The Jam - The Bitterest Pill

In September of 1982, The Jam released their twentieth single, "The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow)". It was backed by "Pity Poor Alfie" and "Fever". None of the tracks appeared on an album. The single reached the #2 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The Woking, England punk/mod revivalist band disbanded in 1982 after six studio albums. Paul Weller went on to form The Style Council. Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler have toured together since but Paul Weller has no interest in a reunion.



Wikipedia: The Jam

Official Website: thejamfan.net

Video: The Jam - The Bitterest Pill - youtube

Blogload: The Jam - Direction, Reaction, Creation - a compilation - www.tkshare.com

Toyah - Thunder In The Mountains

In September of 1981, Toyah released their eighth single, "Thunder In The Mountains". It was backed by "Street Addict". The 12 inch also included "Voodoo Doll". None of the tracks originally appeared on albums but all found their way onto CD's as bonus tracks. "Thunder In The Mountains" wound up on the first CD re-release of their third album, Anthem, but did not appear on the second version of the CD. Instead, it would up as a bonus track on the fourth album, The Changeling. "Voodoo Doll" also would up on The Changeling. "Street Addict" wound up being a bonus track on the CD release of their first full-length album, The Blue Meaning. The single reached the #4 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The Birmingham, England post punk/new wave band was fronted by Toyah Willcox. She stepped away from music in 1997 to concentrate more fully on her acting career but has resurfaced with her band in recent years.



Wikipedia: Toyah

Official Toyah Willcox Website: toyahwillcox.com

Video: Toyah - Thunder In The Mountains - youtube

Blogload: Toyah - The Changeling - nrrules.blogspot.com

Tom Tom Club

On this date in 1981, Tom Tom Club released their self-titled debut album. It included the singles, "Wordy Rappinghood" (#7 U.K.) and "Genius Of Love" (#31 U.S., #65 U.K.). The band was formed as a side project by Talking Heads' members Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz. The new wave husband and wife duo continue on today.



Wikipedia: Tom Tom Club

Official Website: tomtomclub.net

Blogload: Tom Tom Club - debut album - rockstardownload.blogspot.com

The Passions - Thirty Thousand Feet Over China

In September of 1981, The Passions released their second album, 30,000 Feet Over China. It contained the singles, "I'm In Love With A German Film Star" (#25 U.K.), "Skin Deep" and "The Swimmer". The album reached the #92 spot on the U.K. albums chart. The London new wave band released three albums before disbanding in 1983. Original bassist Claire Bidwell left the band in 1980 to join The Wall.



Wikipedia: The Passions

Official Website: thepassions.co.uk

Blogload: The Passions - Thirty Thousand Feet Over China - kyogoi.blogspot.com

The Exploited - Dead Cities

On this date in 1981, The Exploited released their fourth single, "Dead Cities". It was backed by "Hitler's In The Charts Again" and "Class War". None of the tracks appeared on a regular studio album. The single reached the #4 spot on the U.K. indie singles chart and the #31 spot on the overall U.K. singles chart. The Edinburgh, Scotland band was one of the U.K.'s original Oi! bands. They are still together but moved towards thrash by the late '80's.



Wikipedia: The Exploited

Official Website: the-exploited.net

Video: The Exploited - Dead Cities - on Top Of The Pops - 1981 - youtube

Blogload: The Exploited - Dead Cities - 7 inch (all three tracks) - and more - borninthebasement.net

The Police - Invisible Sun

In September of 1981, The Police released their twelfth single, "Invisible Sun". It was backed by "Shambelle". The A side appeared on their fourth album, Ghost In The Machine. The B side was a non-LP track. The single was only released in the U.K. where it reached the #2 spot on the singles chart. The London new wave band disbanded in 1984. Last year, they reunited on a much publicized reunion tour and have toured this year as well.



Wikipedia: The Police

Official Website: thepolice.com

Video: The Police - Invisible Sun - youtube

Blogload: The Police - Ghost In The Machine - bloodyrevolutions.blogspot.com

Dome 3

On this date in 1981, Dome released their third album, Dome 3. The London post punk band consisted of Graham Lewis and Bruce Gilbert, both of Wire. They released four albums between 1980 and 1984 without releasing a single. The side project ended when Wire re-formed in 1985.



