The Indie Years 1981

Britain in the Early Eighties enjoyed or suffered a sound track provided by old punks, new wave, new romantics and New Order.  Whilst many in Britain celebrated the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana this occurred against a backdrop of economic decline, unemployment racial conflict and police brutality which sparked riots in the inner cities with Brixton and Toxteth being the most infamous of a spate of unrest from disaffected youth across the UK.  The simmering resentment boiled over into battles with the police, arson attacks and looting.  This spirit was captured in many of the alternative acts of the time.  Whilst The Clash had a full back catalogue predicting a riot, it was ska revivalists The Specials who took their Ghost Town anthem to the top of the charts.


1) Ghost Town by The Specials

Addressing the themes of urban decay of the inner cities and the impact on the people who reside in the towns that closed down.  Named song of the year in 1981 by NME, Sounds & Melody Maker.  

The Specials original lineup split after this record forming Fun Boy Three and The Special AKA.

2) Rise Above by Black Flag
Henry Rollins joined as lead singer in 1981 and Black Flag recorded their debut album Damaged. Black Flag originally formed in 1976 but had issues with their major record company who didn't like their material and refused to release records.  They set up their own influential hardcore label SST to release their confrontational songs.

3) One In Ten by UB40
This song was the ratio for the unemployment figures in UB40's West Midlands during 1981 and is a statistical reminder of a world that doesn't care.

4) I'm In Love With The Girl On The Manchester Virgin Megastore Checkout Desk by The Freshies
In a change of styles here is an enjoyable song from a Manchester punk band formed by Chris Sievey who would later be known by his stage persona Frank Sidebottom.  Apparently they turned down a 14-year old Johnny Marr for an audition because he was too young. 

5) Pretty In Pink by The Psychedelic Furs
One hit wonders who struggled on for over a decade on the strength of these four minutes of pop genius.  This song didn't even make the Top 40 on its original release until it was rerecorded for a movie soundtrack five years later.

6) I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives by Television Personalities
No hit wonders - Television Personalities were unappreciated by the masses but they recorded excellent quirky songs like this ditty about finding the reclusive former Pink Floyd singer. 

7) Once In A Lifetime by Talking Heads 
A sermon about drifting through your own life on autopilot and suddenly having a moment of clarity where you wonder WTF happened?

8) Primary by The Cure
Minimalist punk rock played on drums and two bass guitars.  It was the only single released from their gloomy third album Faith.  One critic panned this records as "hollow, shallow, pretentious, meaningless, self-important and bereft of any real heart or soul".  Can't win them all!  

9) Ceremony by New Order
The debut single from New Order who renamed themselves after the death of Ian Curtis the previous year and handed vocals to Bernard Sumner bringing in Gillian Gilbert on keyboards.  Initially they sounded very similar to Joy Division with dark melodies and Ceremony was originally recorded as a Joy Division song.  The band would travel to New York City later in 1981 where they experienced the dance clubs that provide the inspiration for their future direction.  They also had all their musical equipment stolen and they went shopping for synthesizers.
   
10) October by U2
Haunting piano played by The Edge on this title track from U2's second album.

11) Souvenir by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
OMD from Liverpool were already mixing piano with synthesizers so maybe New Order didn't need to cross the Atlantic to find their new direction.  Souvenir maybe a bit soppy but it successfully tugs at the heartstrings.

12) Idiot Strength by The Nightingales
Formed out of the ashes of Birmingham's first punk band The Prefects, this band had the third highest number of recordings for the Peel Sessions.


13) Rapture by Blondie
Blondie popularizes the New York Rap scene in one of the earliest international hits influenced by the underground.  Deborah Harry raps for the second half of this song.  She name drops Fab Five Freddy and Grandmaster Flash but soon runs out of lyrics and rambles on repeating herself and jibbering about the man from mars eating cars.  Rapture has been highly sampled in hip hop tracks ever since. 

