Due to having no internet access for the next week tonight's post will be the last one 'til next week. Been listening to a lot of records recently from '76 to '78 taking in the likes of Pere Ubu, Magazine, The Clash, SATB, and Patti Smith amongst others. Something must have been in the air in those 3 years with the amount of quality music that was being released every single week. Not all of it has aged well while others still sound really fresh, innovative and exciting. One track I have been listening to quite a bit has been The Adverts' classic One Chord Wonders. Released in April '77 on Stiff Records, it still sounds like a 'headlong rush of energy', as it was described by the music press of the day. Single of the week in both Sounds and Melody Maker when it was released with some wonderful self deprecating lyrics, in which they fully understood their limitations at the time.
One Chord Wonders
Yes, it does still sound good! Also I think it's a great example of how that first wave of punk, bands like the Adverts, Buzzcocks, Subway Sect etc.sounded so much more melodic and complex (in spite of self-confessed limitations) than quite a lot of what followed which really was just shouty and basic.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good week and happy birthday by the way!!
Thanks C. Totally agree 'bout the first wave of punk bands. Although they may not have known more than a few chords they had a keen ear for melody.
DeleteAnd Finally, On this day many many years ago Scott was born! Happy Birthday Scott. And Woody Guthrie (1912) - exalted company for you Scott. And what a great song today, belting.
ReplyDeleteThanks George. And as I said earlier any time you want to do a guest posting on Spools you are more than welcome. As long as it is not on Level 42 :)
DeleteOr Rick James!
DeleteThis is a great song.
ReplyDeleteSwiss Adam
Predictably I love this track and the Adverts generally... Especially Gaye.
ReplyDeleteJamie
If it ain't Stiff...
ReplyDelete