Wikipedia: Dome

Blogload: Dome 3 & 4 - killedincars.blogspot.com

Heaven 17 - Penthouse And Pavement

In September of 1981, Heaven 17 released their debut album, Penthouse And Pavement. It produced five singles, "(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang (U.K. #45), "Play to Win" (U.K. #46), "Penthouse and Pavement" (U.K. #57) and "The Height of the Fighting (He-La-Hu)". The album reached the #14 spot on the U.K. albums chart. The Sheffield, England new wave band formed when Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh split from The Human League. They recruited Glenn Gregory for vocals and the band was born. The band has recorded and performed sporadically since 1988.



Wikipedia: Heaven 17

Unofficial Website: heaven17.de

Blogload: Heaven 17 - Penthouse And Pavement - castlesinspace.blogspot.com

Virgin Prunes - A New Form Of Beauty 1

On this date in 1981, Virgin Prunes released their third 7 inch record. They called the record, A New Form Of Beauty 1. First, the contents. It was a seven inch single that included three tracks, "Sandpaper Lullaby", "Sleep" and "Fantasy Dreams". The "A New Form Of Beauty" series was designed to be a series of releases, numbered accordingly. An album, A New Form Of Beauty Parts 1-4, was released as a double album which included all three of the songs on the first part plus the other three parts. Virgin Prunes was a Dublin-based goth band whose members were childhood friends of Bono and The Edge from U2. They disbanded in 1986.



Wikipedia: The Virgin Prunes

Official Website: virginprunes.com

Blogload: Virgin Prunes - A New Form Of Beauty Parts 1-4 - thethingonthedoorstep.blogspot.com

Athletico Spizz 80 - Central Park

On this date in 1980, Athletico Spizz 80 released their seventh single (under various band names), "Central Park". It was backed by another version of "Central Park". The A side appeared on their second album, Spikey Dream Flowers (which was released under the band name of The Spizzles). They were, during their career, known as various names, including Spizzoil, Spizzenergi, Athletico Spizz 80, The Spizzles and Spizzenergi:2. The English punk/new wave band effectively disbanded in 1982 but has gotten together on and off since then (under various names).



Wikipedia: Spizzenergi

Official Website: spizzenergi.com

Blogload: The Spizzles - Spikey Dream Flowers - eggcityradio.com

Wall Of Voodoo

On this date in 1980, Wall Of Voodoo released their self-titled debut EP. The six songs included were "Longarm", "The Passenger", "Can't Make Love", "Struggle", "Ring Of Fire" and "Granma's House". This was their first release at all. None of the songs were released as singles nor were any of the tracks included on any of their full-length albums. The Los Angeles post-punk/new wave band disbanded in 1988.



Wikipedia: Wall Of Voodoo

Official Website: wallofvoodoo.net

Blogload: Wall Of Voodoo - self-titled debut EP - mutant-sounds.blogspot.com

Dolly Mixture - Baby It's You

In September of 1980, Dolly Mixture released their debut single, "Baby It's You". It was backed by "New Look Baby". Neither track appeared on their sole album, Demonstration Tapes. The Cambridge, England all girl new wave band disbanded in 1984. By the way, they were the background singers on Captain Sensible's hit "Wot".



Wikipedia: Dolly Mixture

Not "Baby It's You" but...
Blogload: Dolly Mixture - Demonstration Tapes - takethepills.blogspot.com

Cockney Rejects - Greatest Hits Volume II

On this date in 1980, Cockney Rejects released their second album, Greatest Hits Volume II. It was a followup up to their debut, Greatest Hits Volume I and a precursor to their next album, Greatest Hits Volume III. Of course, none were actually greatest hits albums, just wishful thinking, perhaps. Or sarcasm. It contained the single, "We Can Do Anything" and "The Greatest Cockney Ripoff". The London punk/Oi! band is still going strong.



Wikipedia: Cockney Rejects

Official Website: cockneyrejects.eu

Blogload: Cockney Rejects - Greatest Hits Volume II - and more - www.taringa.net

The Vapors - Waiting For The Weekend

In September of 1980, The Vapors released their fourth single, "Waiting For The Weekend". It was backed by "Billy". The A side appeared on their debut album, New Clear Days. The B side was a non-LP track that was added as a bonus when the album was re-released on CD. The Guildford, England band was from the same area as The Jam and were managed by Bruce Foxton of The Jam. The new wave/power pop band called it quits in 1981 after two albums.