14) The Magnificent Seven by The Clash
The Clash had also been influenced by hip hop and they also tried their hand at rapping with greater success in my opinion.  The Magnificent Seven was actually recorded six months earlier than Blondie's Rapture although it had a later release date. 

15) That's Entertainment by The Jam
Back to England and Paul Weller's acoustic song of frustration about city living and is so British it can transport you back with its vivid imagery.  All the way back to a place you'll want to leave!

16) Wunderbar by Tenpole Tudor 
A short lived punk band and another one hit wonder released on Stiff Records

17) Just Can't Get Enough by Depeche Mode
Infectiously catchy and the first sizable hit for Depeche Mode.  Main man Vince Clarke pulled the pin after this success and went on to form Yazoo and later Erasure.

18) One Step Ahead by Split Enz
Neil Finn's composition was a huge international hit which surprised him as he said "it hasn't got a proper chorus".

19) Tainted Love by Soft Cell
Marc Almond and David Ball met at Leeds Polytechnic and formed Soft Cell in 1977 after initial chart failures their record label gave them one last shot.  They recorded a cover originally recorded by Gloria Jones in the 1960's as a Northern Soul anthem.  Gloria was later a member of T.Rex and the girlfriend of Marc Bolan. Tainted Love was a huge international hit for Soft Cell who made a lot of money which went to Gloria as royalties. 

20) Invisible Sun by The Police
Sting's wrote this song about the power that people find to carry on living through war and disasters with Belfast and Lebanon being particular influences.

Further Reading...
The Indie Years 1977
The Indie Years 1978
The Indie Years 1979
The Indie Years 1980
The Indie Years 1982
The Indie Years 1983
The Indie Years 1984
The Indie Years 1985
The Indie Years 1986

Mixtape April 2018

Happy Easter - here are some tunes that I have been rabbiting on about for the last four weeks.  The final cut has been made and I hope you will enjoy these twenty selected tracks.

1) Seize The Day by The Herbaliser featuring Just Jack
The London trip hoppers return with this highlight from their new album Bring Out The Sound.  

2) Lady Powers by Vera Blue 
Australian singer/songwriter mixing folk with beats to great effect.

3) Black Flowers by Reverend And The Maker
This song is as good as Mid 90's Portishead.  Sometimes you find greatness in the most unlikely places!

4) The End Times by Ball Park Music
Australian indie rockers have released a strong fifth album Good Mood which I will be dipping into for further gems in the months ahead.

5) Reputation (Frank Booker & Julien Dyne Remix) by Ghost Wave
Congratulations you've found your first Easter Egg!  This deep house rework of Ghost Wave is a sublime cut that wouldn't be out of place on Heavenly's High In A Basement compilation.

6) 21 Questions by Winston Surfshirt
I love this - Regular listeners will already be well acquainted with Sydney's Winston Surfshirt and this is a worthy cover of a 2003 hit originally sung by 50 Cent.

7) Feel Good by Jah9
Reggae Revival - feelgood song of the Year.

8) Today Is The Day by Eels
Eels are back on fine form and making some of their best music in nearly two decades.

9) Get Lucky by San Cisco
Another Aussie band with another cover of an international hit rocking the bongos!



10) Beginner's Luck by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Sticking with the Aussie bands for the opening track of their fifth album of 2017 for KG&TLW.
Gambling never sounded so risky.

11) That's What You Get For Getting Out Of Bed by Grandaddy
Grandaddy only reformed last year after a ten year break.  I didn't miss them to be honest but this new material is awesome so I hope they stick around.

12) Morning Person by Cousin Tony's Brand New Firebird
I know nothing about this band - they appear to be an Australian band and they have released their debut album Electric Brown earlier this year.

13) The Heart Is A Muscle (Radio Edit) by Gang Of Youths
Another track from the Aussie indie rockers lifted from the popular Go Further In Lightness album.

