I have been shocked by the news that our friend Dicki Hermansah, who I got to know through the band Sunny Summer Day passed away a few days ago. To be honest I don’t know the details, I have learned about this event on Facebook, through several posts of friends mourning him. I can’t believe this has happened.

I didn’t get the change to meet in person. Online we talked quite a bit. The first time we were in touch must have been more than 10 years ago, in 2007, on Myspace. I was then working on the Cloudberry 3″CD series and I asked his band, based in Bandung, Indonesia, to contribute 3 songs to this project. They were keen on it and even sent me 5 songs. 2 extra ones. The songs on this 3″ were “You’re The One For Me”, “Happy in the Summer” and “Something in Your Eyes”. The limited CD was a success as the 100 copies sold pretty fast. I remember when looking for imagery for the artwork he asked me to use some flowers, make it look kind of Sarah-ish but in colour. That’s how it ended being that way.

The other two songs he offered me would end up in other compilations I put out, for example “Shining Light” appeared on the first volume of “The Sound of Young Java” and “Colours of Fantasy” on the “Nothing Matters When We’re Dancing EP” that was given away at many indiepop clubs around the world. Later on, in 2008, the band would contribute the most amazing song they wrote, “In Summertime” to the “Sound of Young Java Vol.3”. This song was a collaboration between the band and the talented Cris Miller of Silver Screen. Many years later, at a NYC Popfest, Cris would play this song, and we all wished Sunny Summer Day was there to play it together with him.

I do know that Sunny Summer Day was invited to NYC Popfest. They applied and were up to coming to play here in 2016. I would have loved that so much. I think they had all the intentions to be here but visa issues made it complicated for them to get to this country. Seeing them and meeting in person would have been great after many years of chatting about music.

Now I remember too when he asked me to share on Youtube some songs he recorded with the band. I ended up uploading a video of them playing the Field Mice’s “Emma’s House” and also of “We’re Going Fun“. The next year they would cover Ride’s “Vapour Trail” and they asked me to add it to my channel as well.

He was just 34 years old. And with so much talent and great taste. His band spearheaded an Indonesian indiepop scene that in 2007 was just starting to make waves. Now we all think of Indonesia as a country that produces great indiepop. Back then it was new. He was one of the few that believed in our music.

The band released a perfect record in 2016 called “Traveled Backwards” that was released by Lisdia Records on CD and tape. Dicki was so kind enough to send me two copies and a t-shirt. I’ve played this record yesterday night on repeat. It is so good. I wonder how his next album would have sounded. Even better I am sure.

I think of his friends, his band mates and his family. Me being so far, not even having met him in real life, and I’m really sad about this. I can’t even imagine how they feel. Or how the Indonesian scene must be feeling.

His legacy and his songs will live on. That album and the two EPs they released will be cherished by everyone that will discover their jangly sounds. It is very easy to fall in love with Sunny Summer Day’s music let me tell you. And we’ll remember Dicki as one of the most enthusiastic popkids from Bandung, Indonesia, and the whole world to boot.

Rest in peace my friend.

Let’s start the week! On Friday I got to see the New Zealand band The Beths in Brooklyn, at the Williamsburg Music Hall and it was great! There were no new records to buy, just the album, but I already got that one. If you haven’t got a copy yet I urge you to get it, it was definitely one of my favourite from last year. I did buy a cool t-shirt and took a photo with Elizabeth, the vocalist of the band while everyone was checking out one of the opening bands. It was quite a surprise to see that the gig was sold out. I didn’t know the band was that famous or well-known. The crowd as usual was very different, I didn’t see any friendly faces of other indiepop gigs. This is something that surprises me about NYC, the crowd is always different even if it is a small genre like indiepop. The gig lasted around an hour, from 10pm to roughly 11. I couldn’t get into the main floor as it was packed and was impossible to move there so went to the mezzanine this time where I got a good view of the band. Sadly this meant that I wasn’t going to be able to get a setlist. That was a bummer. But it was better than not seeing the band and being uncomfortable. The band was great of course. They played their hits and even a song from their earlier 2017 EP. They started with maybe my favourite of theirs, “Whatever”, and ended the gig with an encore of two songs. I was pretty happy to have seen a NZ band in NYC, it is not that common I must say. Indiepop gigs are not happening too often here, though today The Monochrome Set is playing but I think I will be missing it. It is tough on a Monday. Next week though I will go see Roxanne’s post Veronica Falls band Patience, which should be good too!

Now, what’s new in indiepop world?

The BV’s: the German/English band released our last 7″ so far and they’ve kept busy. They are releasing a new album on the always perfect Kleine Untergrund label from Augsburg, Germany. The album will be called “Cartography” and it will be out on March 14th. To celebrate this the band have unveiled a superb video for the song “Charlie, I don’t Know Who You Are!”. I have already been able to listen to the album and believe me it is a serious contender for best of 2019!

The Vegetablets: the lovely pop duo formed by Koichi and Miki (who I’ve interviewed in the past about their previous projects, Chain Lettery and Bitter Cherry Jam), are back with a lovely new album called “3”.  It is available on CD and it includes 8 songs. If you want an extra souvenir the band is also selling a lovely handmade “vege bear” keychain which is really cute!

The Catherines: now the Hamburg duo, a band that appears time and time again on the blog because of their ability to create top songs all the time, are releasing an album on Mondo Canapé Records. Many of the songs are already familiar of course, but it is a good chance to get a copy on CD and tape. 8 tracks appear on this self-titled album.

Heartlings: on the Depok, Indonesia, based label Don’t Fade Away Records there are lots of treats. The latest are two songs by the band Heartlings that is formed by Andi, Amy, Christo and Yanu. The songs on this digital single are “A Hundred Wishes” and “Summer Breeze” and they are two breezy tracks!

Elenin: more on this label and from a band we’ve mentioned in the past too, Elenin. Now it is just the one song, “Turtleneck”, but as it is so pretty I had to recommend it of course. Check it out.

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Edward Montgomery “Monty” Clift (October 17, 1920 – July 23, 1966) was an American actor. His New York Times obituary noted his portrayal of “moody, sensitive young men”. He is best remembered for roles in Red River (1948), The Heiress (1949), A Place in the Sun (1951), Alfred Hitchcock’s I Confess (1953), From Here to Eternity (1953), The Young Lions (1958), Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), and The Misfits (1961). He received four Academy Award nominations during his career: three for Best Actor and one for Best Supporting Actor.

Along with Marlon Brando and James Dean, Clift was one of the original method actors in Hollywood; he was one of the first actors to be invited to study in the Actors Studio with Lee Strasberg and Elia Kazan. He also executed a rare move by not signing a contract after arriving in Hollywood, only doing so after his first two films were a success. This was described as “a power differential that would go on to structure the star-studio relationship for the next 40 years”.

Don’t confuse The Montgomery Clifts with another band with the same name from Australia, from the noughties. Nope. These Montgomery Clifts I like hail from England, from the late 80s and early 90s.

They were formed in 1986 by Andy Bevan (vocals, guitar), Jeremy Purches (guitar), Myles “Bill” Crampton (bass), Dave Burbidge (drums) and Bill Bell (mandolin, fiddle, percussion, harmonica & backing vocals). They debuted in Bristol, played an open air free festival in Cornwall, and ended up in London via Hull. Bill Bell was actually part of the Blue Aeroplanes before joining The Montgomery Clifts. They recorded a demo tape and got airplay on Capitol Radio and then Native Records snatched them. With this label they released their album “Deadwood Chronicles”, which was recorded in London with Creation in-house producer Ian Shaw and was released in 1990. That’s more or less the biography available for them on Last.fm.

Discogs gives me a bit more information. Two demo tapes are listed which is great. The first one is a 3 track tape that included the songs “Next World”, “Lovesville U.S.A.” and “Lakeside (1970)”. These songs were recorded at Granny’s Recording Studio in Fulham, London. The black and white photocopy sleeve gives us an address for the band in Bristol.