Wikipedia: The Vapors

Video: The Vapors - Waiting For The Weekend -youtube

Blogload: The Vapors - New Clear Days - rockformasses.blogspot.com

X-Ray Spex - Oh Bondage Up Yours

On this date in 1977, X Ray Spex released their debut single, "Oh Bondage Up Yours!". It was backed by "I Am A Cliche". Neither track appeared on their debut album, Germ Free Adolescents, but both were added as bonus tracks when the album was re-released on CD. The London punk band disbanded in 1979 after lead singer Poly Styrene quit due to exhaustion from touring (she later became a Hare Krishna). They released one album (though they re-formed in 1995 to release a new album) and five singles, all charting in the U.K. with the exception of this debut single. Lora Logic was an original in the band but left after this single to continue her schooling (she was 16). She went on to form the band Essential Logic. B.P. Hurding and Jak Airport went on to form Classix Nouveaux.



Wikipedia: X-Ray Spex

Official Website: x-rayspex.com

Video: X-Ray Spex - Oh Bondage Up Yours - youtube

Blogload: X-Ray Spex - Oh Bondage Up Yours - 7 inch (both sides) - killyourpetpuppy.co.uk

Tom Robinson Band - 2-4-6-8 Motorway

On this date in 1977, Tom Robinson Band released their debut single, "2-4-6-8 Motorway". It was backed by "I Shall Be Released". Neither track appeared on their debut album, Power In The Darkness, but both were eventually added as bonus tracks when the album was re-released on CD. The single reached the #5 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The London punk/power pop band disbanded after two albums. Tom Robinson founded Sector 27 after the break-up. The band has re-formed for some reunion shows. Drummer Dolphin Taylor later joined Stiff Little Fingers.



Wikipedia: Tom Robinson Band

Tom Robinson Band Website: tomrobinson.com

Video: Tom Robinson Band - 2-4-6-8 Motorway - on Top Of The Pops - 1977 - youtube

Blogload: Tom Robinson Band - Power In The Darkness - c-60lownoise.blogspot.com

APB - Rainy Day

On this date in 1982, APB released their fourth single, "Rainy Day". It was backed by "From You & Back To You". The A side appeared on their 1985 debut full-length album, Something To Believe In. The B side did not but it was added as a bonus track when the album was re-released on CD. The Aberdeenshire, Scotland post punk/new wave band released a string of singles through 1986 and performed through 1988 but, while not officially disbanding, were quiet after that. They have recently released new material and are performing.



Wikipedia: APB

Official Website: apbtheband.com

Video: APB - Rainy Day - live 1986 -youtube

Blogload: APB - Rainy Day - 7 inch (both sides) - killyourpetpuppy.co.uk

The Beat - Special Beat Service

On this date in 1982, The Beat released their third and final album, Special Beat Service. It contained the singles, "Jeanette" (#45 U.K.), "Save It For Later" (#47 U.K.) and "I Confess" (#54 U.K.). The album reached the #21 spot on the U.K. albums chart. The Birmingham, England ska band broke up in 1983 after three albums. Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger formed General Public. Andy Cox and David Steele formed Fine Young Cannibals. The Beat was known as The English Beat in the U.S.



Wikipedia: The Beat

Blogload: The Beat - Special Beat Service - ustedville.blogspot.com

The Fall - Room To Live

On this date in 1982, The Fall released their sixth studio album, Room To Live. It was subtitled Undilutable Slang Truth! The album included one single, "Marquis Cha-Cha". The Manchester, England post punk band still records and performs. Mark E Smith is the only original member.



Wikipedia: The Fall

"Official" Website: visi.com/fall

Blogload: The Fall - Room To Live - decrepittapes.blogspot.com

Throbbing Gristle - Greatest Hits (Entertainment Through Pain)

On this date in 1981, Throbbing Gristle released their fourth studio album, Greatest Hits (Entertainment Through Pain). It contained the singles, "Subhuman" and "Adrenalin". The album was part compilation of previously released material and part introduction to new material. The band was never commercially successful so the term "greatest hits" was ironic. The London post punk/experimental band was, however, extremely influential and are credited as being one of the founders of industrial music. They released a tremendous number of live albums over the course of their career and a few studio albums as well. They lasted until 1981. Genesis P-Orridge and Peter Christopherson formed Psychic TV. Throbbing Gristle re-formed in 2004 and have been somewhat active.