14) Dylan & Caitlin by Manic Street Preachers
New album Resistance Is Futile is released on 6th April.  This is the third preview single based on the end of the relationship between Dylan Thomas and his wife Caitlin. 

15) Lizard Empire by Chemtrails
London's scuzzy poppers sing a song so you can tap your foot and/or nod your head.

16) All That Remains by Embrace
Embrace used to be so good in the 90's but they really went off the boil.  This is a rare glimpse of their original power.  Lighters in the air!



17) Twisted Sky by Dana Buoy
Discovered on a Modern Psychedelia playlist and it certainly ticks those buttons.  They could be the opening act for Temples playing to a handful of fans and bar staff.

18) Nameless, Faceless by Courtney Barnett
Australia's most cynical Millennial returns with a promising new single full of biting comments and snippets of lyrical genius.  I was a fan of her early singles but was disappointed in her debut album so hoping for better things with her second album.



19) Captain by Nice Biscuit
More Australian psychedelia to bliss out too.

20) My Life by ZHU & Tame Impala
We have waited a long time for Tame Impala to resurface since 2015's Currents.  They appear as a band on this single with ZHU and not just featuring Kevin Parker.  This could mean they are working together to release something new in 2018.

Mixtape March 2018

Summer is officially over in Australia.  But I won't mope about it as there is plenty of new music to enjoy and several more months before it actually gets cold or wet.  Here's to a long Autumn!

1) In The Air by DMA'S
Love this new song - one of their finest - a real maturity.

2) Lay It Down by Black Gold Buffalo
London based group with a  few singles under their collective belts now finishing off their debut album.

3) Bullet Proof by This Is The Kit
What a voice and what a talent!  Kate Sables is the first of two artists from the English City of Winchester to grace this month's playlist.  Heartbreaking song.  Bullet Proof (I'm Glad I'm Not).



4) Does This Last by Boo Seeka
Straight Outta Sydney - lush layered dream-hop not afraid of a catchy chorus.

5) Charlie by Alice Ivy
Australian Alice Ivy has released her debut album I'm Dreaming which is 36 minutes of blissful Avalanches influenced, beats, samples, raps and songs.

6) I'm Waiting For My Man by Beck
Velvet Underground wrote the original about scoring from their dealer over 50 years ago!




 7) Riverview Fog by The Sadies
Opening track from the latest album by the Canadian indie folk rockers.

8) High Enough by K.Flay
"Love Is The Drug" is the message from this American artist.



9) Something For Your Mind by Superorganism
This list is taking something of a narcotic twist - so why fight it?  Here is a collective operating out of London with their debut album due any day now...



10) S.I.A. by GUM 
Perth associate of the Tame Impala crew with his latest slab of funky synth rock.

11) Surface To Air by Django Django featuring Self Esteem
Django Django have gone from strength to strength with their third album containing their best collection of tunes.  Think The Beta Band remixed by Hot Chip... Hmmmm...

12) Treetops by Cloud Control
Cloud Control drift out of Sydney's Blue Mountains making dreamy psychedelic pop.


13) Far From Earth by Stonefield
The Lindlay sisters wallow in old school heavy metal riffs and cliched space exploration/final countdown themes.  I just can't help enjoying it all.  Rock On!

14) Distant Colours by Manic Street Preachers
New Manics is a return to heart on their sleeve passionate rock.

15) 1933 by Frank Turner 
Written in 2016 in the aftermath of the Brexit vote whilst touring the US tour during the last presidential election.  It was enough to anger this folk rocker from Winchester into penning a punky protest song.

16) Everything Is Now (Part Two) by Belle and Sebastian
My favourite Scottish band ever have released a trio of EPs over the last few months fifteen new songs without the burden of expectation that an album brings. 

17) Me and Michael by MGMT
Taken from the excellent new album Little Dark Age.  Very 80's feel here. Is that still in vogue?

18) Fever Dream Girl by Kyle Craft 
New album Full Circle Nightmare on the Sub Pop label.



