Paul Heaton).

In 2018 when it looked certain that The Stone Roses wouldn’t release another album he decided to write it himself.  He formed a band called Crimson Bloom and released an outstanding eponymous debut album influenced by the Roses and his love of the jangle pop of the late eighties.  This debut has been my most played album of 2020 but being two years old is ineligible. Maybe I should edit my previous posts and pretend I was on the ball back then? No - can’t be arsed. In August 2020 the Crimson Bloom follow up was released which was completed during isolation and lockdown conditions.  I have it on vinyl and there isn’t a bad note on it.  Sometimes pure indie rock pop with mystical pretensions, political undertones and baggy swagger.  Crimson Bloom have released six singles in 2020 (three from the album) a newer song Anticipation where they introduce funky acid to the mix and two covers Connected (Stereo MC’s) and Driving Home For Christmas (Chris Rea).  I’ve become a high fan and it has reinvigorated my love for new music. They have also refreshed my wardrobe with four band t-shirts.

Key songs: Cut Me Down, The Game of Love, Chasing Gold & The Brightest Star.

#2. The Tides of Time - The Mariners

Having turned my attention to the UK unsigned scene I discovered so many that 2020 will be remembered by me as a great renaissance of indie rock.  One album that stands out is from a Nottingham Band called The Mariners.  It’s a perfect collection of original songs with the sound of the mid-60s and other influences thrown in. Imagine The Monkees, The Kinks and The Animals covered by Supergrass or better still listen for yourselves.  The Mariners have wonderful artwork and release digital singles with b-sides.  They are already working on their second album due in early 2021.  #GetOnTheBoat

Key songs: Sycamore Street, Stuck Inside My Mind Not Fit For Use & Bring Her Back To Me.

#3. The Trip - Flip Fantazia 

A chilled electronic album with moody tracks designed for the mind rather than the feet.  Some samples steer the thoughts to topics the band want to promote.  Opener Hombre urges the listener to fight prejudice. Wombarra provides chilled drum n bass and a bit of didgeridoo.  S900 is my personal favourite - an ode to samplers including a description of the technique. Fracture could be lifted straight off Air’s Moon Safari.  The final two tracks take it up a few notches in case anyone dozes off.  Drums, rumbling bass and electronic squiggles propel Silver Spoon.  The album finale has beats, “wa wa wa wa wa wahs”, vocals, sinister overtures and the pressure builds until it suddenly stops.  If you’re seeking a break from the norm then let Flip Fantazia’s The Trip take you on a journey.  The band have made a trippy visualisation video to accompany the album which can be watched on YouTube.  https://youtu.be/BJuPvX5insA 

Key tracks: S900, Fracture, Hombre & Free By Design 

#4. Where Does It Go - Denise Johnson 

A Manchester songbird legend tragically taken just months before the release of her debut album. For thirty years Denise appeared on indie records providing vocals for other acts (Primal Scream 90-94 era, A Certain Ratio, The Charlatans, Electronic, Bernard Butler, Johnny Marr, Ian Brown etc.) She was loved by fans who crowd funded her funeral costs after her untimely death.  This album demonstrates her powerful voice on a collection of covers from Manchester bands (10cc, New Order, The Smiths) and some originals.  R.I.P. Denise

Key songs: Steal Around Me Easy, I’m Not On Love, Well I Wonder & True Faith.

#5. The Universal Want - Doves

Another Manchester band back with their first album in eleven years as the long awaited follow up to 2009’s Kingdom of Rust. The  The Universal Want is a stronger collection in my opinion.  It has anthems, powerful vocals, top imagery and intricate drum patterns. Doves have come back at the top of their game. 

Key songs: Carousels, Cathedrals Of The Mind, Prisoners & Broken Eyes.

#6. The Slow Rush - Tame Impala

The 4th album by Aussie producer Kevin Parker (Local Legend).  It comes five years after predecessor Currents.  The common theme of The Slow Rush is time with songs titled after yesterday, tomorrow, time, years and hours. Opener One More Year poses the question where will we be a year from now?  The possibilities and the trap of routine.  Released on Valentines Day 2020 before a year that no-one expected.  A year from now I’ll be watching a rescheduled Tame Impala homecoming gig in Perth. 

Key songs: One More Year, Posthumous Forgiveness, Lost In Yesterday & Borderline.

#7. Working Men’s Club - Working Men’s Club

Another band from Manchester that have successfully melded indie rock and dance music with the emphasis clearly on dance here.  It’s like a dance album if it was made by  Joy Division in 1979 fronted by the ghost of Mark E Smith - at a rave.  Album closer Angel is an epic and comes in at over 12 minutes long like Flowered Up playing thrash metal. Very dark disco from Northern England.  

Key tracks: Valleys, White Rooms and People, John Cooper Clarke & A.A.A.A. 

#8. The Glow - DMAs

Third studio album from Melbourne’s Madchester fanboys.  The DMAs are very popular in Australia and this album has had cut through on the international stage.  They have incorporated more beats, synths and electronic noodling to their Shoegazy Oasis sound.  Key songs: The Glow, Life Is A Game Of Changing & Silver.

#9. The Erratic Explosion of Colour and Compassion - Alligator Moon

A psychedelic poppy rock band from Yorkshire.  Heavy on distortion, thundering drums, guitar licks and dance beats. Only 80 monthly listeners on Spotify so get onto them and play their wonderful debut album.

Key tracks: Podrick Payne’s Love Train, Numb, Feel The Past and Marmalade Dreams.

#10. Twin Heavy - Willie J Healey 

A singer songwriter from Oxfordshire with his second album. The nostalgic sounds of a 1970s ex-Beatle solo album recorded live to tape.  Willie is a great talent who has penned a top collection of interesting and catchy songs.  The orchestration on Twin Heavy rewards repeat listening.  There is just too much to take in with a single play. 

Key songs: Songs for Joanna, True Stereo, Fashun & Why You Gotta Do It?