Wikipedia: Throbbing Gristle

Official Website: throbbing-gristle.com

Blogload: Throbbing Gristle - Greatest Hits (Entertainment Through Pain) - whatsthatnoise.org

Artery - Unbalanced

In September of 1980, Artery released their second 7 inch record, a single fronted by "Unbalanced". It was backed by "The Slide". The B side appeared on their debut album, Oceans. The A side was a non-LP track. Early editions came with a second 7 inch that had live versions of "Perhaps", "Turtle", "Toytown" and "Heinz". The Sheffield, England post-punk band disbanded in 1985 after four albums. The band included future member of The Cure, Simon Hinkler.



Wikipedia: Artery

Not "Unbalanced" but..
Blogload: Artery - a 1982 Peel Session - raidingthevinylarchive.blogspot.com

TV21 - Ambition

In September of 1980, TV21 released their second single, "Ambition". It was backed by "Ticking Away" and "This Is Zero". While the A side did not appear on their only album, A Thin Red Line, the other two tracks did. The band hailed from Edinburgh, Scotland. The Edinburgh, Scotland post-punk band released one album and six singles before disbanding in late 1982. They have gotten together to do some touring since.



Myspace: myspace.com/tv21official

Blogload: TV21 - A Thin Red Line - rho-xs.blogspot.com

Dangerous Girls - Man In The Glass

On this date in 1980, Dangerous Girls released their third 7 inch record, a single fronted by "Man In The Glass". It was backed by "MO75". The Worcestershire, England punk/power pop band was not an all-girl band. In fact, there were no females in the band. They lasted four 7-inch records before calling it a day in 1981 without an album.



Blogload: Dangerous Girls - Man In The Glass - satanknowswhatyoudid.blogspot.com

Any Trouble - Girls Are Always Right

On this date in 1980, Any Trouble released their third single, "Girls Are Always Right". It was backed by "The Name Of The Game". The A side appeared on their debut album, Where Are All The Nice Girls? The B side did not. The Manchester, England new wave/power pop band broke up in 1984 after five albums. They recorded for Stiff Records. They re-formed in 2007.



Wikipedia: Any Trouble

Official Website: anytrouble.co.uk

Blogload: Any Trouble - Where Are All The Nice Girls? - powerpopoverdose.blogspot.com

The Ruts - The Crack

On this date in 1979, The Ruts released their debut album, The Crack. It contained the singles, "Babylon's Burning", "Something That I Said" and "Jah War". The London punk/post punk band lasted two albums (the second, a semi-compilation) before the overdose death of singer Malcolm Owen. They tried to carry on under a new name, Ruts DC, with very limited success. They disbanded in 1983.



Wikipedia: The Ruts

Myspace: myspace.com/therutsofficialpage

Blogload: The Ruts - The Crack - hangoverhard.blogspot.com

The Police - Message In A Bottle

On this date in 1979, The Police had the #1 single in the U.K., "Message In A Bottle". It appeared on their album, Reggatta de Blanc.



Wikipedia: The Police

Official Website: thepolice.com

Video: The Police - Message In A Bottle - live 1977 - youtube

Blogload: The Police - Reggatta de Blanc - blogdoconfort.blogspot.com

Physicals - All Sexed Up

In September of 1978, Physicals released their debut record, an EP called All Sexed Up. Aside from the title track, the EP also included "Breakdown On Stage", "No Life In The City" and "You Do Me In". The London punk band featured John Towe (Generation X, Chelsea), Alvin Gibbs (Users, U.K.Subs), Alan Lee Shaw (Maniacs) and ex-Sex Pistol Paul Cook (on this record). They recorded one more singles before disbanding in 1980.



Blogload: Physicals - Skulduggery - a compilation - isksp.blogspot.com

The Dead Boys - Tell Me

On this date in 1978, The Dead Boys released their second single, "Tell Me". It was backed by demo versions of "Not Anymore" and "Ain't Nothin' To Do", both of which had different versions on their debut album, Young, Loud And Snotty. The A side appeared on their second album, We Have Come For Your Children. The punk band, who originated in Cleveland and rose from the ashes of Rocket From The Tombs, made a name for themselves in New York and were signed after several appearances at CBGB's. They disbanded in 1979 after two albums but reunited to record a live album a few months later before saying goodbye again. A few years after the band broke up, lead singer Stiv Bators launched The Lords Of The New Church.