19) Call Me If You Need Me by Vance Joy
His second album Nation of Two has just been released and will be huge hit propelling Vance Joy towards the top.  The album contains a several excellent singles which will now get wider exposure.

20) Buzzkill by Ash
Short, sweary punky pop song about the death of Summer.  Appropriately timed for the Southern Hemisphere where the 1st March marks the official start of Autumn.

Mixtape February 2018

Well the first month of 2018 saw the sad passing of two alternative rock singers Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries and Mark E. Smith of The Fall.  For obituaries look elsewhere but life is short so enjoy it and fill it with wonderful music.  Here's my monthly recommendations... 

1) Miami (Parrot and Cocker Too Remix) by Baxter Dury
Dirty sweary music from the son of Ian Dury remixed by Jarvis Cocker is the recommended antidote. It's big and it's clever.  The album Prince of Tears is worth exploring unless you're a precious little snowflake.

2) Severed by The Decemberists
This new song is synth heavy and the most interesting thing they have released since 2009's The Hazards of Love.  They have rediscovered their mojo.

3) Better by Mallrat
The first of many female artists who feature on this mixtape.



4) Fool's Gold by Jack River
She's another one to watch - this Australian musician is bloody awesome.



5) It's Easy (like Walking) by The Sadies featuring Kurt Vile
A new discovery for myself but The Sadies have been huge in Canada for two decades and here they are joined by a personal favourite Kurt Vile who sounds like a slacker but obviously has a great work ethic by his continuous output.

6) In The Ghetto  by The Cranberries 
R.I.P. Dolores O'Riordan (1971-2018) This is their version of the Elvis classic. 

7) The Deconstruction by The Eels 
This is a very interesting record and I am looking forward to more from The Eels in 2018.



8) Kapow! by 485c 
London band still playing chiming swirling indie rock and honing their trade.

9) Cornflakes  by Belle & Sebastian 
B&S have released their second of three new EPs and are experimenting in bizarre musical directions - this track is perhaps the the safest of the new tracks.  I'm looking forward to watching the Scottish Monsters of Twee for the fourth time when they return to Australia later this year.

10) It's A Shame by First Aid Kit 
They are ten years into their recording career and have just released Ruins their fifth album to much popular acclaim by those who like folky country rock sung by Swedish sisters.  




11) Before Sunrise by Gengahr 
Gengahr are dropping new songs all over the place which indicates they are close to releasing a follow up to their excellent A Dream Outside debut.  I can confirm the new album is due in early March. 

12) Solid Gold by Elk Road featuring Julia Stone
Julia Stone turns up on providing her husky vocals on this catchy pop tune.

13) Lost In Music by The Fall
R.I.P. Mark E. Smith (1958-2018) who fronted and was The Fall through all 40 years of their existence. A post punk Manchester legend. This track is obviously a cover of the disco classic by Sister Sledge.

14) The Deepest Sighs, the Frankest Shadows by Gang of Youths
Gang of Youths hail from Sydney and have become one of the most popular Aussie indie rock bands of the year.   Dominating Triple J's Hottest 100 with three separate tracks reaching the top 10 of the alternative national poll.



15) Lemon To A Knife Fight by The Wombats
Liverpool band who deserve a mention for the lyrics "Intoxicated - Higher than the ISS".

16) 21 Grams by Thundamentals featuring Hilltop Hoods
Thundamentals and Hilltop Hoods representing Australian Skip Hop. 

17) Bus Stop by Graham Coxon
Graham recorded his first TV soundtrack for the amazing dark comedy TV show The End Of The F***ing World.  Check it out for your twisted pleasure.

18) Chasin' by Club Sport
A sweet love song from the Aussie indie popsters.

19) Electric Feel by Tash Sultana
Tash Sultana recorded an epic eight minute version of MGMT's 2009 hit Electric Feel for Australian radio station Triple J.