Merry Christmas, Keep Safe and Happy New Year

Old Indie Kid’s Mixtape Dec 2020

 Here is my final monthly blog for 2020, a year that none of us will forget.  Like everyone else, I’m hoping next year will start to see a return to normality in the battle against the virus.  But I shall also remember 2020 for being a brilliant year for new music and I’m hopeful that this will continue for some time.  I always hunger for great new music but this year the quantity and quality has been unrivaled since the last great indie rock scene of the early Noughties led by The White Stripes, The Strokes and the The Libertines. It’s great being Twitter friends with all the bands and artists and  being part of the community of bands, fans, bloggers, DJ's and nutters from the #VirtualPubCrawl.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you another twenty talented acts from The Roaring Twenties. 

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Dec 2020 Spotify Playlist 

1) Anticipation by Crimson Bloom

A surprise release from Crimson Bloom who are moving on up and introducing new elements to their sound.  It opens with a wicked bass line, incorporates beats, an organ solo and builds up and up until the drop where it goes all tweaking acid funk bonkers.  I’ve not heard a single bad word said about the Blooms’ new direction. Then again, people know I wouldn’t stand for any nonsense.  As licky as trips.

2) Tin Man by Thrillhouse

Bloody brilliant single from Brighton’s Brightest.  It opens with a whirling tape, crowd noises and a beat reminiscent of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour.  A bit of wacka wacka guitar (for want of a real musical term), the obligatory sax section and an infectious tune that demands repeat listening.  However I cannot make any sense of the lyrics so I gave up and just enjoyed it for what it is.  Given how prolific Thrillhouse have become, I'll be shaken if they weren’t planning to drop a little festive cheer in December!

3) Equate by Dictator 

Equate is taken from a mental health charity EP released last month with two Scottish bands covering each other’s songs.  This song was written by Volka and performed by Dictator - a band I have great hopes for. Buy the EP here. https://dictatorvolka.bandcamp.com/album/dictator-x-volka

4) The Ballard of Me And Thee by Liam Hillyer

Liam Hillyer has now expanded his sound by adding a band with no name.  The Ballad of Me and Thee is yet another rousing single.  I’ve loved the last three or four releases and Liam Hillyer seems to have a regular place on my monthly playlist. It is well deserved. 

5) Fairytale Scene by Daydream Runaways 

I love the way this song starts with a chuckle, has a doorbell in it and feels like an early Strokes single.  The Daydream Runaways are gaining a bit of momentum with the in crowd and were very nearly endorsed by the actor who played Jay from the Inbetweeners! Surely it won’t be long until our Champion Bobby Carlyle gets in on the act.

6) Going Away by Plastic Glass

Top Sunderland band with a powerful blast of indie rock n roll.  Check them out and give them a follow on your platform of choice.  Plastic Glass have a physical CD for sale on Bandcamp containing this and previous singles Let Me Know and Come Clean. https://plasticglass.bandcamp.com/album/going-away

7) Sally by The Lilacs

Wigan band The Lilacs with their first new release in over a year.  Sally is a song about a woman struggling with kids and bills and planning to get back with her ex. The Lilacs are planning to release some vinyl hopefully before Christmas and get back to the studio as soon as the lockdown allows. If you don’t know them then go and check out their previous songs Vicarage Road and Seen It All.

8) First Fire by Red Cavalry 

This is my favourite song so far by Red Cavalry. It’s a jangle pop tale of love/lust at first sight.  

9) Different Way by Felix Hill

Felix is a talented enigmatic teenage singer-songwriter from Manchester.  He sounds uncannily like a young Mozza on Different Way. Felix’s voice and the production on this single are absolutely fantastic so I can’t wait to hear more.

10) Dublin Serenade by Amelia Coburn

Speaking of fantastic voices, Amelia Coburn has one of the finest going at the moment.  She’s released a couple of ukulele based cover albums with her interpretations of The Clash, The Jam, The Roses and Bowie among others.  This beautiful song is outstanding and is available for pre-order on vinyl over on Bandcamp. https://ameliacoburn.bandcamp.com/

Amelia Coburn and Teenage Waitress are playing an online gig on Facebook on Friday 4/12/20.  https://m.facebook.com/rebirthofcoollive/

11) Home by Vela Incident 

A ode to retreating from the world to the comforts of your home. An anthem for introvert released during a year of lock downs.  The song starts softly and the music builds throughout transforming from a gentle statement of intent to a defiant call.  There is no verse/chorus here just a repetition of the same eight lines so the song structure offers stability and suggests a safe place mirroring the theme of the lyrics.  A great song that is a firm favourite with everyone who has been snared on its refrain. 

12) Hooked by Cobain Jones

Cobain’s latest single opens with an acoustic strum, before drums and bass join the picture.  Distant horns enliven proceedings before the outro reverts to vocals and acoustic guitar. Hooked is a modern pop classic song about the free spirited Rosie who always leaves them wanting more with a trail of admirers in her wake His next single Wonder is released this coming Friday. 

13) Star City Serenade by Jay Tennant

The second song with serenade in the title this month.  I honestly don’t think I’ve ever typed that word before today. Jay is another talented artist in a crowded field.  He’s releasing brilliant indie guitar music, has a new album coming out in 2021 and he’s also a top bloke and active on Twitter sharing his favourite songs.

14) S900 by Flip Fantazia ft. ERaze

An ode to sampling taken off Flip Fantazia’s amazing The Trip album.  This is my most played track of theirs  so wanted to share it.  Boom Bap!  Another quality emerging act you can support on Bandcamp.

15) Stargazing by Independent Music Club

Beautiful guitar playing, twinkling chimes and an astronomical theme.  

16) Wasted by Connie Miles

Now here’s another beautiful emotional song co-written by Connie and her Dad Ian Miles.  It’s an excellent performance and great production.  It really deserves a wider audience.  Connie is also the front woman for Revivalry and a little bird has told me to watch out for a Revivalry Christmas cover song in the next few weeks. Be warned - it might be a little shaky!

