I've not seen this photo before. It features in the 19th February 1977 issue of Record Mirror marking the entry of '(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)' into the British Top 50 Singles chart at number 49. The start of great things to come!
I've not seen this photo before. It features in the 19th February 1977 issue of Record Mirror marking the entry of '(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)' into the British Top 50 Singles chart at number 49. The start of great things to come!
Here's a review of sorts from one of several near legendary visits that The Stranglers paid to London's Roundhouse in Camden Town throughout 1977. Poor old Barry Cain eh!? Whilst part of me sympathises with Barry, an early advocate of the band and one of the few undoubted allies that the band had in the music press, for having to review the band once again when all available superlatives in the writer's arsenal have been exhausted. What more can be said? On the other hand for me who never saw the punk Stranglers, it is irksome indeed. I'd be happy with a dry Sunday matinee!! A word of explanation in the unlikely event that anyone under the age of 50 is reading this post. If you think Sunday's are dull now, back then the law was such that Sunday licencing hours were very restricted (a hangover (or not) from efforts to boost productivity during The Great war). Pubs shut at 2pm only to reopen at 7pm.
Record Mirror 2nd July 1977.
What more can Barry Cain say about The Stranglers. He's just...
LOST IN SPACE
The Stranglers
OK, hands up, I missed it. The anniversary of Joey's death... the reason why Mo is named Ramona! Sadly, this 'Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die' applies equally to all of the founder members of Ramones, but this is for Joey.
Here playing the 'Rock The Reservation' benefit in Arizona, Joey and his band The Resistance play a good quality set of covers and Ramones classics!
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-2Q13gHr2Ba
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-gAgo2aVOL6
Here is another radio documentary that tells the story of the world's greatest record label. Narrated by Pete Waterman who was at the time a Coventry record shop manager soon to be tied up with The Specials. Like many other independent labels, Stiff being a perfect example, the 2 Tone Records story is a short lived roller coaster journey that encompasses innovative genius and awful business decisions.
As ever, I make no apologies for continuing to spread the word about the cultural and political significance of The Specials, Jerry Dammers and all things that 2 Tone and their roster of great bands represented.
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-c76LImCrDX
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-1AywsL7PzR
So with many thanks to yesican, here is an anniversary gig from a mere 41 years ago. A partial set unfortunately but a good sounding audience recording nevertheless!
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-tMO8rBSQIz
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-2W3cuwPZFJ
01. Intro