The English Beat - Special Beat Service

In September of 1982, The Beat (or The English Beat as they were known in the U.S.) 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. When the English ska band broke up in 1983, Ranking Roger and Dave Wakeling formed General Public. David Steele and Andy Cox formed Fine Young Cannibals.




Blogload:
The English Beat - Special Beat Service - sadsongsfordirtylovers.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.




Blogload:
Tom Tom Club - debut album - rainy-80smusic.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 Exploited were a second wave punk band from Edinburgh, Scotland.




The Exploited - Dead Cities (on Top Of The Pops 1981)




Blogload: The Exploited - The Singles - hangoverhard.blogspot.com

Virgin Prunes - A New Form Of Beauty 1

On this date in 1981, Virgin Prunes released their third single. They called the package, 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. The Irish goth band hailed from Dublin, Ireland.




Blogload: Virgin Prunes - A New Form Of Beauty - wakeofposeidon.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. It contained the single, "We Can Do Anything". The band was one of England's Oi! bands.




Blogload: Cockney Rejects - Greatest Hits - Volumes I, II and III - caldoecaezas.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.




Athletico Spizz 80 - Central Park (Live on TV 1980)




Blogload: Spizz - Spizz Not Dead: 1978-88 Decade Of Spizz History - commercialzone.blogspot.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 the full-length albums by the Los Angeles new wave band.




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

The Jolt - You're Cold

On this date in 1977, The Jolt released their debut single, "You're Cold". It was backed by "All I Can Do". The B side was included on their self-titled debut album. The A side was not but as added as a bonus track when it was re-released on CD. The Scottish band was a combination of punk and power pop but had their heart firmly set towards the mod revival. They broke up in 1979 after five singles and one album.




Blogload: The Jolt - debut album - ustedville.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 punk band released five singles and one album, all charting in the U.K. with the exception of this debut single, before breaking up in 1979 after lead singer Poly Styrene quit due to exhaustion from touring (and she later became a Hare Krishna). 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 later. B.P. Hurding and Jak Airport went on to form Classix Nouveaux.




X Ray Spex - Oh Bondage Up Yours! (live probably late 1977/early 1978)




Blogload: X Ray Spex - Germ Free Adolescents - 306090go.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 was and is one of the most prolific bands in terms of album releases. The band continues to record today.




Blogload: The Fall - Palace Of Swords Reversed - 1980-1983 retrospective - oldborrowedandnew.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 avant-garde band was, however, extremely influential and are credited as being one of the founders of industrial music.




Blogload: Throbbing Gristle - Live 1980 - theebradmiller.blogspot.com

The Police - Message In A Bottle

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

The Police - Message In A Bottle




Blogload: The Police - Reggatta de Blanc - www.taringa.net

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 English reggae-influenced punk band was fronted by Malcolm Owen who died of a heroin overdose in 1980.




Blogload: The Ruts - The Crack - hangoverhard.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 Eye". They did not release a studio album. The Irish band was formerly known as The Nipple Erectors and were fronted by Shane MacGowan, later of The Pogues.




Blogload: The Nips - Bops, Babes, Booze and Bovver - their singles compilation - saynoiseannoys.blogspot.com

Talking Heads - Take Me To The River

On this date in 1978, Talking Heads released their fifth single, "Take Me To The River". It was backed by "Found A Job". Both songs appeared on their second album, More Songs About Buildings And Food. The single reached the #26 spot on the U.S. singles chart.




Talking Heads - Take Me To The River (live 1980)




Blogload: Talking Heads - More Songs About Buildings And Food - and more - humppazoid.blogspot.com

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 Boomtown Rats - Rat Trap




Blogload: The Boomtown Rats - A Tonic For The Troops - and more - kar4agin.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 is still active today.




Blogload: 999 - Separates - punknotprofit.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 Dead Boys originated in Cleveland, Ohio but made a name for themselves in New York and were signed after several appearances at CBGB's.




Blogload: The Dead Boys - We Have Come For Your Children - zxunami.bloringa.net

The Piranhas - Zambezi

On this date in 1982, The Piranhas released their fifth 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 Piranhas were a ska-influenced punk band from Brighton, England.




Not Zambezi but...
Blogload: V.A. Vaultage Attrix Records - includes 3 songs by The Piranhas - mutant-sounds.blogspot.com

Paul Kelly and The Dots - Manila

In September of 1982, Paul Kelly and The Dots released their second and final album, Manila. The album produced two singles, "Clean This House" and "Alive And Well". The power pop band originated in Australia.




Not Manila but...
Blogload: Paul Kelly & The Dots - Seeing Is Believing and other various artists - sideroom.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. The Wales punk band released this single when the band members were only 16 years old. They disbanded in 1984 after a few singles, an EP and two albums.




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

The Police - Don't Stand So Close To Me

On this date in 1980, The Police had the #1 single in the U.K. with "Don't Stand So Close To Me". It came from their third album, Zenyatta Mondatta.