17) Sad Eyes by The Shop Window

Maidstone’s The Shop Window have been releasing songs under this name for the past 12 months now having reformed musical alliances that date back to the 90's when they were known as Westpier.  Their latest single is an emotional one inspired by Carl’s visit to see his ageing Grandma. The band harmonies and hypnotic guitars are excellent here.  The Shop Window plan to release their debut album The State of Being Human in 2021 and there is also talk of vinyls coming soon. Given that it’s December I must give a shout out for The Shop Window’s Christmas song.  Signpost is wonderful and the best original Christmas song I’ve heard in the last decade.  Listen to Signpost on their Bandcamp site and buy some digital singles. https://theshopwindow.bandcamp.com/track/signpost 

18) Bored of Babies by Bad Nerves

Bad Nerves are an East London Punk Band playing fast thrash punk pop songs.  They have just released a self titled album full of Ramones inspired rock n roll.  

19) All That I Know by Sages Of The Subway

The Sages of the Subway are channeling their inner War On Drugs here to great effect.  This band have only released a handful of songs over the last few years and I hope this indie-cates (could help it) their new direction as they do it so well.  They are clearly great musicians and songwriters so check out their back catalogue.

20) Merry Christmas by Willie J Healey

A modern Christmas song that sounds traditional.  It doesn’t rely upon gimmicks just warms the cockles of your heart.  Willie has released a brilliant album this year called Twin Heavy which has the vibe of a post- Beatles solo album from the early Seventies.

Epilogue...

Don’t forget that Bandcamp Friday is 4th December so head there and buy some physical or virtual music and support the artists you love. Also The Mariners new 3 track EP Dear Genevieve is available for pre-order.  https://themariners.bandcamp.com/album/dear-genevieve-single

Finally Michael Tanner (Rebirth of Cool Blogger) and myself are currently counting down our combined top 100 independent songs of the year in a series of videos hosted on YouTube.  If you want to hear our considered opinions on such matters and learn some new dance moves then you need to check out the Indie 100 countdown videos on the Rebirth of Cool TV channel.  https://www.youtube.com/user/Mobytanner

Merry Christmas 

Danny / @Oldindiekid1

Old Indie Kid’s Mixtape Nov 2020

The Past was Mine...

This month marks the fifth anniversary of my monthly new music blog. Here is where it started if you want to jump back to my original blog oldindiekid.blogspot.com Nov 2015

It was a simpler time - before David Bowie died, before Brexit, before Trump and before Covid.  The tunes were great too -  King Gizz & The Liz Wiz, Kurt Vile, Methyl Ethel, Surfer Blood, The Chemical Brothers,  Mercury Rev, Mark Morriss, Johnny Marr, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds & DMA's,

Apart from some time off in early 2020 when I got distracted by rejoining Twitter and the pandemic, I have been publishing my musical recommendations to anyone who cared (and many who don't) for half a decade now so I've given myself a badge to celebrate.  After 18 years I get a pint.   

But The Future's Yours...

Here we go then - another twenty songs some ramblings and a Spotify playlist if you want listen along at home.  I recommend you support the artists buy paying for digital or physical copies of music and merchandise.  Head over to Bandcamp on Friday 6th November for the next Bandcamp Friday when they waive their fees so the artists get all the profit.   

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Nov 2020 Spotify Playlist 

1) Red Smoke by The Reytons

Just released this weekend - Red Smoke is the first new music from The Reytons in six months.  It’s a huge tune and a real headbanger.  There is a bit of a theme in my playlist this week.  Everyone seems to be writing about rioting.  

2) Tally-Ho by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets 

Western Australian psychedelic prog rockers with another epic song.  They’ve featured several times on my blog over the last 5 years and have just announced their 4th album is coming out in February 2021.

3) Red Leather (Disco Dave’s Extended Remix) by Callow Youth  

Red Leather is an uppercut of riffs, drums and beats that I consider a modern classic.  This remix was done by Phil Morris (head of 42’s Records) and Dave Pemberton (a former collaborator of major dance acts Prodigy, Orbital & Chemical Brothers) was released as a treat on Christmas Day 2019. Giving an excellent rock track another lease of life and bringing further attention to the Callow Youth band.

4) Feel The Past by Alligator Moon

The Yorkshire psychedelic rock band have featured previously on my blog and return with a funky infectious slab of disco rock and a snappy lo-fi video.  Check it out and their fantastic debut album "The Erratic Explosion of Colour & Compassion".

5) Here Come The Cops by The Stone Foxes 

This sonic assault of a tune doesn’t pull any punches as the Californians attack the US police force over the death of George Floyd and countless others. 

6) I Need Air by Shocks

A new Northern Irish rock band from Bangor, who I discovered this month - they remind me of early Therapy? I used to enjoy metal, grunge and hard rock as a spotty teenager. I’ve definitely mellowed in my tastes but can certainly appreciate the harder edges of indie-rock which dominates this month’s playlist.

7) Needle’s Eye by Connie Miles

Over icy synths, Connie Miles provides icy vocals reminiscent of cool chanteuse Nico (of VU fame).  Remarkable for a 16 year old.  Connie also fronts indie school of rock band Revivalry, who I hear have a belter of a third single coming out in the next couple of weeks.

8) Love Collides by Shambolics 

Scottish indie band from Fife who have been signed and championed by Alan McGee - who (like me) has a fair track record for spotting talent.  ;-)

9) Sun’s Gone In On Me by Scuttlers 

The forth single from Manchester’s Scuttlers makes it four from four.  If you haven’t already heard this band then give them a spin and a follow - I guarantee it will improve your day.

10) Shrink by Tom Lumley and the Brave Liaison

“I need to get some sleep” - I can relate to the opening refrain. This song, full of furious guitar riffs, is about tackling your inner demons but not making progress with your current mental health professional.  It’s a great tune and fantastic to have this topic mentioned in song by an indie rock band.  The last time I can recall a shrink being mentioned in song was 25 years ago in Green Day’s Basket Case.