The second tape included two songs, “Moth to Your Flame” and “Cradle to the Grave”. Not much more information on this one.

For the album we do know that it was called “Deadwood Chronicles” and was released by Native (NTVLP 58) and included 10 songs. 5 on each side. The A had “Next World”, “Lovesville USA”, “Her Summers”, “The Fountain” and “Jessica Daydream”. The B side on the other hand had “Judas Introduce Yourself”, “Spine”, “Lakeside (1970)”, “Tumbleweed Girl” and “Swansong”.

Two compilation appearances are listed. Their song “Next World” was included on “Guitar and Drums” a compilation released by Native Records in 1991 on CD and LP. A superb compilation this one that included the likes of The Darling Buds, Treebound Story, The Kennedy Pill and more. The other compilation listed is a US CD from 2005 called “Holiday Heart, A Hospice Awareness & Benefit Project”. I’m 99% sure that this is a different Montgomery Clifts on this comp.

I look for more information. I find out that Bill, who had been in The Blue Aeroplanes, was also later on in a bluegrass-tinged band called Angel Band. Another mention I see is that the band Nautical William used to play gigs with The Montgomery Clifts.

Dave Burbidge played drums for Hazel Winter’s second album “Death Row Bride”. He also drummed for the album “Come Around” by Shaun McCrindle. I believe that lately he has been involved in the country influenced band The Leylines.

Can’t find any information on the rest of the members though. It may or may not be that Jeremy Purches passed away though. I hope he hasn’t there is a photo of a guitar player with the same name on a “remembering” site.

I am sure my Bristol friends remember them. Their album sounds great so I’m going to try to order myself a copy in the next few days. All I have listened by them sounds great. I wonder if any one remembers them and can give me a few more details! Would definitely want to find out more about this top sounding indiepop band!

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Listen
The Montgomery Clifts – Next World

Please don’t forget that on March 9th, if you are in Stockholm, you must attend Bongo Bar in Jarlsgatan 37, at 9pm. Why? Because one of our favourite bands from the city, one that we were lucky to put out a 7″, Salt Lake Alley, will be playing a gig!! And that is not common. I wish I could be there. So please don’t miss it. More information here.

And today I will be going to see the brilliant New Zealand band The Beths!! I’ll tell you on Monday how it went!

The Artisans: the jangly band that our friend Kevin McGrother is part these days is releasing their debut album. And what can I tell you? It shimmers and shimmers. It is one not to be missed. There are 12 songs which I’ve been lucky to listen so far, including a cover of “A Week of Wednesdays” which was released on Cloudberry years ago by Kevin. The self-titled album is going to be out on April 8th and on Soundcloud you are able to check two of the songs that will be included “Two Hits, Three Misses” and “A Week of Wednesdays”. I believe we already have a contender for best indiepop album of the year here.

Hatchie: “Without a Blush” is the latest from Hatchie who surprised all of us with a wonderful EP not too long ago. This song has a video as you can see and it will be included in the debut album that is to be released on June 21st on Double Double Whammy and Heavenly Recordings.

Melenas: the most amazing Melenas have a new single out. To promote it they’ve made a video that is super cool. The song is called “Ya No Me Importa” and I’m hooked. I just ordered a copy myself of the record which is on pre-order at Snap! Clap! Club Records. This is a total winner! Definitely one of the best bands right now! So lucky to have seen them last year in Madrid. Living this side of the Atlantic is not ideal I must say!

Robert Forster: another video! now it is the video for the song “Inferno (Brisbane in Summer)” by the ex-Go-Betweens! This song is part of the new album “Inferno” which was just released on March 1st on Tapete Records. It sounds great! I really hope Robert comes to play in NYC!

Stars in Coma: our friend André has just unveiled a new video to promote his upcoming album “Every Evening, Sunset Crooks its Thumb Across the River”. The promo video is for the song “Destroying the Love” and we can see his new home, Lisbon, on the video. The album will be out on March 29th.

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Time again to fly to Japan, one of the countries that has produced lots of indiepop but for some reason many of their bands still remain unknown to the rest of the indiepopworld.

I keep exploring these Bluebadge Label compilations that were released in the early 2000s. That was a great label. It should be famous. Maybe it is in Japan. The quality of the bands they put out was great, and the bands they picked for the compilations too. I was revisiting the 3rd compilation they did, “Guitar Pop Crazy! (Bluebadge Compilation Vol. 3)” (BBCD-009) and I found out about a lovely jangly band called Showcase. I said to myself, I need to know more!

This compilation was released in 2005 on CD and included a bunch of great bands of course. Among them I see Pitcher56, Margarets Hope* and Cyclon 86 among others. Showcase appears with the second song, the aforementioned “Hello”. There are some credits for it, the lyrics and music were written by Ikunori Nakaya. Was it a one-man band perhaps?

Two years later they appear on another compilation. The 2007 CD comp “Boys (& Girls) Wonder Shibuya-K Indie-Pop Collection Vol. 2” that was released by TKO New Music Corporation (TKOK-0002) included the band’s song “Fireman”. I haven’t listened to this song yet, so I’m hoping someone can hook me up. Other bands that you might know thanks to the blog that appear on this CD are Pastelshot, Flannel, Cherry Letter and Trans Alphabet.

There is not other information about the band sadly. I believe though that I have found some information about Ikunori. It seems he is based in Tokyo and works in the information technology and services industry.

I am not sure how to continue this search. “Hello” and its guitars are fantastic. I definitely want to hear more by this band. I am hoping they had more recordings. But I probably will need some Japanese indiepop fans to help me on this one. Anyone remember the band Showcase?

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Listen
Showcase – Hello

Well, well, here is a new post.

Univers: our Barcelona friends are back with a release on the Modern Obscure Music label. The A side comes with “Joventuts Unides” and “L’Home i L’Epasa” and the B side comes with a bunch of remixes. I like of course the guitar based songs the best, you know me, not a fan of remixes. But so happy to hear these songs, do check “L’Home i L’Espasa” on Youtube which I’m linking here. Great track!

No Fucks: Discos de Kirlian is releasing a 10″ vinyl record by the wonderful Spanish band No Fucks. 10 short songs, including the superb “Punkipop”, fit perfectly in the record. Formed by Elisa, Stephen and Dani or Dru on bass, the Asturian band looks to be in good form. Now, if I’m lucky when I visit Asturias in the summer, will I get the chance to see them live?

Andy Pawlak: a few days ago the “Lost Demos 1985-1986” album was released by Firestation Records. I noticed I didn’t recommend anyone yet to check the song “Squeeky Clean” which is available on the label’s Bandcamp. I think  it is a good idea to do so and order the record too of course!

Carnival: another new release on Firestation will be that of this Liverpool band on 12″ vinyl. Titled “From Strawberry Fields to the Pyramid Club (With Love)”, the record includes 5 songs. I wasn’t aware of this band before but it seems it was around the early 80s. The story goes that Ian Fradgley from the band ordered a copy of the Candy Opera album that Firestation released and the label was sure to ask if a release could be done for Carnival!

The Linger Effect: I must say that this is fhe first time I listen to this St John’s, Canada, band. But it does say that 2019 marks 20 years since the first release of the band. Wow. To celebrate this landmark Kent Burt, who is behind the band, has re-recorded five favourites from the cassette years (1999-2002).

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I don’t have the complete catalog for the US label Candy Floss. I mean, in my collection. Though I must say I’m not sure if the label only released 17 records. Maybe there was more? Would be great to be in touch with Mike Toy who ran the label back then. I do have a CD and some 7″s. The first ever release on the label, the Delightful Little Nothings 7″ has always been a favourite for example. Or the Poastal 7″. That one is fantastic as well. I should dedicate some posts to the bands on the San Francisco 90s label, as they are not that well known (unless you are The Brian Jonestown Massacre that is). Maybe I can do that in the next months.