Wikipedia: The Dead Boys

Blogload: The Dead Boys - We Have Come For Your Children - abc-afterglow.blogspot.com

The Nips - All The Time In The World

On this date in 1978, The Nips released their second single, "All The Time In The World". It was backed by "Private Eyes". They had been called The Nipple Erectors originally but radio wouldn't touch the name so they shortened it. The London punk band released four singles before disbanding in 1980. They were led by Shane McGowan (later, of The Pogues) though he was known as Shane O'Hooligan at the time. They have played some reunion gigs recently.



Wikipedia: Nipple Erectors

A Fansite: pages.cs.wisc.edu/~mroman

Blogload: The Nipple Erectors - Bops, Babes, Booze and Bovver - a compilation - www.taringa.net

The Boomtown Rats - Rat Trap

On this date in 1978, The Boomtown Rats released their fifth single, "Rat Trap". It was backed by "So Strange". The A side appeared on their second album, A Tonic For The Troops. The B side was not but was added as a bonus track when the album was re-released on CD. The single went all the way to the #1 spot on the U.K. singles chart. It was the first #1 U.K. single for any Irish band. The Dublin, Ireland punk/new wave band disbanded in 1986 after six albums.



Wikipedia: The Boomtown Rats

Official Website: boomtownrats.co.uk

Video: The Boomtown Rats - Rat Trap - youtube

Blogload: The Boomtown Rats - A Tonic For The Troops - and more - kar4agin.blogspot.com

The Tights - Howard Hughes

On this date in 1978, The Tights released their second single, "Howard Hughes". It was backed by "China's Eternal". The Worcester, England punk band disbanded in 1979 after two singles and no album. They re-formed in 2004.



Wikipedia: The Tights

Official Website: thetights.com

Video: The Tights - Howard Hughes- 7 inch (both sides) - asfm.blogspot.com

999 - Separates

On this date in 1978, 999 released their second album, Separates. It contained the singles, "Feelin' Alright With The Crew" and "Homicide" (#40 U.K.). The London punk band originally broke up in 1982 but, after a few years off, re-formed. They are still active and still fronted by Nick Cash.



Wikipedia: 999

Official Website: nineninenine.cjb.net

Blogload: 999 - Separates - noisejunkie.blogspot.com

Talking Heads - Take Me To The River

On this date in 1978, Talking Heads released their sixth single, "Take Me To The River". In the U.K., it was backed by "Found A Job". In the U.S., it was backed by "Thank You For Sending Me An Angel". All three tracks appeared on their second album, More Songs About Buildings And Food. The single reached the #26 spot on the U.S. singles chart. The New York City new wave band, who were regulars at CBGB's, disbanded in 1992. David Byrne has expressed no desire for a reunion.



Wikipedia: Talking Heads

Official Website: talking-heads.net

Video: Talking Heads - Take Me To The River - live 1980 - youtube

Blogload: Talking Heads - More Songs About Building And Food - and more - roscaizquierda.blogspot.com

The Piranhas - Zambezi

On this date in 1982, The Piranhas released their fourth single, "Zambezi". It was backed by "Who Needs You" and "Darabukkus". None of the tracks appeared on an album. In fact, this was almost the end for the band. The single did reach the #17 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The Brighton, England ska/punk band disbanded in 1982 after one album and several singles.



Wikipedia: The Piranhas

Not "Zambezi" but...
Blogload: The Piranhas - debut album - rideyourpony-twighlightzone.blogspot.com

The Partisans - Police Story

On this date in 1981, The Partisans released their debut single, "Police Story". It was backed by "Killing Machine". Neither track appeared on their self-titled debut album (released in 1983) though both tracks were added when the album was re-released on CD. The single reached the #5 spot on the U.K. indie singles chart. They released this single when the band members were only 16 years old. The Bridgend, Wales punk band disbanded in 1984 after a few singles, an EP and two albums, but re-formed a few years ago.