11) Alternative To Love by The Debris 

Awesome London punk band under the influence of The Clash. I made a last minute substitution and included the Alternative To Love single from July in place of current single Setting Sun because those in the know are all over the new song and I adore the jail guitar doors vibe here. 

12) Be There by The Voyd

I’ve been aware of the Voyd for the last six months and to be honest I could take or leave them.  I listen to a lot of new music and sometimes that means making initial judgement and moving on to the next band.  But this new Be There single blew me away and I now admit to being Voyd-curious. I’ve gone back and listened to their previous singles and I'm also enjoying Fallen Empire and Shameless.

13) Borderlines by Apollo Junction 

A proper anthem this, and a return to the fighting on the streets theme.  A great follow up to their Forever and Sometimes singles.  I’ve yet to listen to their debut album released last year but it’s on my list of things to do next week - promise! 

14) Darkness Falls by Skylights 

Great band from York who have branched out from their usual sound and have come up smelling of roses on this modern anthem.  I’m sure it’s my most played song since it was released a couple of weeks ago.  CDs and Vinyls of Darkness Falls also include the legendary YRA song. Shop here...  42srecords.tmstor.es/

15) Sonder by The Superlatives 

A rock trio from Leeds who sound like a punky version of Oasis.  They have the songs, the voice, the swagger and attitude to put a rocket up the arse of something or other.  Definitely one to watch.  

16) Lost Inside by Independent Music Club

An unhinged rock song full of guitars, big beats, Lewis Carol inspired lyrics.  Hard to describe in words but the closest I can think of is imagine Achtung Baby if it was written on Acid. Also check out IMC's Stargazing single which was bumped off the playlist by this new release.

17) Where Did It All Go Wrong? by The Maitlands

“Strung out on caffeine, fear of the vaccine, learnt everything I know from TV and glossy magazines” Manchester band’s single released back in June but has been a favourite of mine for many months now. It’s a bit gloomy but so is 2020.

18) 2020 WTF! by Jim Bob

Jim Bob (of Carter USM fame) wrote this song at the end of 2019.  He correctly guessed that 2020 would be a shit year.  At 27 seconds it’s the shortest song ever included in my blog. 

19) Into The Outer Light by Juliper Sky

A five piece band from Manchester with some new shoegaze to take your mind off current problems and lose yourself in their swirling music.

20) Just Remember - Andrew Johnson 

A brilliant song from Andrew Johnson’s back catalogue.  The Crimson Bloom front man has been busy this year aside from releasing the Bloom’s second album.  He has also released three solo EPs which have all been included on a CD with 50% of sales being donated to NSPCC.  Buy the CD over on Bandcamp here  andrewjohnson1.bandcamp.com

Follow me on twitter @oldindiekid1 for more frequent ramblings and recommendations - otherwise I'll be back with my December round up early next month.

Further reading

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Oct 2020
Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Sep 2020

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Oct 2020

The Prologue ... 

There are plenty of indie rock n roll recommendations in my monthly round up that I have discovered over on the Bandcamp site.  I have included links below so you can support the emerging bands during these troubled times.  Last week I was gutted when another talented young musician Joe Astley put his music career on hold given he couldn't secure gigs under the lockdown restrictions.  Joe says he plans to come back with a vengeance when the pandemic is over but it is another reminder that bands need music fans support more than ever before.  If you've got some spare cash then you can help them with some physical sales.  Crank up this Spotify playlist and then read on...    

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Oct 2020 Spotify Playlist 

1) Fracture by Flip Fantazia

Douglas & Tim from Flip Fantazia presumably lifted their name from the lyrics of the Canterloop single by 90's acid jazz hip hop group Us3.  In May 2020 Flip Fantazia released their top notch electronic psychedelic debut album which is a real pleasure to listen to in full and each track wanders in a different direction without disintegrating.  Go and buy yourself a digital or limited edition vinyl copy from their Bandcamp page. flipfantazia.bandcamp.com  The downbeat disco track I've selected to open this month's playlist would fit neatly on Air's Moon Safari.  

2) Low Sun (Space_Kid Remix) by Moonlight Parade

Moonlight Parade's mate - the mysterious Space_Kid strikes again with his fourth remix of the band.  The first three were brilliant so my hopes were high for this remix and it doesn't disappoint.  Some of Space_Kid's previous remixes can be found here... moonlightparade1.bandcamp.com

3) Classic Weekender by Sterling

Debut single from Manchester's Sterling celebrating the joys of getting wasted all weekend.  Personally I'm at the getting up early to drive to kid's sport stage of my life so classic weekenders are few and far between for me but I have fond hazy recollections. Still classic weekenders are still popular and available (subject to local lockdown restrictions).

4) Valleys by Working Men's Club 

I only discovered Working Men's Club last week on Bandcamp but I am fascinated with their sound.  They have released a handful of singles over the last two years and their debut album is out on 1st October.  Imagine Joy Division fronted by Mark E. Smith mixing post-punk with dance music. If you imagined New Order I don't blame you but listen to their songs as my words don't do them justice.   workingmensclub.bandcamp.com

5) Glyn by Polyhymns

Polyhyms describe themselves as a mix of folk pop and electronica.  This organ based instrumental track reminds me of the type of cut we used to get from The Charlatans during the Rob Collins era. polyhymns.bandcamp.com

6) The Game of Love by Crimson Bloom

Crimson Bloom have just released the shimmering Chasing Gold song as a new single, but as I'm so cutting edge I included it on last month's blog.  Instead I want to draw your attention to The Game of Love from their second album Finer Times In Other Worlds.  It features menacing hushed vocals delivered over a chilled funky baggy jam.   Do yourself a favour and pick up both Crimson Bloom albums from Bandcamp.  crimsonbloom.bandcamp.com  

 7) One of These Days by Thrillhouse 

Brighton's Thrillhouse like to protect their identity by blurring their faces on promotional photos.  Then they admitted it allows them to pretend to be younger and more handsome.  A strategy I may adopt myself.  Thrillhouse are a fantastic band with five singles under their belt.  One of These Days was their debut. 