About The Cherry Smash I know very little. I know they put out one 7″ on the label though there is no date listed. A safe guess would be sometime between 1995 and 1996. It had the catalog number of CF-010 and it had three songs in it. The A side was “Nowhere Generation” while on the B side we find “Californya Burn Trip [You Made Me Hate the Beach Boys]” and “Airport Girl”. The first one has a sample from the Beach Boys. They must have paid some good money to do that (?)!

The 7″ EP was titled “West Coast Rip-Off”. I wonder why this name. The sleeve shows an illustration of three silhouettes, three guys. Maybe there were three people in the band?

Three compilations are listed. The first dating from 1997 on the Mint Sound (MSRCD4) label, a compilation CD called “Attack of the Terrible Boots” where the band contributes the track “Lousy California Feeling”.  The next year, 1998, they contribute a song to a CD compilation on Candy Floss (CF-017) called “Pure Spun Sugar”. The song was “Split Screen”. I have actually written a bit about this compilation in the past when I wrote about the band The Sleazy Beats who also appear in it.

Lastly, and oddly, in 2009 their song “Nowhere Generation” was included in a Captured Tracks compilation called “Captured Tracks Mix CD”. I don’t understand how the song ended up there, and you know my aversion to this label, but that’s what happened.

According to the superb Wilfully Obscure blog, the guy behind The Cherry Smash was singer/guitarist/songwriter Blake Miller who was later in the band Moving Units. With this band he has released a few albums in the noughties. He has also been in other bands like Lies in Disguise, Spectacle, Trade Secrets and Weird Science. From what I understand Cherry Smash changed names to Spectacle, and under this name they released the album “Glow in the dark Soul” on Supreme Recordings that was part of Island Records. I guess another story of an indie band signing to a major and not succeeding.

Spectacle does have a Wikipedia entry and lists three more members Alex Crain, Brad Laner (ex-Medicine) and Brent Rademaker (later of Further and Beachwood Sparks). So two of them were in The Cherry Smash. Who then?

Not much more information about them on the web as usual. So now I will have to trust in your memories, if any of you remember them. Maybe you saw them live? Maybe you know of more songs? What happened with them? Why did they change names? Had they been in other bands previously? Any information will be appreciated!

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Listen
The Cherry Smash – Nowhere Generation

Thanks so much to Nick Potter and Sean Bergin for the interview! I wrote some months ago about the brilliant Moss Poles on the blog and was lucky that Nick got in touch and that both him and Sean were up for answering all my questions! The Moss Poles released a few records in the 80s, mostly on the Idea label, leaving classic songs like “One Summer” or “Underground”. Sadly their 2nd album remains unreleased and I wish so much it sees the light of day in the near future! Now, time to rediscover them!

++ Let’s go back in time, let’s go in chronological order. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen at home while growing up?

NICK: I grew up on punk with bands like The Clash and the Damned.  I always wanted to play guitar, but was never particularly competent – still not.  I still can’t get too far past a nice distorted guitar even if the song is marshmallow.

SEAN: punk band in Stafford Sensa Yuma lent me a bass then kicked me out after first gig /older brother raised me punk/mum and dad Ray Charles /Rretha and Beatles

++ I believe some of you were in the V8s before being in The Moss Poles, right? How did they sound? Were there any recordings?

NICK: The V8s were a very early version of the Moss Poles with Sean, Michael Kemp, myself and a drum machine.  My recollection is that we just morphed into The Moss Poles when we got a drummer.

We kind of left Michael behind at the direction of MCA who first picked us up.  Absolutely horrible situation – we were just friends having fun in a band, but effectively being offered a deal if we dropped the guitarist.

SEAN: Mick wanted to finish his degree

++ And aside from The V8s were you or any of the members involved in other bands before being in The Moss Poles?

NICK: I was in a punk band called The Wasted (for not too subtle reasons) with Jebs, Steve and Jamie.  I think I have a really bad tape somewhere.  The World is Full of Happy Little Oranges; Beyond the U, This is the End – songs that never got past the local village hall!

SEAN: one gig with Sensa Yuma then Moss Poles

++ Were you all originally from London?\

NICK: I am from London, but grew up in Bedford, then went back to London.

SEAN: Stafford

++ How was your city at the time? Were there any bands that you liked? What were the good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?

NICK: London was great for music and student life. Cheap beer, always something to do.

SEAN: lots of gigs and people who talked very nice

++ When and how did the band start? How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?

NICK: Sean and I met whilst working over the summer at UCL.  I had hardly ever written a song before, but we somehow just complemented each other.  I think One Summer was one of the first songs we wrote together.

Michael was also working there behind the bar.  We kinda all just got on.

I also met my wife – Allison – who was on a placement from Glasgow Catering College (or something like that).  It’s fair to say that she is behind a few of the songs!

SEAN: nail on the head good times

++ You were in the University of London at the time, right? What year were you in in your studies? And what were you all studying when you started The Moss Poles?

NICK: I was studying Philosophy.  Same year as Paul Breuer who was in a band called Kill Devil Hills and then went onto form another band who I believe were reasonably successful, but I can’t for the life of me remember their name.

SEAN: I was on placement like Allison but from Stafford sixth form my mate crutch had done it year before and met Nick told me someone who liked Gun Club at the time unknown

++ Were there any lineup changes?

NICK: We had about 8 drummers with Dave Kirk the main man playing on the album(s) and singles.

I guess the core of the group was always Sean and myself, with Michael there at the start.  Sean and I split up after the third single was recorded, so Paul Breuer played bass on the second album – it wasn’t the same although there are so great songs on there that never got any exposure.  What could have been if we’d stayed together – sigh…….

I recorded a third solo studio album, but by then it was really all over.

SEAN: Dave Bickley drummed on one summer his band The Big Boat are worth a look /and later The Skinny Millionaires did some cool stuff but Dave Kirk was the man really for the tour and album then Jim? seem bit Star Trek related

++ What’s the story behind the name The Moss Poles?

NICK: We couldn’t agree on a name, but sitting in the front room one day, Allison said ‘Moss Pole’ – it was the first name that we all didn’t hate, but I don’t think I would go there if I had my time again!

SEAN: shit name last of the V8s was far less catchy

++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?

NICK: Usually drunk sitting around a four-track recorder just smashing things out.  I remember it being very productive and creative even if a bit crude at times.  Sean would write songs, I would write songs and sometimes we worked things out together.  Michael also wrote some classics – Don’t Worry is one of my favourite songs ever!!

Sean has a gift for lyrics and songwriting.  He is also a tremendous bass player.  I remember thinking it, but not always saying it.

We usually hired a rehearsal studio when we could afford it.  Looking back, I don’t know how we managed to pay for things – strings, petrol, cigarettes, studios – we were pretty much broke all the time.

SEAN: yeah get drunk spew it all out /pretty organic /finish each others songs /even crap sounded good when we were in the right mood

++ You were around in the late 80s and in the UK there was a great explosion of guitar pop bands, why do you think that was? Did you feel part of a scene?

NICK: I don’t honestly know.  If anything I remember feeling that we were out of phase and had missed the wave.  I don’t think we were what we were because of what was happening around us – I think we just played what we thought sounded good and that happened to be guitar-based, melodic love songs for the most part

SEAN:pop music with guitars is always great/never felt part of a scene

++ And who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?

NICK: I don’t think we consciously were influenced by a particular band, but were a blend.  We were described as a mix between The Beatles and Jesus and Mary Chain.  I like that, but it wasn’t deliberate.

SEAN: everything that went before us

++ Your records came out on Idea Records. Who were behind this label? How did you end up working with them and how was your relationship with the label?

NICK: We were first picked up by MCA, but after a failed attempt to record a demo of One Summer with them, somehow we got passed over to Jeff Chegwin who became our publisher.  Geoff put us in touch with Harry Barter who became our Manager.  Harry was well-known in the business and managed Johnnie Walker (Radio 1 DJ), Roger Cook and a few other big names that I now forget.