The Police - Don't Stand So Close To Me




Blogload: The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta - yesterdayliveson.blogspot.com

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.




Lene Lovich - Bird Song




Blogload: Lene Lovich - Flex - suckingicecubes.blogspot.com

The Buzzcocks - You Say You Don't Love Me

On this date in 1979, The 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 they 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.




Blogload: The Buzzcocks - A Different Kind Of Tension - diosnuncamuere.blogspot.com

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 Northern Ireland band reached the #32 spot on the U.K. singles chart with this single.




Blogload: The Undertones - Hypnotised - music4thekids.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 Australian punk band had released the single in very limited quantity in August, 1976.




The Saints - (I'm) Stranded




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




Blogload: Depeche Mode - A Broken Frame - gustavoeo.net

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.




Blogload: UB40 - UB44 - thejukejointmp3.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.




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

David Bowie - Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)

On this date in 1980, David Bowie had the #1 album in the U.K., Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps).



David Bowie - Fashion (from Scary Monsters)




Blogload: David Bowie - Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) - rockandlinks.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.) 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.




Blogload: The Police - Reggatta de Blanc - thejukejointmp3.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) 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.




Blogload: Blondie - Eat To The Beat - and more - 4musizlovers.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. Spherical Objects was a post-punk band formed in Manchester, England.




Not The Kill but...
Blogload: Spherical Objects - all four albums - lost-in-tyme.blogspot.com

The Go-Go's - Beauty And The Beat

On this date in 1981, The Go-Go's had the #1 album in the U.S., Beauty And The Beat. It would hold this spot for six consecutive weeks.


The Go-Go's - Our Lips Are Sealed (from Beauty And The Beat)




Blogload: The Go-Go's - Live 1978 - gle-gle.blogspot.com

Madness - Absolutely

On this date in 1980, Madness released their second album, Absolutely. It contained the singles, "Baggy Trousers" (#3 U.K.), "Embarrassment" (#4 U.K.) and "The Return of The Los Palmas 7" (#7 U.K.). The album reached the #2 spot on the U.K. albums chart.




Blogload: Madness - Absolutely - murdermysterydiscos.blogspot.com

The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta

On this date in 1980, The Police released their third album, Zenyatta Mondatta. It resulted in two singles, "Don't Stand So Close To Me" (#1 U.K., #10 U.S.) and "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" (#5 U.K., #10 U.S.). The album reached the #1 spot on the U.K. albums chart and reached the #5 spot on the U.S. albums chart.




Blogload: The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta - jensenbrazil.blogspot.com

999 - Found Out Too Late

On this date in 1979, 999 released their eighth single, "Found Out Too Late". It was backed by "Lie Lie Lie". Neither track originally appeared on an album but both were added to their fourth album, The Biggest Prize In Sport when it was re-released on CD. The London punk band continues to tour and release albums today.




Blogload: 999 - The Biggest Prize In Sport - gambalimeira.blogspot.com

Back To Zero - Your Side Of Heaven

On this date in 1979, Back To Zero released their one and only single, "Your Side Of Heaven". It was backed by "Back To Back". The mod revivalists were often playing with other mod bands of the time on the same bill like The Chords and Secret Affair, but never received the same label support.




Blogload: Back To Zero - Your Side Of Heaven - and other mod tracks - mundo-moderno.blogspot.com

The Cortinas - True Romances

On this date in 1978, The Cortinas released their only album, True Romances. It included their third single, "Heartache". This was a much more reserved set of songs than their first hard driving singles, "Defiant Pose" and "Fascist Dictator". While not included on this album originally, they were both added as bonus tracks on the CD re-release.




Blogload: The Cortinas - True Romances - powerpopcriminals.blogspot.com

John Cooper Clarke - Disguise In Love

On this date in 1978, John Cooper Clarke released his second album, Disguise In Love. It contained the previous single, "Post War Glamour Girl". John Cooper Clarke was a punk poet who sung his songs rhythmically or, sometimes, had the poems accompanied to a music background. He appeared in the movie, Urgh! A Music War.

Split Enz - Dizrythmia

On this date in 1977, Split Enz released their second album, Dizrythmia. It contained the singles, "My Mistake" and "Bold As Brass". Both the singles and album charted in their native New Zealand as well as in Australia, but not elsewhere.




They also released their eighth single on this date, "My Mistake". It was backed by "Crosswords". Both tracks appeared on Dizrythmia.






Split Enz - My Mistake



Blogload: Split Enz - Dizrythmia - and more - reupped.wordpress.com

The Germs - Forming

On this date in 1977, The Germs released their first single, "Forming". The B side was a live version of "Sexboy" which was simply labeled "The Germs live" on the record. Neither track appeared on their first album. The Los Angeles punk band had a huge local following that fell apart after lead singer Darby Crash overdosed and died.