8) Get Ready by The Skints

I've loved The Skints for several years now and after hearing Get Ready, the latest single from this  London reggae band, I discovered it was a cover.  The original was released in 96 by the Californian band Sublime.  I wasn't aware of Sublime's existence until now but they made some interesting music mixing reggae, ska, hip hop, punk and surf rock.  Sublime and The Skints are both worth further investigation if you enjoy your reggae.  the-skints.bandcamp.com

9) Evacuate by The Shop Window  

Based in Maidstone, the Shop Window sing a song about setting down roots after many years living in different cities.  Their advice is to "Evacuate this anxious state and keep calm".  My advice is listen to their four singles on  theshopwindow.bandcamp.com  

     

10) Loving Only Gets You Down by Little Strange

Little Strange are yet another Manchester band and this track has a pleasing glam rock stomp to it.  I have been playing this regularly for about three months and it still sounds fresh to my ears.  

11) Weight of the World by GreenCircles

GreenCircles are another of my favourite acts discovered this year.  Weight of the World is taken from the Start Again EP.  Start Again and all previous singles (including some exclusives) can be found here   greencircles1.bandcamp.com  This haunting arrangement of a tender song is reminiscent of an early Smiths records.

12) Get Rid by Liam Hillyer

Speaking of The Smiths, Widnes songwriter Liam Hillyer does an excellent cover version of Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want which he says is his favourite song of all time.  Liam has just released the more rocky Get Rid as the follow up to Marquee. 

13) Bring Me Love by The Heavy North

Soulful blues rockers The Heavy North are, as the name implies, both Heavy and Northern.  What more do you need to know?  Play it, dig it and buy it here...  theheavynorth.bandcamp.com

   

14) Shivers by Thom Southern

Irish rocker Thom Southern's debut single is a catchy anthem and drenched in layered guitars.  I heard a snippet of an acoustic version of Shivers and  hope he releases the full acoustic version sometime.  Apparently Thom is the brother of Lucy Gaffney who has featured several times on my monthly playlists this year.  I'm looking forward to hearing more from this talented family.  

15) Everything Is An Attempt To Be Human by Afflecks Palace

The fourth, final and title track from their second EP.  They formed as a Stone Roses tribute band, but have emerged as a quality band penning their own original tunes.  Afflecks Palace have released 8 songs so far and all are brilliant.            

16) Love Comes In Waves by Andy Bell  

Hypnotic chiming guitars and a wonderful song taken from the forthcoming debut solo album from the Ride founder who has been very productive during his lockdown.  Former Oasis bandmate Gem Archer plays on several tracks on Andy's new album. andybell.bandcamp.com   

17) Through The Valley by Tash Sultana

Australian artist Tash Sultana with a wonderfully chilling cover.  Tash has been a big deal in Australia for the last four years and she is currently working on her second album.  If you like this check out her early singles. tashsultanaaus.bandcamp.com

18) Cathedrals of the Mind by Doves

It's so good to have new music from Doves after a gap of eleven years.  This is one of the standout tracks from the new album The Universal Want.  When I saw Doves had a song called Cathedrals of the Mind I thought "That's gonna be absolutely brilliant".  I love being right sometimes.

19) Can Love Be This Thing I Found by The Explosions

The debut single from Glasgow band The Explosions.  Sounds like the Jesus and Mary Chain to me but they describe their sound as a mix of Madchester and 60s rock so eagerly awaiting further Explosions. 

20) Coming To Get You Nowhere by This Is The Kit

Kate Stables is an English folk rocker who has spent the last few years touring as a part of US band The National.  Coming to Get You Nowhere is taken from her new album due in late October.  I am a huge fan of her previous album 2017's Moonshine Freeze so looking forward to this.  thisisthekit.bandcamp.com

The Epilogue ...

I hope you've got this far down the page given all the distracting links.    

For anyone new to Bandcamp - just head there, create an account and follow the artists you enjoy. You can buy digital downloads or physical products and the artists get 85-90% of the takings.  The first Friday of each month in 2020 Bandcamp will waive their fees so the artists get it all.  So if you plan to buy some stuff on this site do it on Friday 2nd October 2020 to maximise the profits for the artists.  

Two bands featured this month (The Shop Windows and Polyhymns) were tip-offs from my Twitter mate @MobyTanner and my final recommendation is to follow  The Rebirth Of Cool his excellent music blog where he introduces loads of new indie bands with a greater frequency than my monthly schedule.   

            Cheers Danny / @oldindiekid1

 

The Indie Years 1986

Welcome to the tenth installment of my indie retrospective where I will cover the music of 1986.  I looked at the news of the year and three stories jumped out at me - The US Challenger shuttle explosion, the Chernobyl meltdown and the Mexico '86 World Cup.  In fashion I recall everyone at school had to have one lime green and one fluro orange sock or you weren't cool.  At the cinema Crocodile Dundee, Aliens Platoon and Top Gun were playing.  And the indie soundtrack is detailed below.

 

The Indie Years 1986 Spotify Playlist

           

1) There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths (Rough Trade)

Released on The Queen Is Dead album and considered as a potential single.  The doomed romantic theme and lyrics “to die by your side - well the pleasure and privilege are mine” were deemed too dark for 1980s radio playlists.  The song topped John Peel’s Festive Fifty in 86 and the song finally got released as a single in 92 to promote a Best Of collection.  Safe to say that There Is A Light That Never Goes Out is one of the greatest and most beloved indie songs of all time.

2) Really Stupid by The Primitives (Lazy) 

Thrashing garage pop with squalling guitars.  The Primitives were a indie band from Coventry who existed between 84-92  Success eluded them at this stage but they did score a UK hit in 1988 when Crash reached #5 in the charts.

3) All I Want For Christmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit by Half Man Half Biscuit (Probe Plus)

Taken from the debut EP The Trumpton Riots.  This song reminisces about childhood games Scalextric and Subbuteo and how they were unreliable and led to fights.  “And you’ll always get palmed off with a headless centre forward and a goalkeeper with no arms and a face like his”.