We got a recording deal with IDEA who were a development label owned by Warner Chappel.  They had a studio near Marble Arch where we recorded the album and first two singles working with Andrew Fryer as producer.

We didn’t really know too much about how it all worked at the time, but were just blown away to be taken seriously.

We were signed to Mayking records for the third single (10,00 Miles) and second album, but they went belly-up so the tapes were seized and that was that.

SEAN: Jeff was a nice bloke  don’t think there was a carreer plan to be honest

++ Your first 7″ was the brilliant “One Summer” that was released on both 7″ and 12″. This is a terrific song and I’ll ask you about it later. But something that always caught my eye about this release was the artwork, which is very different to the other two releases of yours. Who made it? And how important were the aesthetics and look of the band?

NICK: I remember the guy who designed it was called Paul – he was somebody known to Jeff Chegwin I think.  I don’t remember too much about how / why we chose that particular design, but it seemed to fit the song.

In terms of overall aesthetic, I think Sean was the only one who looked good.  I used to struggle not to look like ‘the Man from Millets’ as I was once labelled by a journalist!

SEAN: we had custard creams and tea from Mari Wilson /top eighties singer and her man husband was graphic designer for one summer based on me wanting it to be childlike pic thought he dd a great job

++ I want to ask the story behind at least one of them. So if it is not much to ask, in a few sentences, what inspired the fantastic “One Summer”?

NICK: Sean had written the song with a different verse.  I had a verse that worked with his chorus – happened really quickly.  They are Sean’s lyrics so he’d be best placed to explain what they are about.

SEAN: met Laurie at uni where the band all met she was visiting from America /spent one night chatting sharing souls blah blah wrote song /hope shes heard it

++ This first single and the next were released on 7″ and 12″. I always have the thought that if a label released a record in both formats it must mean they had big expectations in the band. Was that the case?

NICK: We were absolutely on a roll and were getting a lot of attention when we imploded.  The songs were getting better and better, but we blew it.  I know that the people around us – record label, etc. were pretty upset at events, but we weren’t the first and won’t be the last.

SEAN: I remember Jon Fat Beast not talking to me cos I left The Moss Poles. I didn’t know anyone cared that much. Sweet naive youth

++ This second single was the great song “Underground”. Would love to ask you again what is the story behind this song!

NICK: Another Sean song!

SEAN: Sean song arranged by Nick. I would still rather play or see a band in a small venue than a cavern, although Morrissey at a big place in Brum was excellent

++ This single and the album had for the artwork photos of you two. Who took those photos?  Where were they taken? Are they from the same session?

NICK: They were taken by a neighbour – David somebody (who lived with Elissa, who’s name we stole for our first daughter). The only serious photo session we had at that time.  There are hundreds of shots, but all pretty much the same – me and Sean looking moody with a white a background!

SEAN: I think the record company thought we were sorting out covers but come deadline we were asleep

++ Then came out the album “Shorn”. I always thought it was an original name for an album. On this record you got the help from Dave Kirk and Andrew Fryer. What did they bring on the table for the band?

NICK: Dave was our longest standing and best drummer.  He played in another band as well – the Groovy Chainsaws.

Andrew was the house producer / engineer for Warner.  He also played a few keyboards on some of the tracks.  Top guy!

SEAN: top studio /top guy /top session /Andrew had recorded Bolthrowers debut the week before so I brought it after /in battle there is no law/ gave it to someone who appreciates such aural violence

++ And how different was recording the album compared to the singles?

NICK: Shorn and the first two singles were pretty much recorded at. The same time and in the same studio.  10,000 Miles was recorded somewhere in Wales.  That was pure fun – a weekend away in the country with beer and amps!

SEAN: thought the album was Wales where damned recorded Black Album /bugger

++ I read that “10,000 Miles” should have been a 3rd single. What happened? Why wasn’t it released?

NICK: As per above – the record company went bust and the studio seized the mater tapes. Nightmare!!

SEAN: don’t remember

++ And what about the 2nd album? I believe it was fully recorded, right? What songs were in it? Where was it recorded? Why didn’t it come out?

NICK: The unreleased second album was recorded in the same studio in Wales as 10,000 Miles but with Paul Breuer on Bass. Corny, but true, the playing is tighter and Paul was a great bass player, but it was never the same as bashing out stuff with Sean.

++ As far as I know you only appeared on the compilation “The Idea Compendium”. Is that all or were there any other comp appearances by the band?

NICK: Not at the time, but Cherry Red released One Summer and 10,000 Miles on their C88 and C89 compilations over the last two years.

SEAN:.Nick just sent me copies /nicely done but one summer seems slow to me /could be my record player

++ Aside from the 3rd single and the 2nd album, both unreleased, are there any other songs that are still waiting to be released? Perhaps songs in demo form? Or other studio recordings?

NICK: There is the Soundcloud site where I’ve posted a few recently recorded songs – some of which are just rubbish but some of which I’m really happy with.

https://soundcloud.com/nicky-moss-pole

There are also a few Youtube videos.

SEAN: “Loop” should ve been second or third single /rehearsal with Mick on youtube /sad as shit

++ If you were to choose your favourite The Moss Poles’ song, which one would that be and why?

NICK: So hard – maybe “Don’t Worry” or “More and More”.  I think they are both naïve, but honest. Great melody, corny lyrics, but pure emotion.

SEAN: “Take it or leave it”, “Little prince”, shit songs didn’t really make the cut

++ What about gigs? Did you play many? What was the farthest you played from London?

NICK: We played a lot around London – most weekends I remember.  We had a national tour being driven around the country in a van as is the way.  Can’t remember all the locations, but I think we went to Lancaster, Nottingham, Retford (the worst), Andover, Hull, Peterborough, Manchester (tough crowd) and maybe a few more.

SEAN: Sir George Robey with extreme noise terror (Mickey Harris from Napalm Death on drums) and Cud was a great gig Micks true love Janet told me off for shouting shake your tits to this song (“Little Prince”) I was on a massive learning curve /and the bassist said we were alright after taking the piss all night cos we had a manager

++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?

NICK: Hammersmith Palais in front of 3,000 teenagers.  We got hired to play at some end of school party – or something like that.  The main memory I have is of Allison tipping an ashtray over some 15 year-olds’ head to stop him groping some poor girl.  There were huge amounts of hormones in the air that night – it was like Caligula.  Even the bouncers were struggling to keep the lid on things and it was supposedly a no alcohol event!!

SEAN: see previous /the Palais night my wife poured beer over someone they were scum probably our current government

++ And were there any bad ones?

NICK: Retford stays in the memory, not because we played bad – actually I think we were pretty good that night.  The problem was we were supporting 999 who still had a skinhead following.  After we played we couldn’t get out of the club – I think they had shut the lift down or something.  We had to spend an uncomfortable night dodging angry skinheads and a generally unpleasant bunch of people before we finally got out at something like 2 in the morning.

++ I read at some point Steve Lamacq followed you on a tour in his van. What year was it? Did he go with you to every single gig? How did that happen? What anecdotes do you remember from that time?

NICK: Yes – Steve Lamacq followed us around on tour in his Mini.  He interviewed us along the way and recorded the gigs.  He made up a tape and I think I have it somewhere.  It’s embarrassing stuff though!

SEAN: the live tape (besides the interview ) is great and accompanies the album swell/ Retford was shit /Manchester Boardwalk same

++ When and why did The Moss Poles stop making music? You moved to Australia, right? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?

NICK: Sean and I had a big row one night after playing at the Rock Garden in Covent Garden. Stupid waste really. We tried to pick up again, but when it’s stopped being fun, it’s really too hard to keep going.

I moved to Edinburgh for 10 years and then to Australia.  I never really had an appetite to keep playing after the Moss Poles.

SEAN: don’t remember the row /but we met blossomed and died very quickly I think a natural thing /music is very personal but its gotta be fun

++ What about the rest of the band, had they been in other bands afterwards? I ready Sean was in a punk band?