Wikipedia: The Partisans

Official Website: thepartisans.org

Blogload: The Partisans - debut album - www.borninthebasement.net

Lene Lovich - Bird Song

On this date in 1979, Lene Lovich released her third single, "Bird Song". The song appeared on her second album, Flex. The B side was a non-LP track called "Trixi". This was added to Flex as a bonus track when it was re-released on CD. The 12 inch version had a third track, "Too Tender (To Touch)" which was from her debut album, Stateless. The new wave singer was born in Detroit, Michigan but relocated to England as a child.



Wikipedia: Lene Lovich

A Fansite: lenelovich.com

Video: Lene Lovich - Bird Song - live 1979 - youtube

Blogload: Lene Lovich - Flex - my-funeral.blogspot.com

Buzzcocks - You Say You Don't Love Me

On this date in 1979, Buzzcocks released their ninth single, "You Say You Don't Love Me". It was backed by "Raison D'etre". Both songs appeared on their third album, A Different Kind Of Tension. This was the first time since their debut single that one of their singles did not chart in the U.K. Their debut was "Orgasm Addict" and that did not chart because the title and subject matter kind of kept it off the radio. The Manchester, England punk band disbanded originally in 1981 but re-formed in 1989. Of the original lineup, only Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle remain.



Wikipedia: Buzzcocks

Official Website: buzzcocks.com

Blogload: The Buzzcocks - A Different Kind Of Tension - www.taringa.net

The Undertones - You've Got My Number (Why Don't You Use It?)

On this date in 1979, The Undertones released their fifth single, "You've Got My Number (Why Don't You Use It!)". It was backed by "Let's Talk About Girls". Neither track appeared on an album, but both were added to their second album, Hypnotised, as bonus tracks. The single reached the #32 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The Derry, Northern Ireland punk/post-punk band disbanded in 1983. When they re-formed in 1999, it was without lead singer Feargal Sharkey.



Wikipedia: The Undertones

Official Website: theundertones.com

Video: The Undertones - You've Got My Number (Why Don't You Use It?) - on Top Of The Pops - 1979 - youtube

Blogload: The Undertones - Hypnotised - abc-afterglow.blogspot.com

Metal Urbain - Hysterie Connective

On this date in 1978, Metal Urbain released their third single, "Hysterie Connective". It was backed by "Atlantis". The A side appeared on their debut album, Les Hommes Morts Sont Dangereux. The B side did not. Another version of the single had "Pas Poubelle" as the B side, a track which also appeared on their debut album. The Paris, France punk band released one album and three singles before disbanding in 1980 plus a single under their English language identity, Metal Boys. They re-formed in 2006 and have recorded and released new material.



Wikipedia: Metal Urbain

Blogload: Metal Urbain - Anarchy In Paris - a compilation - commercialzone.blogspot.com

John Dowie - Another Close Shave

On this date in 1977, John Dowie released his debut EP, Another Close Shave. It contained the songs, "British Tourist (I Hate The Dutch)", "Naked Noolies In The Moonlight", "I Don't Want To Be Your Amputee", "Mew Wave", "Jim Callaghan" and "Time Warp". The Birmingham, England musician/comedian later recorded for Factory Records but his catalogue is not extensive. None of these tracks appeared on an album.



Wikipedia: John Dowie

Official Website: johndowie.co.uk

Blogload: John Dowie - Another Close Shave - iwsbm.blogspot.com

The Saints - (I'm) Stranded

On this date in 1976, The Saints re-released their debut single, "(I'm) Stranded". It was backed by "No Time". Both tracks appeared on their debut album, (I'm) Stranded. The single had been released in very limited quantities in August, 1976. The Brisbane, Australia punk/post punk band has continued on despite the fact that Chris Bailey is the only original member left and has been since 1979.



Wikipedia: The Saints

Myspace: myspace.com/saintsmusic

Video: The Saints - (I'm) Stranded - youtube

Blogload: The Saints - (I'm) Stranded - quieromisrocks.blogspot.com

UB40 - UB44

On this date in 1982, UB40 released their fourth album, UB44. It contained the single, "So Here I Am" (#25 U.K.) plus remixed versions of their singles, "Love Is All Is Alright" (#29 U.K.) and "I Won't Close My Eyes" (#32 U.K.). The album reached the #4 spot on the U.K. albums chart. The Birmingham, England reggae band continues to record and perform.