4) I Believe by R.E.M. (I.R.S.) 

First single from their fourth album.  Stripe’s vocals were clearer, more audible and less mumbled on the Life’s Rich Pageant album so he got the chance to be the voice of a generation and deliberately rejects it with stream of consciousness lyrics that proclaim nothing more than platitudes.  “I believe in Coyotes and time as an abstract”.  Elsewhere on the album R.E.M. introduce environmental and political songs (Cuyahoga, The Flowers of Guatemala and Fall On Me). 

5) And She Was by Talking Heads (Sire)

A song about a girl who keeps floating around her neighbourhood, very high on acid.

6) Freaky Dancin by Happy Mondays (Factory)
The funk pop of Happy Mondays is unmistakable on this early single.  Shaun’s unique vocal technique hasn’t evolved much over the years and the band speed up as the song goes on.  The Mondays just did what they wanted and the World bent around them accepting these Mavericks just as they are.

7) Happy Hour by The Housemartins (Go! Discs)

The upbeat drinking song that propelled The Housemartins into the charts and a place on every pub jukebox.  Obviously the lyrics undercut the cheery bonhomie of after work drinks with the closed minds and sexist work colleagues. “It’s Happy Hour Again, I think I might be happy if I wasn’t out with them”.  Paul Heaton would return to the dark side of drinking many times in his career.  Refer to Old Red Eyes Is Back by The Beautiful South for example. 

 

8) Velocity Girl by Primal Scream (Creation)

This 82 second rush of indie pop adrenaline was released as a B-side.  It opened NME’s C86 compilation cassette that gave a name to the alternative jangly guitar power pop sound that dominated the compilation.

9) Always The Sun by The Stranglers (Epic)

The Stranglers pre-dated Punk, embraced it and survived it.  This mid 80s poppy rock song is enhanced by the lyrics which pose many rhetorical questions, with a singalong chorus.  There are some nice guitar parts here, pneumatic drumming and an impressive cramming of too many words at the end of each verse.

10) E=MC2  by Big Audio Dynamite (Columbia)

After being fired from The Clash, Mick Jones created a new band B.A.D. which combined funk, reggae, dance and were early adopters of sampling music and film clips.  Joe Strummer later reunited with Mick Jones and co produced and co-authored much of B.A.D.’s second album.

11) Black Hole by James (Sire)

After a couple of EPs released on Factory, Manchester’s James released two albums on the Sire label.  A popular live band with a strong local following they had time to develop out of the spotlight before they emerged on the indie discos of the early Nineties.

12) Sometimes by Erasure (Mute)

Erasure’s fourth single was a great seductive pop song which made #2 in the UK charts. Vince Clarke had already been a founding member of Depeche Mode and Yazoo before teaming up with singer Andy Bell and forming the Synth-pop duo Erasure in 1985.  They are still playing together 35 years later.

13) Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order (Factory)
My favourite New Order song - there have been so many versions and remixes of this over the years and I love them all.  Pop Heaven.

14) Some Candy Talking by Jesus And Mary Chain (Creation)

Is it about sex or drugs?  It’s certainly Rock n Roll and influenced by the Velvet Underground who recorded the similarly titled “Candy Says”.   

15) Once More by The Wedding Present (Reception)

Second single from Leeds based The Wedding Present, featuring their trademark frantic guitars and drums with David Gedge’s distinctive vocals pleading for one more chance.  

16) Infected by The The (Some Bizarre)

The The With a song about love being a sickness.  

17) Rise by Public Image Ltd (Virgin)

An anti-Apartheid protest record written about Nelson Mandela (still a political prisoner at the time).

"Anger is an energy" screams John Lydon.  Ten years after Anarchy In The UK, his fire is still burns.    

18) Ballard of the Band by Felt (Creation)

Lawrence feels like giving in after years of no fame and no money.   He carried on for another three years and disbanded the band in 89 having released 10 albums in 10 years.  He later formed Denim.

19) Wide Open Road by The Triffids (Mushroom)
Post-Punk band from Perth, Western Australia with a tale of the loneliness and the freedom of the outback.  A true blue Aussie classic.

20) Swamp Thing by The Chameleons (Geffen)
What an intro!  Trippy, twangy guitars and a steady dance beat For the first two minutes.  This Manchester band had three albums in the mid 80s and Swamp Thing was their final and highest charting single reaching the giddy heights of #82.  Noel Gallagher was a big fan and has cited them as a major influence on his songwriting.  It would have been interesting to see where The Chameleons could have gone if they were still active during the Madchester years.


Further Reading...
The Indie Years 1985
The Indie Years 1984
The Indie Years 1983
The Indie Years 1982
The Indie Years 1981
The Indie Years 1980
The Indie Years 1979
The Indie Years 1978
The Indie Years 1977

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape September 2020

Welcome to my first Monthly Blog of 2020.   Each month I pick my top twenty new songs (released or discovered) and put them in my monthly Spotify playlist which will be linked below and write some blurb on why I love these records.  I had been writing these regularly since November 2015 but I've been slack  haven't updated my blog since December.  

I spent much of January listening to the Britpop Banter Podcast @britpopbanter and created a Twitter account to get involved with the musical debates on old beloved albums.  However, once on Twitter I discovered so many fantastic bands coming out of the UK, mostly unsigned and a large community of like-minded (often mature/immature) nutters who love the old bands (Oasis, Roses, Charlatans, Ride etc) but were also open to hearing something new.  So hopefully if you're reading this you will stick the playlist on and enjoy some amazing new songs whilst reading my whitterings below.

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Sept 2020 Spotify Playlist

1) Days Gone By by Dictator  @Dictator_Band
This Scottish's band's third single is an immense track that creeps towards your ears with menacing intent and contains dark hypnotic rhythms reminiscent of Dandy Warhols Come Down era.  Be warned, this music is infectious and will demand repeated plays as it worms it's way deeper into your mind.      