NICK: Never really kept in touch so not sure about the various drummers. I haven’t played music for many years until maybe 2 years ago, but solo stuff using Pro Tools.  I know Sean has kept busy though.

SEAN: always played but never Moss Poles stuff  until recently some mates did “One Summer” it was horrendous. Flyboy and Painsville have stuff out there somewhere. With Nick I have three ex bandmates in Oz, I must be someone you’ve really gotta get away from

++ Has there ever been a reunion? Or talks of playing again together?

NICK: Never. We lost touch until maybe 2 months ago.  I managed to get in touch with Sean to share the royalties from the C88 and C89 CD’s.  I would love to, but it’s just not going to happen. What’s done is done.

SEAN: no we need a Moss Poles tribute band

++ Did you get much attention from the radio? or TV? Were there any promo videos?

NICK: We sure did.  Plenty of exposure on Radio 1, a live session on Greater London Radio and a few other things.

We recorded a video for “Underground”, but gave away the only copy we had to a French TV Channel.  It was pretty frickin cool though.  I’d love to see it again.

The only other video footage is on Youtube – we were filmed at an early gig in Dingwalls by some people from France.  At least it’s something.

SEAN: would love to see the “Undergound” promo

++ How did the Janice Long session come to be? How was that experience?

NICK: Janice Long is Jeff Chegwin’s sister so we had a bit of inside help to get that session.  But, to be fair Janice was a big fan and genuinely liked the band. Again, we don’t even have a copy of the session – we couldn’t afford to pay the BBC for a copy.

I was in awe at being in Maida Vale Studios – overwhelming!

SEAN: don’t think ive heard the session since

++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?

NICK: We had a lot of press after a while.  Helen Meade from the NME gave us a page and a half and we had a lot of smaller articles in the Melody Maker, etc.  I do have all of those tucked away in the cupboard.  I think we were named on the cover next to Ziggy Marley and the Stone Roses!

There was also a story in the Daily Mirror about me being George Michael’s gardener – which was true.  However, they were after his new address as he had just bought a house in Hampstead.  They offered us a large piece if I told them where he lived.  I didn’t do it, but they still ran a small piece which is 50% accurate, but mostly exaggerated nonsense.

SEAN: remember a page in one of the weeklies

++ What about from fanzines?

NICK: None that I can remember.

SEAN: I read Steve :amacq did a fanzine with the tape of the tour but I never saw it

++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?

NICK: Without doubt for me, the first album and being so proud to have been able to record songs that I / we loved and to then get that buzz when we made the charts and started to get noticed. Being in a band was all I had ever wanted to do when I was growing up.

++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?

NICK: NOTHING!

++ I’ve been to London many times, but it is always good to hear from a local for some recommendations! What are the sights one shouldn’t miss? Or the traditional food or drinks that you love that I should try?

NICK: I’ve not lived in the UK for 18 years so not sure I’m afraid

SEAN: my daughter lives in London now and it is so different from the 80s /which is as it should be /always find it out for yourself

++ Anything else you’d like to add?

NICK: It was what it was – I would change a few things if I could, but I can’t.  I’m truly grateful for at least having done what we did.

SEAN: we were good I think and its not a bad album still

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The Moss Poles – One Summer

Last week I got the news that Beatrice Colin from the amazing April Showers passed away. Most of us knew her band through the classic indiepop song “Abandon Ship” and we have played it time and time again. I was lucky to be in touch with her many years ago. I got to interview her for the blog and ask her many questions as her band was a mystery to me. I never understood why they didn’t release more records. Of course later in life Beatrice was a writer and a successful one at that. The Scotland Herald wrote an obituary which I say everyone should read to discover one of the most interesting voices in independent pop. Rest in peace Beatrice.

The Penelopes: a few days ago I interviewed The Penelopes. For our Japanese fans I have to say that there is now a Japanese version of the interview available here: part 1 and part 2.

The Groovy Cellar: the classic German band will be releasing a new album this year on Firestation Records called “Soulmates”. To promote it they have put together a promo film for the title song. It is really groovy of course!

Lost Tapes: our friends from Catalonia, Spain, who released with us a great EP some years ago are back with a new record, a new 7″ on Shelflife and Kocliko, a new tape on Shiny Happy Records, and four wonderful songs on it. This is not to be missed. Do check the wonderful and perfect pop of “The Bill”, “Six by Six”, “Like a Waltz” and “Letter Never Sent”.\

Homecomings: the new video for the song “Hull Down” was released back in November but I am only finding about it today! Wow! I love this Japanese band so much. This song is included in the album “Whale Living” which I need to find myself a copy as I believe it has already been released by Felicity Cap Records.

Joseiknacio: I suppose a José Ignacio is behind this EP called “Floración” that is being released digitally by Gemelo Parásito Records from Chile. There are four bedroom pop songs that are bright and jangly, reminding me of a lo-fi Los Waldners.

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It was 1991 when The Dakota Plains self-released a 7″ with two songs. On the A side they had “She Don’t Understand Me Like You” and on the B side they included “What You’re Doin to Me”. They had a cool artwork for the sleeve, with lots of instruments and a nice logo for the band, all printed in black and white. As they were self-releasing the record they catalogued the record as DAK 001, Dakota 001.

They are not listed to have appeared in any compilations. As far as I know these were the only two songs they released. We do know a few other details of the band thanks to the back of the sleeve and these are important ones. For example we know the band hailed from Newcastle in England. That these two songs were recorded in that same city at Lynx Studio. And also we know the band members for this kind of country-tinged indiepop band.

Charlie Barlow – lead vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar
Jimmy Cousins – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Jevvy Moroney – bass, backing vocals
Colin Stephenson – lead vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo, keyboards

Also we know that the A side is credited to Colin Stephenson while the B side to Charlie Barlow.

Thanks to this information I end up stumbling on a great discovery. There was a second 7″ by the band. It had the song “7 Words” on the A side and “Long Way From Home” on the B side. I need more information about this though! It seems there are barely any mentions about this single in the whole world wide web!

I think I stumbled upon the Twitter account of the drummer but it doesn’t look as if he has logged in since early 2017. He seems to still be in Newcastle. I can’t track the other band members though. I wonder why are their records so obscure and if there were more. I had no clue whatsoever that there was a 2nd single!

I know I have a few readers from the Newcastle area so I’m hoping someone remembers them and can tell me a bit more about them!

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The Dakota Plains – She Don’t Understand Me Like You

I feel next week I’ll be able to share some news on future releases. It is taking a long time to be able to get these releases together, but they are coming soon.

As you know I’m also working on an Australian compilation and it is not as easy as I thought it’d be. I have contacted many bands and they seem interested, but it is taking time to get all the assets together. I just need to be patient I suppose. I hope this first volume gets released this year.

Anyhow, finds. New finds. Here they are:

Battery Point: one of the best bands these days have a new song on their Bandcamp titled “Desire”. The Chula Vista, California, band formed by Erick, Sergio, Jessica, Ray, Peter, Alex and Oscar, continue creating haunting indiepop. I hope to see a record released on physical format someday!

Lavender Blush: is a San Francisco bedroom noisepop band who have a tape called “Beauty is What Beauty Does To You” scheduled to be released on April 15th though it seems it will be sold out pretty soon through pre-orders. These are tapes that are handmade by the band. It seems later on a label called Sensitive wil re-release it. There are 6 songs on this tape and just one, “Fire”, is available to stream.

Leathers: Shannon Hemett is behind this interesting post-punk poppy sounding band from Vancouver, Canada. My introduction to her music is through her latest song “Phantom Heart” which sounds great! Dark but luminous at the same time. I look forward to more songs by her for sure.

Astragal: another favourite band is this Houston ensemble. I really would like to see a record of theirs. Do they have one? I wouldn’t mind a 7″. “Moderne Luxury” is their latest effort, a galloping single of guitars that sound great. Maybe the vocals are a bit low in the mix to me, but who cares, it  is a pretty strong track!