Wikipedia: UB40

Official Website: ub40.co.uk

Blogload: UB40 - UB44 - fullalbumsu-v.blogspot.com

Depeche Mode - A Broken Frame

On this date in 1982, Depeche Mode released their second album, A Broken Frame. It contained the singles, "See You" (#6 U.K.), "The Meaning Of Love" (#12 U.K.) and "Leave In Silence" (#18 U.K.). The album reached the #8 spot on the U.K. albums chart. The Essex, England new wave band still records and performs but they are a trio since Alan Wilder left the band in 1995.



Wikipedia: Depeche Mode

Official Website: depechemode.com

Blogload: Depeche Mode - A Broken Frame - corrientealternativa.blogspot.com

The Specials - More Specials

On this date in 1980, The Specials released their second album, More Specials. It contained the singles, "Stereotype" (#6 U.K.) and "Do Nothing" (#4 U.K.). The U.S. version of the album also included "Rat Race" (#5 U.K.). The album reached the #5 spot on the U.K. albums chart and the #98 spot on the U.S. albums chart. The Coventry, England ska band listed their name as Special A.K.A. for some records, a practice that they sometimes employed even before the departure of Terry Hall, Lynval Golding and Neville Staples (to form Fun Boy Three in 1981).



Wikipedia: The Specials

Official Website: thespecials.com

Blogload: The Specials - More Specials - rudexplosion.blogspot.com

Blondie - Eat To The Beat

On this date in 1979, Blondie released their fourth album, Eat To The Beat, in the U.K. It contained the singles, "Dreaming" (U.K. #2, U.S. #27), "Union City Blue" (U.K. #13), "Atomic" (U,K, #1, U.S. #39) and "The Hardest Part" (U.S. #84). The album peaked at the #17 spot on the U.S. albums chart but went all the way to #1 in the U.K. The New York City punk/new wave band disbanded in 1982. They re-formed in 1998 and continue to perform and record. They are touring this year.



Wikipedia: Blondie

Official Website: blondie.net

Blogload: Blondie - Eat To The Beat - babakazoo.blogspot.com

Squire - Walking Down The King's Road

On this date in 1979, Squire released their second single, "Walking Down The King's Road". It was backed by "It's A Mod, Mod World". Neither track appeared on their only album while intact, Get Smart. The Woking, England mod revivalists came from the same town as The Jam. They disbanded in 1985 with several singles but just one album to their credit.



Blogload: Squire - Big Smashes - a compilation - ustedville.blogspot.com

The Police - Reggatta de Blanc

On this date in 1979, The Police released their second album, Reggatta de Blanc. It contained the singles, "Message In A Bottle" (#1 U.K., #74 U.S.), "The Bed's Too Big Without You", "Bring On The Night" and "Walking On The Moon" (#1 U.K.). The album reached the #1 spot on the U.K. albums chart and the #25 spot on the U.S. albums chart. The London new wave band disbanded in 1984. Last year, they reunited on a much publicized reunion tour and have toured this year as well.



Wikipedia: The Police

Official Website: thepolice.com

Blogload: The Police - Reggatta de Blanc - blogdoconfort.blogspot.com

Spherical Objects - The Kill

On this date in 1978, Spherical Objects released their debut single, The Kill. It was backed by "The Knot". Neither track appeared on an album. The Manchester, England post-punk/experimental disbanded in 1981 after releasing four albums and evidently left the music business. The only news of its band members since the break up is that lead singer Steve Solamar had a gender change operation. He now answers to the name Shirley.



Wikipedia: Spherical Objects

Not "The Kill" but...their debut album
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The Edge - Macho Man

On this date in 1978, The Edge released their debut single, "Macho Man". It was backed by "I'm Cold". Neither track appeared on their debut album, Square 1. The London power pop band was formed by Lu Edmunds and Jon Moss, both formerly, if briefly, with The Damned. Jon Moss would go to become Culture Club's drummer. The band disbanded in 1980 with three singles and one album.



Not "Macho Man" but...their debut album
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Fire Engines - Aufgeladen Und Bereit Fur Action Und Spass

On this date in 1981, Fire Engines released their U.S. debut album, a compilation called Aufgeladen Und Bereit Fur Action Und Spass. It included tracks from their debut album, Lubricate Your Living Room and some non-LP single tracks. The post-punk band from Edinburgh, Scotland disbanded in 1981 after three singles and just one album.



Wikipedia: Fire Engines

Not Aufgeladen Und Bereit Fur Action Und Spass but...
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