2) Brightstar by Social Room  @SocialRoomband

Starts with horns, the drums kick in, a powerful gravely voice and guitars begin to build to a killer chorus.  Social Room hail from Sunderland and this track is the lead song from a 5-track EP released twelve months ago.  They have a new single about to come out so give them a follow. 

   

3) Start Again by GreenCircles @greencircles74
The lead track from the new E.P. from Newcastle's GreenCircles. Amazing vocals here accompanied by some lush strings.  I've been following this band for about six months now and bought all their singles over on Bandcamp.  GreenCircles singles are fairly varied in style and you can hear influences from Primal Scream, The Stone Roses, Teenage Fanclub and especially the Liverpool music scene.  They haven't put a foot wrong in my book and are one of my top finds of the year.    

   

4) Chasing Gold by Crimson Bloom @CrimsonBloomUK

Crimson Bloom are my favourite new band discovered in 2020.  They were formed by Andrew Johnson (aka #MrBloom) a prolific singer songwriter with a plan to create an album in a similar style to The Stone Roses debut.  The Crimson Bloom band recreate the jangly guitar pop, indie rockers and spaced out baggy grooves from the late 80s/early 90s that first turned me on to great music. Crimson Bloom have two excellent albums and a selection of great T-shirts which can be found in my wardrobe and over on Bandcamp.  

5) Please Don't (In Isolation)  by Bloosoms & Courteeners  @BlossomsBand & @thecourteeners

Blossoms have been recording a series of isolation covers during their lockdown and remotely recording with other bands.  I don't know a lot about the Courteeners - I hear they are big in Manchester and Please Don't was probably a big hit back in the day but the song was new to me.  Listen out and name the snippet of another classic song they segue into on this version.     

6) Marmalade Dreams by Alligator Moon  @alligator__moon
Strange things are afoot in West Yorkshire and it involves the Alligator Moon, a time portal to 1967 and a field of magic mushrooms.  Whether these are linked or co-incidental needs further investigation.  Marmalade Dreams is taken from The Erractic Explosion of Colour & Compassion album released in April.     

7) Has It All Gone Wrong by The Jack Fletcher Band @jackfband
Good question?  In general - yes it has but the advice from this talented Wolverhampton band is to keep keeping on.  What else can we do?   

8) Reasons To Be (Spacekid Remix) by Moonlight Parade @band_parade
Another of my favourite new bands come from the South Coast and have two LPs, some EPs and a handful of remixes by the mysterious Spacekid.  This tune was released in February and is my pick of the trippy dance remixes.       

9) Lucy by DDE's @wearetheddes

The DDE's are a great Manchester band and their latest EP Calm Before The Storm is a sonic blast - four tracks all killer no filler.  

10) Behind The Sun by Eskobar 
This beast of a track comes from a Stockholm band that have been playing together since the mid 90's. 

11) Youth by Pioneers @UK_Pioneers
Southampton's Pioneers with a tale of hedonism - they play unglamorous indie rock n roll and sound like a laddish version of The Libertines.  Plenty to love here.     

12) Fake ID by Spyres @spyr3s
Two female singers in this this excellent Scottish indie rock band Singing about blagging their way into venues with fake ID.  Absolutely brilliant - only two songs on Spotify so far but they are gaining a huge following. 

13) Affliction by Pink Tide Great Three piece band from Teeside who unfortunately split up during the lockdown when one third quit the band.  Two thirds plan to continue working together and hope to re-emerge with a new band.  These are the times we are living in so if you can afford to, please support the artists you love.  Like my dentist once told me, "Only brush the ones you want to keep".    

14) Something's Gotta Give by Jamie Webster @JamieWebster94

Jamie just released his debut album We Get By in August and he's another massive talent emerging from Liverpool.  This is a savage take on the crooked clowns of the Boris Johnson government failing the country and "the dreamers left out to rot".  Heartbreaking but an amazing protest song.

  

15) Tangled Up by The Royston Club @TheRoystonClub
Welsh band from Wrexham who have just signed a management deal this week. They have clocked up over half a million streams on Spotify and sold out three gigs at the end of the year.  Great band - give their latest EP This State I'm In a spin.  

16) Nobody Else by Dylan John Thomas @DylanJohnThoma5
Young Scottish singer songwriter with some lovely songs and a big following.  This song was released in March 2019 and is close to a million streams now.  Not bad for a recording he made in his shed. 

17) On The Back Burner by The Reytons @TheReytons
The Reytons have been going for a few years now telling the tales of the Kids off the Estate. The Reytons sound like the early Arctic Monkeys and the lyrics are just as good which obviously very high praise from me.  Perhaps they stole Alex Turner's notepad and gave him a wedgie for good measure?   

18) Ripley Jean by Afflecks Palace @afflecks_palace
Back to Madchester for the latest baggy revivalists.  Afflecks Palace will release their 2nd EP Everything Is An Attempt To Be Human in Mid September which will include Ripley Jean, It All Comes Around and Pink Skies. They are touring the UK later this year.    

19) Can't Get Out Of Bed by The Mariners @TheMarinersBand

This is the closing track on 60's inspired debut album The Tides of Time.  They are releasing this fantastic album on vinyl via their Bandcamp site from 4th September.  I have the CD and it is wonderful to play and look at. #GetOnTheBoat    

20) Marquee by Liam Hillier  @liamhillyermus1

 Playing out with another Scouser crooning his heart out.  Liam is a great songwriter - follow him, listen to his songs and share them widely.      

If you heard something you like, please follow the bands on Twitter, Spotify, Bandcamp or just start to follow them around if you see them in the street.  As I mentioned above, if you love 'em and can afford to support them, then buy a ticket, t-shirt, vinyl, CD or download.  Streaming pays almost nothing to the artists and they've had a tough year with no gigs.  