Cápsula del tiempo: is the name of the compilation the Spanish label Jabalina Records will release as a celebration of their 25th anniversary! This amazing compilation that includes great bands like Iluminados, Ama, Apenino, Portonovo or Dar Ful Ful among others will be released this March 15 on vinyl LP. Essential!

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There’s been more than a few good releases on Native Records. Some of them are quite obscure for some reason. Others aren’t, like The Darling Buds for example. But let’s say The Kennedy Pill, not much is known about them, right? But we can have a look of course in the depths of the web, see if there’s any worthy information.

Native Records was a small British indie label that was based in Sheffield. It was founded by Kevin Donoghue in 1985 after leaving RCA. They released all sorts of music, all sorts of genres. Happily there were some fine indiepop moments like Treebound Story or Raintree County. And The Kennedy Pill of course, who released a 12″ in 1990.

The “Beside the Sea” 12 (12NTV 57) included three songs. The A side had “Beside the Sea” and “All the Way Down” while the B side had “More than You Ever Know”. Aside from that Discogs only gives us two compilation appearances in 1991. Little really.

The band appeared then on the “Guitars and Drums” comp that was released on CD and vinyl on Native Records (NATVCD 55 / NATVLP 55). The band contributed their B side “More Than You’ll Ever Know”.

The other comp was “Knowing Where it all Leeds” that was released on CD and vinyl (BLAG) by Stolen Sounds. The band contributed the baggy song “Fizz Pop”. It looks like this compilation only featured bands from Leeds, as we see The Wedding Present, Pale Saints, Greenhouse, Bridewell Taxis and more. Safe to assume that The Kennedy Pill hailed from that city then? The

Wikipedia confirms this on an article about the band The Flying Hendersons. Here it mentions taht Steve Whitfield, their bassist, and Julian Coultas, guitar, went to join The Kennedy Pill in 1989.

Looking through the archive of the blog Madchester Rave On there is a post about The Kennedy Pill. In it it is mentioned that the band used to have a Myspace page and on it they had 5 unreleased tracks that I hope to listen one day. They were “Wednesday”, “Sian”, “Please Don’t Go”, “Timothy Leary” and “Me Me You”.

Thanks to this blog, as I dig deeper through their archives, I see a comment by a fellow Flying Hendersons called Rob. He mentions that the final lineup of the band was Pete, Jules, Mike, Aggi and Phil and that they started as a four piece called Wickerman.

Looking through the web I find out that THe Kennedy Pill supported the great band Bob on January 23rd of 1991 at The Duchess in Leeds. On November 5th 1988 and January 24th 1989 they played at the University of Leeds according to this superb PDF that I found.

Then a great find, a Twitter account. An account that mentions that the band supported The Stone Roses. A Pete Gibson appears many times. It must be the Pete that was mentioned in the blog comment. Going through the few tweets I noticed that the band had made red t-shirts with the band logo back in the day.

Not much more. Don’t know if the members went to play in other bands. How did Wickerman sound like? What about those unreleased tracks? Is there a chance for me to listen to them? Why just the one release? Who else did they support? Would be great to find out more about them! Anyone remembers them?

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The Kennedy Pill – Beside the Sea

Here we are again. With little news. Things are not moving as fast as I’d like with the releases I have planned. I guess I have to be patient? Any tips to be patient?

In the meantime I’ve selected new 5 finds from around the net. It’s always nice to hear new music, isn’t it?

Tullycraft: “Your Boyfriend Lost His Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight?” is a long title for a song name but it is a great song of course. This is the latest video the Seattle band has put out to promote their new album “The Railway Prince Hotel” which is now available!

Tradewinds Sailing Club: I’ve only stumbled upon these recordings made by Dale Marquez from Apple Orchard and Connie Francis Marquez. Three fragile songs recorded in 2013 as an EP titled “Offshore” which I highly recommend.

Perfect Strangers: this band from Gainesville, Florida, is formed by Hector Laguna, Mario Lopez, Myles Matheny and Jason Shusterman. They have just put out on Bandcamp 7 songs, a mini-album titled “Unlikely Partners” that sound pretty interesting. To my surprise these songs were recorded in Miami where I used to live and there was barely an indiepop fan…

The Jasmine Minks: the legendary Scottish band is back with a new 7″ on the A Turntable Records!! The 7″ will include two songs, “Step by Step” and “Gravity”. The first is now streaming on Bandcamp and sounds great, and it is no surprise if you mix in the band and Pat Collier to produce these tracks!

Tom Boyle: the last find today is the new EP by the Getxo, Spain, band titled “Mar de Fondo”. Three songs that are dreamy, melancholic and introspective at the same time. Gloria, Miguel, Oskar and Xabier, have made a very lovely record here which I hope gets a physical release. My favourite song out of the three? I think “Supernova II”.

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The “C89” three CD box set included The Magnificent Lkage. This song too, “Passion”. It is a great sounding band and it is no surprise that Cherry Red was able to track them down (or they just used their song with no permission?). I will do my post too, see if I can get in touch and also try to find more about them. See if I can tell the story of the band one day through an interview. For sure I’ll be able to tell some facts now, thanks to the info available on the web. And hopefully not make really stupid mistakes like saying that Rorschach named themselves after a Marvel comic. Come on. How lazy is that?

We know they hailed from Birmingham and were formed by:
Dean O’Loughlin – vocals and guitar
Andrew Powell – guitar and vocals
Hendricks – drums and vocals
John Morrison – bass

And they had a few releases. The first dates from 1989 and it is on this 12″ maxi single that “Passion” was the A side. Also on the A side was the superb “A Kind of Love Song” and on the B side there was “One Day the Butterfly”. It was released by Gi Records (GI 12-2). Don’t know much about this label but they released a band called Reform Club as well. The label was based in Oxon.

On this record Roberto Cimarosti played keyboards. Cimarosti had been in bands like Electribe 101, Groove Corporation or Overproof Sound System.

“Passion” was recorded at Rich Bitch Studios in January 1989 and was produced by Mark Bruce and the band. Bruce also engineered the song. “A Kind of Love Song” and “One Day the Butterfly” were recorded at The Old Smithy in Worcester in march 1988. These songs were produced by Brian Nordhoff and Joe Steven. They were engineered by Les Fleming and Lord Lucan.

After this release the band signed to a much bigger label, One Little Indian. It seems too that they dropped “The Magnificent” and just kept the Lkage as their name. On this label, in 1991, they released the single “Passion 91” (51 TP) on vinyl and CD. The songs were once again recorded at Rich Bitch Studios in Birmingham and they made four this time around, “Passion 91”, “My Head’s On Fire”, “Sway” and “Another Story from Raintown”. The engineer was Mark Bruce. Both CD and vinyl has the same running order of the songs, they don’t seem to have much difference. Two songs were on the A side and two on the B side.

“My Head’s On Fire” was their second single on One Little Indian (75 TP). Released in 1993 also on both CD and vinyl. Four songs, “My Head’s On Fire”, “Patsy”, “Fear of Falling” and “Another Story from Raintown”. Mark Bruce produced “Another Story from Raintown”, while the renowned Mitch Easter produced “My Head’s On Fire” and “Fear of Falling”. Same running order here too for both versions. The first two songs on the A side, the other two on the B side.

Lastly in 1993 they released an album. It was called “Brazilliant” (what was their connection with Brazil?) and it included 12 songs. It was released by One Little Indian (TPLP 26) and had 12 songs. The vinyl version had “Showtime”, “Dumb Dumb”, “Freed by your Love Cascade”, “Half of Everything”, “My Head’s On Fire” and “Candlesoap”. The B side had “One Day the Butterfly”, “The Loudest Silence”, “No Lullaby”, “She Is”, “Space Dog” and “The Story so Far”. The album was also licensed to the US. The A&M label released the album as a CD that same year.