Blogload: The Germs - M.I.A. - The Complete Anthology - only-in-it-for-the-music.blogspot.com

Special Duties - Bullshit Crass

On this date in 1982, Special Duties released their third single, "Bullshit Crass". It was backed by "You're Doing Yourself No Good". Neither track appeared on an album but both were added to their debut album, 77 in '82 when it was re-released on CD. The English punk band from Essex lasted from 1977 to 1983. The single's title was a direct attack on U.K. punk band Crass.




Not Bullshit Crass but...
Blogload: The Punk Singles Collection - including three tracks from Special Duties - caldoecaezas.blogspot.com

Wasted Youth - Reach Out

On this date in 1982, Wasted Youth released their fifth single, "Reach Out". It was backed by "Gone Midnight". This was the U.K. goth band, not the U.S. hardcore punk band. The A side did not appear on an album but the B side appeared on their second and final album, The Beginning Of The End. The single reached the #42 spot on the U.K. indie singles chart.

Thompson Twins - Make Believe (Let's Pretend)

On this date in 1981, Thompson Twins released their fifth single, "Make Believe (Let's Pretend)". It was backed by "Lama Sabach Tani" which was an instrumental version of side A. The A side appeared on their debut album, A Product Of...(Participation). The B side was a non-LP track.




Blogload: Thompson Twins - Make Believe extended version - plus 3 other tracks - burningtheground-djpault.blogspot.com

John Foxx - The Garden

On this date in 1981, John Foxx released his second solo album, The Garden. The album produced two singles, "Europe After The Rain" (#40 U.K) and "Dancing Like A Gun". The album, itself, reached the #24 spot on the U.K. albums chart. John Foxx was the former frontman for Ultravox.




Blogload: John Foxx - The Garden - commercialzone.blogspot.com

The Creatures - Wild Things

On this date in 1981, The Creatures released their debut EP, Wild Things. It was a five song effort that included "Mad Eyed Screamer", "So Unreal", "But Not Them", "Wild Things" and "Thumb". This was a side project for Siousie Sioux and Budgie of Siouxsie and The banshees. The release reached the #24 spot on the U.K. singles chart.




The Creatures - Mad Eyed Screamer




Blogload: The Creatures - A Bestiary Of - Best Of - gothicparadises.blogspot.com

New Order - Procession

On this date in 1981, New Order released their second single, "Procession". It was backed by "Everything's Gone Green". Neither track appeared on an album until 1987's compilation, Substance. The album version of Substance excluded "Procession" but it was on the CD Version. The B side was on both versions. The B side was also released as a separate 12 inch single later. The single reached the #38 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The sleeve for the single was released in many different color variations.




New Order - Procession (live 1981)




Blogload: New Order - Substance - speakermix.blogspot.com

Squeeze - Labelled With Love

On this date in 1981, Squeeze released their fourteenth single, "Labelled With Love". It was backed by "Squabs On Forty Fab". The A side appeared on their fourth album, East Side Story. The B side was a non-LP track. The single reached the #4 spot on the U.K. singles chart.




Blogload: Squeeze - Greatest Hits - lagrimapsicodelica.blogspot.com

Martha and The Muffins - Trance And Dance

On this date in 1980, Martha and The Muffins released their second album, Trance And Dance". It included the singles, "Suburban Dream", "About Insomnia" and "Was Izo". Early editions of the album included a four song live EP which had live versions of "Indecision", "Cheesies And Gum", "Primal Weekend" and "Paint By Number Heart". The band hailed from Canada.




Not Trance And Dance but...
Blogload: Martha and The Muffins - Metro Music (debut album) - lost-intyme.blogspot.com

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Enola Gay

On this date in 1980, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark released their fourth single, "Enola Gay". It was backed by an instrumental called "Annex". The A side appeared on their second album, Organisation. The B side was a non-LP track that was added to the album as a bonus track upon CD re-release. The single reached the #8 spot on the U.K. singles chart.




Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Enola Gay




Blogload: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Organisation - albatross38.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday!

Steven Severin (born Steven John Bailey) of Siouxsie and The Banshees turns 52 today.


Siouxsie and The Banshees, left to right: Budgie, Siouxsie Sioux and
Steven Severin.


Siouxsie and The Banshees...courtesy of wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A nice website devoted to Siouxsie and The Banshees: vamp.org/Siouxsie


Siouxsie and The Banshees - Dear Prudence (1983)




Blogload: The Best Of Siouxsie and The Banshees - the--undertow.blogspot.com

The Freshies - The Men From Banana Island...

On this date in 1979, The Freshies released their third EP, The Men From Banana Island Whos Stupid Ideas Never Caught On In The Western World As We Know It. The actual tracks had shorter titles. It included "Amoco Cadiz", "Children Of The World" and "Octopus". The Manchester, England natives released ten singles and numerous cassettes but no vinyl albums.




Blogload: The Freshies - The complete 7 inch discography - mutant-sounds.blogspot.com