See you in October 

Cheers Danny x @oldindiekid1 

The Indie Years 1985

I've taken a few years break from writing this blog but I'm back newly inspired and ready to push on to finish the Eighties and then tackle the monster that was the Nineties when Indie briefly went mainstream.  However ten years before Britpop is where this blog will land us.  1985 saw the arrival of two important bands - the Jesus & Mary Chain and The Stone Roses - a band that would later herald the "Resurrection of British Pop" as John Robb describes in his book of the same name.     

 

The Indie Years 1985 Spotify Playlist

1) Nowhere Fast by The Smiths (Rough Trade)
The Smiths released their four studio albums at a rate of one a year between 1984-87.  Given most of their later singles were not included on their albums this demonstrates a remarkable work rate.  They burned bright and fast before they burned each other and split up.  Nowhere Fast is taken from their second album Meat Is Murder and is a great example of the often overlooked humour of Morrissey, the ferocious melodic riffs of Johnny Marr and the tightness of the rhythm section comprised of Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce.

2) Inbetween Days by The Cure (Fiction)
A single from the excellent Head On The Door album where the Cure mixed darkness and light with songs of despair, joy, pop and rock. This track and fellow single Close To Me were both huge hits accompanied by memorable videos on heavy rotation on MTV that completed the progression of the band from cult wonders to a worldwide pop phenomenon.

3) Just Like Honey by The Jesus And Mary Chain (Blanco y Negro)
Taken from debut album Psychocandy, the JAMC emerged from Glasgow in a swirl of melodies and feedback that would influence a generation of shoegaze bands.  Their drummer Bobby Gillespie left shortly afterwards to form the equally important genre-hopping Primal Scream.

4) Love Vigilantes by New Order (Factory)
Great song from Bernard Sumner about a soldier fighting in an overseas war always gives me the shivers.  Ambiguous lyrics can be understood in one of two ways.  Either the soldier returns home to find his wife had mistakenly been informed of his death or there was no mistake and it hasn’t sunk in yet.

5) Dirty Old Town by The Pogues (Stiff)
Excellent folk song from the Irish band taken from the album Rum, Sodomy and the Lash.  The song was originally written by Ewan MacColl in 1949 and was based on Salford, Manchester. It was a hit for The Dubliners in 1968 and has been covered many times over the last seventy years. 

 

 6) A New England by Kirsty MacColl (Stiff)
A cover of Billy Bragg’s original.  Bragg wrote an extra verse for this version.  Aside from her own releases Kirsty provided vocals to many groups including Talking Heads, Happy Mondays, The Smiths, The Wonder Stuff and Simple Minds over the years.

7) Walls Come Tumbling Down by The Style Council (Polydor)

Weller encourages the masses to unite and rise up to overthrow the Thatcher Government.  The Style Council joined with other left-wing artists to form Red Wedge a political youth movement associated with the opposition Labour Party. Weller’s experience of this left him disillusioned and he stepped back from overtly political songs after this.

8) Death Valley '69 by Sonic Youth (Big Blast)

Words can’t do justice to this aural onslaught. This is both unnerving and addictive in equal measures.

9) Downtown Train by Tom Waits (Island)
Great song from gravely voiced Tom Waits that later became a hit for Rod Stewart when he covered it in 1989.  This original version was taken from the Rain Dogs album selected as NME’s 1985 Album of the Year. Rain Dogs tells gritty tales of the New York underclass.

10) Tell Me by The Stone Roses (Thin Line)
Years before they became famous, the Roses were putting out singles on tiny labels and growing a local fan base in the North of England.  Their early material is interesting to see how they developed from a gothic punk band into the legendary band that delivered their debut album four years later.  The Stone Roses actually recorded an album in 1985 with several songs that would later emerge on the 1989 eponymous album.  However they weren't happy enough with the results and decided to can it and go back to the rehearsal rooms. 

11) Tupelo by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Mute)

A song about the birth of Elvis during a storm in Tupelo Mississippi.  

12) Take The Skinheads Bowling by Camper Van Beethoven (I.R.S.)
I only know of this song because it was covered by the Manic Street Preachers as a B side over a decade later.  Great song, great band name and goofy lyrics that were written to deliberately deny any coherent story or meaning.

13) She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult (Beggars Banquet)
The biggest and best song by The Cult - actually I can only name one other Cult song but if it’s not She Sells Sanctuary then I’m not interested.

14) Kerosene by Big Black (Blast First)

US Punk band founded by Steve Albini who later became a recording engineer for many alternative artists and bands including Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey, Jarvis Cocker and The Wedding Present.

Kerosene is a song about the escaping the boredom of rural America by screwing and blowing shit up.

15) Flag Day by The Housemartins (Go Disc!)

The debut single from The Housemartins formed by Paul Heaton.  As a single it reached Number 124 in the UK charts.  It was included on their debut album London 0, Hull 4.

16) Move Me by The Woodentops (Rough Trade)

A South London band who formed out of The Jazz Butcher.

17) The Unforgettable Fire by U2 (Island)

Atmospheric rock track inspired by a photo exhibition of victims of the Atomic bombs dropped on Japan.

18) Welcome To The Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes To Hollywood (ZTT)

Following their trio of number one hits in ‘84 the Liverpool band just missed out on four straight number ones when this record stalled at number 2.  (Bloody Phil Collins).  

19) Like An Angel by The Mighty Lemon Drops (Dreamworks) 

A psychedelic punk band from Wolverhampton whose debut single Like An Angel appeared on the NME compilation cassette C86 and helped secure a number one in the Independent charts. 

20) This Is England by The Clash (CBS)

The final single from the punk legends. With infighting leading to main songwriter Mick Jones and drummer Topper being fired and law suits flying around.  Joe Strummer and manager Bernie Rhodes clashed over the musical direction, the use of drum machines, samples and new band members. The final album Cut The Crap was widely panned and Strummer dissolved the band in October’85.

Further Reading...
The Indie Years 1986
The Indie Years 1984
The Indie Years 1983
The Indie Years 1982
The Indie Years 1981
The Indie Years 1980
The Indie Years 1979
The Indie Years 1978
The Indie Years 1977