In 1991 they appeared with the song “Another Story from Raintown” on a CD compilation called “Volume One” that was released by Volume (V1CD). it looks like a mixed bag of bands on it. We find New Order, The Popguns, Kitchens of Distinction, The Shamen and more.

The American label Hits would have them with the song “My Head’s on Fire” on their “It’s a Sunshine Day/Aprils Fools 1993” (HT 013) CD comp in 1993. That same year on a tape released by One Little Indian called “Outlook & Carlsberg Present: The One Little Indian Mix” (OUTMIX 2) they contributed the song “Space Dog”. This tape came alongside the Outlook magazine.

And as mentioned before they appeared on the “C89” boxset this year.

Were the band members involved in any other bands? I could find out that John Morrison, the bassist, played in Hefner and also in Rhatigan, The French and The Machines.

On the Tamworth Bands website I find a mention of the band. They played a gig in Tamworth on March 4th 1990 alongside Honeyjump, Bob Baroque and Lincolns at the Tamworth Arts Centre.

What else? Actually not much more. Even though the band had been in One Little Indian there is not much about them on the web. Would be great to find out the whole story of the band. I’m sure some of you remember them. Where are they now? Are there more releases or recordings? Let’s get the ball rolling.

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The Magnificent Lkage – Passion

Starting a new week, but the good thing is that today it is a holiday here in the US.

In a few days Cherry Red is releasing a very good box set called “Big Gold Dreams: A Story of Scottish Independent Music 1977-1989”. It is a 5CD Boxset that as its name says covers lots of great Scottish music, including a lot of Scottish pop. Of course you know I’m no fan of this label, but I have to be objective and look at the music and the bands on it. So for those that are not aware of this release I’m sharing the info here which includes many bands that have been featured on the blog like The Vultures, The Bachelor Pad, Baby Lemonade or The Wild Indians.

DISC ONE:
1. I CAN’T STAND MY BABY (Sensible Version) – The Rezillos
2. HOOKED ON YOU – The Exile
3. JERKIN’ – The Drive
4. ROBOT LOVE – The Valves
5. PUT YOU IN THE PICTURE – P.V.C. 2
6. DEAD VANDALS – Johnny & The Self Abusers
7. YOU GOTTA KNOW GIRL – Bee Bee Cee
8. GIMME YOUR HEART – Subs
9. REASONS – Skids
10. DANCING WITH MYSELF – Fingerprintz
11. TAKE ME DOWN – The Zips
12. ALL THE BOYS LOVE CARRIE – Another Pretty Face
13. ELECTRIC HEAT – Visitors
14. SEE SAW – The Jolt
15. CHELSEA GIRL – Simple Minds
16. CULTURE SHOCK – Shake
17. THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME – The Headboys
18. TIME WALL – Fire Exit
19. PARANOIA – The Freeze
20. SYLVIA CLARKE – The Fakes
21. SHE’S TOO CLEVER FOR ME – TPI
22. SINGING IN THE SHOWERS – Fun 4
23. CONFESSIONS – Flowers
24. PLAYING WITH FIRE – TV21
25. STAY WITH ME TONIGHT – Alex Fergusson

DISC TWO:
1. DEAD POP STARS – Altered Images
2. DIE TODTEN REYTEN SCHNELL – The Prats
3. TOUS LES SOIRS – Delmontes
4. WALK ON WATER – The Cuban Heels
5. MORE THAN THIS – 35mm Dreams
6. OUT IN THE OPEN – The President’s Men
7. ALL ABOUT YOU – Scars
8. TELL ME EASTERS ON FRIDAY – The Associates
9. SORRY FOR LAUGHING – Josef K
10. EVENT TO COME – Article 58
11. LOVE TO MEET YOU – Restricted Code
12. DON’T – Thomas Leer
13. BIG GOLD DREAM – Fire Engines
14. ON OUR HONEYMOON – The Wake
15. OOH BOP SH’BAM – Boots For Dancing
16. PURITANS – The Happy Family
17. TIGHTROPE – Everest The Hard Way
18. PALACE FILLED WITH LOVE – APB
19. RUNNING AWAY – Paul Haig
20. PICK UP THE RHYTHM – French Impressionists
21. EAT YOUR HEART OUT – Hey! Elastica
22. PARTICIPATE! – The Laughing Apple

DISC THREE:
1. FEATHERS OAR-BLADES – Cocteau Twins
2. OUT OF NOWHERE – The Twinsets
3. CATH – The Bluebells
4. A GIRL CALLED JOHNNY – The Waterboys
5. LUCKY STAR (Moonboot Version) – Friends Again
6. TREES AND FLOWERS (92 Happy Customers Version) – Strawberry Switchblade
7. SIXTEEN REASONS – Jazzateers
8. STOP THE RAIN – The Suede Crocodiles
9. FLOWERS IN THE SKY – The Revolving Paint Dream
10. THINK! – Jasmine Minks
11. THERE MUST BE A BETTER LIFE – Biff Bang Pow!
12. ALL I NEED IS EVERYTHING – Aztec Camera
13. OVER YOUR SHOULDER – Pop Wallpaper
14. DREAMING – The Wee Cherubs
15. CATHEDRAL – Fini Tribe
16. UPSIDE DOWN – The Jesus And Mary Chain
17. BABY HONEY – The Pastels
18. YOU SUPPLY THE ROSES – Memphis
19. AIN’T THAT ALWAYS THE WAY – Paul Quinn
20. UNAMERICAN BROADCASTING – Win
21. SWALLOW – Blood Uncles

DISC FOUR:
1. ALL FALL DOWN – Primal Scream
2. DON’T SLIP UP – Meat Whiplash
3. HAMMERING HEART (Single Version) – Del Amitri
4. SOME INDULGENCE – The High Bees
5. BIG BLUE OCEAN – Jih
6. HOTEL MARQUIS DE SADE – Momus
7. LIVING IN HELL – The Primevals
8. BABY’S GOT A BRAND NEW BRAIN – The Styng Rites
9. BULLY BEEF – The Botany 500
10. WHOLE WIDE WORLD – The Soup Dragons
11. STRAWBERRY SUNDAY – BMX Bandits
12. FIRESTATION TOWERS – Close Lobsters
13. FACE IN A CROWD – The Green Telescope
14. THE RATTLER (Original 12” Version) – Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie
15. PENNILESS – The Wild Indians
16. SOMEWHERE IN CHINA (LP Version) – Shop Assistants
17. HOLLOW GUT – Lowlife
18. SLOW TIME AND TEMPTATION – Kevin McDermott
19. WHERE DO I STAND? – The Incredible Blondes
20. SIGN ON THE LINE… – The Fizzbombs
21. KILLER BEE HONEY – The Beat Poets
22. DON’T SHILLY SHALLY – Edwyn Collins
23. I’M NOT AN AMERICAN – The Dragsters
24. ROOM AT THE TOP – The Motorcycle Boy
25. HEY GIRL (LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE) – The Thanes

DISC FIVE:
1. HAPPY DAYS – The Shamen
2. MEALY MOUTHS – Mackenzies
3. SHE SAID TO THE DRIVER – The McCluskey Brothers
4. JIFFY NECKWEAR CREATION – Baby Lemonade
5. GIRL OF YOUR DREAMS – The Bachelor Pad
6. JENNY NOWHERE – The Clouds
7. MARATHON MAN – Rote Kapelle
8. THE ADAM FAITH EXPERIENCE – Jesse Garon & The Desperadoes
9. TEENAGE SUPERSTARS – The Vaselines
10. TINY WORDS – The Orchids
11. A PLACE IS SO HARD TO FIND – The Groovy Little Numbers
12. GOOD THING – The Vultures
13. THE GREAT DIVIDE – This Poison!
14. HEAD START – The Prayers
15. TAKE ME AWAY – The Submarines
16. THINK LIKE A GIRL – The Church Grims
17. IF YOU LOVE HIM, LET HIM GO – Wilderness Children
18. TRAFFIC DRONE – The Cateran
19. HILLS O’ NEW GALLOWAY – Nyah Fearties
20. MISS O’GRADY – Dog Faced Hermans
21. GROIN DEATH – Stretchheads
22. THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM – Cindytalk

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So who were The Groovers? As far as I know they only released two songs and then disappeared into oblivion. Why?!