20) In This Modern Land by City Calm Down
Melbourne band who obviously like the sounds of Joy Division. 

Mixtape January 2018

Happy New Year - this is the first playlist of 2018 and rounds up the newest tracks that have piqued my interest in the last month and a few monster hits that I missed the first time around.

1)  Letter Down by Theo Verney
Theo is a masively talented musician from Brighton in the UK.  His debut album One Small Piece was released in July and includes this prime example of 60's influenced heavy rock.

2) Get By by Diane Coffee
Diane Coffee is the former drummer in Foxygen who has gone on to produce classic camp indie pop records.  This is too catchy to resist.

3) Mourning Sound by Grizzly Bear
This was a single released earlier in 2017 by these US rockers taken from their Painted Ruins album.

4) Give Me A Minute (Stickybuds Remix) by Fort Knox Five
Funky hip hop fresh out of Washington DC.  Their are only four members of the Fort Knox Five but they thought Five was more hip hop than Four.

5) Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man
Alaskan rock band who released this excellent track from their Woodstock album and it was well received all over the world.

6) Holy Mountain by Noel Gallagher & The High Flying Birds
The most joyful tunes ever penned by Noel - he may as well have screamed "It's Christmas" in a Noddy Holder impression.  I'm hoping he avoids an Oasis reunion when his solo career is producing such gems.



7) International Blue by Manic Street Preachers
This sounds like it could have come straight off their most commercial album Everything Must Go which indicates the Manics might be heading back to the mainstream again. in 2018.

8) Monkey Disco (Jono Ma Dub Remix) by The Babe Rainbow
Australia's The Babe Rainbow with a track from their debut album remixed by the man behind Jagwar Ma - taking the lunacy further back into the primeval jungle.

9) Juice (Purple Disco MachineRemix) by Chromeo
Canadian Funk outfit continue the grooves with their Juice single.  The remix is provided by equally funky German house producer Purple Disco Machine.

10) Cabrona by Gin Wigmore
New Zealand singer who released four singles in 2017 so a new album must be incoming shortly.

11) The Priest by Johnny Marr
Former Smith produces the backing track for this tale of homelessness voiced by Shameless actress Maxine Peake.



12) Shasta (acoustic) by Blonde Ambition
American artist whose latest single is backed by a collection of acoustic versions from his debut album.

13) Your Light by Total Giovanni
Laidback groovy track from the Melbourne band.

14) Cast In Stone by Winston Surfshirt
A track that demonstrates the creative genius that flows from this Sydney band.  Tempo changes, wild mood swings and over eight minutes of quality music, lyrics and raps that hints at a fantastic career to come.

15) All Is Known by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Gumboot Soup was the fifth album released by KG&LW in 2017.  It is a varied collection of songs that didn't fit with the themes of their last four albums.  Gumboot Soup is their twelfth album in five years.  The mad bastards!

16) Delusion by Stonefield
The Heaviness continues with the spaced out soundscapes and hypnotic riffs from these Australian sisters.

17) Time by Lee Fields & The Expressions
Classic soul musician with another brilliant song.  If you like this then check out his 2012 album Faithful Man which remains a firm favourite of mine.

18) Come As You Are by Big Scary 
Triple J's Like A Version cover sessions have recently been made available via Spotify and they contain a host of amazing live covers including this one of the Nirvana original. 

19)  Galvanize by Pete Tong with The Heritage Orchestra
It's all gone a bit Pete Tong, the Superstar DJ has teamed up with an orchestra to release his second collection of Ibiza Classics recorded with guest vocals and a full orchestra.  The Chemical Brothers released the original electronic version of Galvanize back in 2004.

20) California by The Growlers
Playing out with The Growlers and their feel good indie rock ode to their home state of California.   

Tracks of the Year 2017

Over the past twelve months Spotify informs me that I have listened to over 7000 songs.  I have selected 240 tracks on my monthly playlists and now is time for the cull.  It's a Darwinian survival of the fittest to arrive with the annual top 40.  In keeping with the Top 40 Chart Countdowns of old I am reversing the order and saving the best until last.  My only essential criteria being a 2017 release date and being awesome.

40) Bless This Acid House by Kasabian



39) Say Something Loving by The xx

38) 2 Black 2 Strong by A.B. Original

37) Do You Wanna Get Into Trouble? by Soulwax

36) We Were Beautiful by Belle & Sebastian



35) Put Me Together by Everything Everything

34) You Deserve This by Men I Trust

33) Strange Or Be Forgotten by Temples

32) Feels Like Summer by Weezer



31) You're In Love With A Psycho by Kasabian

30) Never Let Me Go by Green Buzzard

29) Cloud 9 by Baker Boy

28) Melin Wynt by King Creosote

27) Like Gold by Vance Joy

26) Black Rainbows by Cut Copy

25) Everybody's Hero by Sampa The Great

24) Kids Are Cool by San Cisco

23) Murder To The Mind by Tash Sultana



22) Paint Me Silver by Pond

21) Golden by Kingswood

20) Snow by Angus & Julia Stone

19) All Things Must Pass by The Jesus and Mary Chain

18) Pop Voodoo by Black Grape

17) Put Your Life On It by Kasabian

16) Ubu by Methyl Ethel

15) Holding On by The War On Drugs

14) Everything Now by Arcade Fire

13) Notion by Tash Sultana

12) All I Want by Ride

11) Lay It On Me by Vance Joy



10) Magnificent (She Said) by Elbow

9) Don't Delete The Kisses by Wolf Alice



8) Holy Mountain by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

7) Can't Do by Everything Everything

6) Over Everything by Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile




5) The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness by The National

4) We Got The Power by Gorillaz featuring Jehnny Beth



3) Signs Of Life by Arcade Fire



2) The Two Of Us by The Jesus and Mary Chain featuring Sky Ferreira

1) My Name Is Thunder by Jet & The Bloody Beetroots




And here's a Spotify Playlist

Albums of the Year 2017

2017 has been another fine year for indie rock and if I had to whittle it down to ten essential albums then they would be the following...

#10 The War On Drugs - A Deeper Understanding
Pounding drums, harmonicas, wailing Americana and dueling guitars abound.



#9 The Allergies - Push On
Brighton duo with their second collection of big beat tunes, styles and a collection of guest vocalists which help with the variety on this album.

#8 Methyl Ethel - Everything Is Forgotten
Second album from the Western Australian band who have taken their hallucinatory rock show to critical acclaim around the world.   



#7 Ride - Weather Diaries

Indie shoe gazers return over twenty years since they last recorded together.  Great comeback album mixing their early sound with some contemporary flourishes.

#6 Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - Who Built The Moon? 

In a year when Liam Gallagher released his first solo album and spent much of it bagging his older brother, there was no room for complacency and Noel responded with this rocking album. 

#5 Beck - Colors

The album was long awaited dropping over two years after the lead single Dreams appeared.  This is Beck back in party mode.

#4 Black Grape - Pop Voodoo

Daft Funk.  This is Black Grape's 3rd album and their second best of all time.  Shaun Ryder & Kermit deliver their assessment of the US election as well as their usual themes of smoking, drinking and other vices.     

#3 Jesus And Mary Chain - Damage And Joy
JAMC return with their first album since 1998 filled with fuzzy guitars, guest duets and pop gems.  They sound fresh like a much younger group but they look like they have escaped from the portrait of Dorian Grey.

#2 Everything Everything - A Fever Dream
Manchester band dabbling in the well worn groove between rock and dance music.



#1 Kasabian - For Crying Out Loud
The finest album by the world's most self assured band.  Packed with hits and funny to boot.


I've compiled a taster playlist mixing four tracks from each album below...




Tracks of the year is coming soon...