I hope I get to find out the reason why. In the meantime I can find out any other details that might come in handy if I end up interviewing them. That would be the ideal situation. I don’t own anything by them but I’ve heard both songs on Youtube.

The band released a 7″ in 1992, probably self-released as there is no label listed. There is a catalog number though, GROOVE 1. The record included the festive “Happy Holiday” on the A side and the more laid-back “Yesterday’s Carnival Queen” on the B side. On the jacket we see someone reading the newspaper on a chair at a British beach. There’s a pier in the back. I’m sure someone might be able to recognize which beach it is thanks to it. We know too that both songs were recorded at Pearl Studios.

Other details that are available on the back cover is that both songs are credited to Thorley and that the songs were produced by someone with the last name Chapman.

There are no compilation appearances listed but Discogs does give us the first name of Thorley, it is Brent. Thanks to that little piece of information I find out that he has been in other bands like The BDI’s, The Lancashire Hustlers and The Panda Gang. All of them bands that happened after The Groovers according to the dates of their releases on Discogs. I would love to listen to them. Find out if they are as poppy as The Groovers.

On 45Cat there are a few of comments about the band. One mentions that the band started in Southport, Merseyside as The Revolvers.

Southport is a large seaside town in Merseyside, England. At the 2001 census, it had a population of 90,336, making it the eleventh most populous settlement in North West England. Southport lies on the Irish Sea coast and is fringed to the north by the Ribble estuary. The town is 16.7 miles (26.9 km) north of Liverpool and 14.8 miles (23.8 km) southwest of Preston.

I have the certainty that the pier, the beach, on the cover, must have been Southport. Don’t you think? This same comment mentions that Brent Thorley was the vocalist and guitarist in the band.

Sadly that’s where I lose the trail. Not much more information about them. Sure I believe there is about the other bands he has been in, as he has even released records in Japan it seems. But about The Groovers there’s nothing else.

So I ask for your help again. Anyone remember them? Were there more songs? Other releases? Compilation appearances? Any detail would be appreciated here!

Update – February 27th:

I got in touch with Brent Thorley and asked him questions for an interview. He answered some of them. I don’t feel this time it requires a new post so I just thought updating the post with the new information he shared with me.

• The band existed from around 1990 to 1992 and were based in Southport.We all attended the same 6th form college(the last 2 years of high school) there apart from the bass player Ed who was the older brother of another friend.
• We played mainly at one bar in Southport,occasionally venturing further afield to nearby towns such as Preston and Wigan.
  The single was organised by the bass players father as far as I remember.
• The Revolvers was the same band,the name being changed when another more successful band called Revolver appeared.I think the name The Groovers came from the T.Rex song “The Groover”.
• We made a few demo tapes recorded live at rehearsals but I can’t recall if these were to sell or to send to record companies.
  The line up was bass,drums,guitar and keyboards.The keyboard player James also played the violin which features on both sides of the single.
• The person in the deck chair on the cover photo is the drummer Leo.
  I couldn’t say precisely why we stopped all these years later and am not in contact with any of the other members.

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Listen
The Groovers – Happy Holiday

One more week is over. Halfway through February now. I have just booked some vacation time in July. I’ll be heading to Asturias, in the north of Spain. If any Asturian want some records do let me know. No hurries. There’s time.

Now some new finds?

Seventeen Years Old and Berlin Wall: “Reflect” is the 2nd mini album by the Tokyo based dreampop band. It came out back in 2018, but I’m only listening to it now. A bit late. But better late than never right? There are 6 songs in the record  which was released on cassette by the Kyoto label Sango Records.

Chestnut Bakery: I actually stumbled upon Sango Records as I noticed they had reissued the album “Diaries” that the Chinese band put out back in 2015 on the superb Boring Productions. The original release has been long sold out so those who missed out have a great opportunity now to get one of course!

The Boys with the Perpetual Nervousness: the magnificent duo formed by Andrew Taylor and Gonzalo Marcos will be releasing their debut album “Dead Calm” on March 1st on the Alicante, Spain, label Pretty Olivia Records. 10 songs of top pop will be included I am sure, but at the moment we can only preview two of them, “Close the Doors” and “Nervous Man”. It is definitely a record I’d want in my collection!

The Oilies: Carly Putnam is The Oilies. She has been part of The Art Museums. That’s a good thing. On her songs she says she wants to combine the subtle creepiness of Rose McDowall with the wistfulness of the Marine Girls. Sounds that she is into something. There is a new EP called “Psychic Dog” on her Bandcamp which will be released on vinyl on April 5th. You can preview one of the songs, “Psychic Dog”, at her Bandcamp.

Boyracer: well I missed this. There was a new Boyracer 7″ that the Finnish label Royal Mint Records put out. It was limited to 75 copies. So good luck finding one. At least we can play time and time again on Bandcamp the two songs that are on the 7″, “Strong Arms” and “Teardrops”. Bear in mind too that these two songs won’t be part of the upcoming Boyracer LP that will be released this year.

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Every couple of weeks it seems like I want to restart that compilations project that was supposed to be The Sound of Starke Adolf. I really loved how the first volume came out many many years ago. As you know I started working on a 2nd volume but because of the lack of interest of the bands it proved almost impossible to complete it. I wonder if these days some of the people behind that amazing music done in Sweden between 2000 and 2007 are still apathetic about it?

As time goes on I discover bands that weren’t in my radar and that could have been part of these compilations. It definitely was a prolific period for indiepop there. And most amazing this band, The Radio Arts, actually hailed from the same place as the legendary Starke Adolf club, Gothenburg.

On Discogs only their last release is listed. A 2005 CD called “This Morning Makes Me Okey”, which was self-released. It included four songs, “04:30 Am”, “Let Go”, “The New Waves to Come” and “The Song I Love”. So far I’ve only been able to listen out of all of their songs, “Let Go”, and it is great. Will I be able to find all their songs one day, be able to listen to them? Which one was their best?

I ask that because there were more songs. Not just these 4. The previous year, 2004, they released two demo CDs. CDRs I am guessing. I’m not sure which one was first. But they do appear listed in Popfakta. There was “People People” which included three songs, “Come On”, “Walk Right Through” and “Endless Show”. These songs were engineered and mixed by Dave McEwan. The photo on the sleeve is credited to Olof Brandt while the design to Bikelife. Then we find the band members:
Hannes Sandahl on bass
Jonas Lyckander on guitar
Nils Lyckander on keyboard
Jonas on vocals
Andreas Hansson on drums and vocals

These same members played on the other CD, “I’m Gonna Shout it Out”. This one included two songs, “Satisfaction” and “The Beautiful”.

Going through different newspapers from Sweden, I find that the band played the Frizonfestivalen in Örebro sometime between the 10th and 14th of August 2005 alongside Tomas Anderson Wij and Wonderland.

Then there is an article with Jonas Lyckander about some Irish Festival that invited the band to play in 2007. Sadly there is a paywall on this article on the website HD, a Helsingborg paper. I can’t read the whole thing. But I could read an interesting detail, that the band had toured not just Sweden but also Europe. Where in Europe is the question then!

Then on the same website, and without a paywall, there is an article from 2010 mentioning that Jonas is doing electronic music, somewhere in between the Tough Alliance and Pet Shop Boys under the name Dufvan. Here I also learn that Jonas was originally from Helsingborg.

Then I lose the trail. Not much written about them. Nor I can’t seem to find whereabouts they played in Europe. Or if they release any other records or songs. Did they appear on compilations? Who remembers them?

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Listen
The Radio Arts – Let Go