Here is a review that appeared in the UK trade publication Music Week. It reads quite positively I think, especially when you consider how in late 1976 the ultra-conservative record industry desperately tried to understand the new music i.e. punk in order to tame it and capitalise on it as quickly as possible. See what you think.
What a summer Siouxsie has with a tour that has gone down a storm. It could be the last time she takes to the stage and if it is, what a way to go out! From what I have read, the two Troxy dates were great and what a fitting venue for her with all of its Art Deco splendour!
So, on topic, here are two tracks that I put onto DVD some years ago from the time of Mantaray. These may be of interest to someone as if you blinked you could well have missed them.
DVD Global Image: https://we.tl/t-1MUyDDMsXV
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-0X6OlrXxH3
Finally, it happened, the much awaited, COVID battered documentary about the Newtown Neurotics. I have followed the band for 40 years, they made me think about all manner of things when politics was starting to loom large on my teenage horizon, be it national political commentary... 'Let's Kick Out The Tories', 'Get Up And Fight' or politics of a more personal nature... 'The Mess', 'Agony' and 'Wake Up'. Intelligent punk from the front line of Harlow Town. So, this premiere had been in the diary for an age.
In many ways it is almost poetic that the film's release was delayed by a couple of years. In the interval the band saw fit to record an album of new material, but perhaps more importantly the period between the planned screening in Leytonstone in 2020 and last night's event spanned some of the most bizarre events in British political history... yet more confirmation that the Neurotics knew... don't argue!
From arrival in London, specifically, The Blue Posts in Newman Street, through to entering the hallowed depths of the 100 Club there was a wonderful atmosphere, a sense of solidarity... 300 or so people crammed into an Oxford Street basement with aligned values at a time when elements of the press inform the public that a woke generation are about to destroy everything we stand for as a nation.
The film is brilliant, all credit to Luke Baker for this extraordinary achievement. There was a comment from someone in the film, sorry I forget who, that said that Harlow was just waiting for punk to happen. Whilst unfortunately I was not witness to the development of the 'Stortbeat' scene (being 1) too young and 2) in a different part of the country), I think that the real achievement of punk lies in a local and independent meeting of minds and bands, venues etc etc. As was evident in the pub and later in the 100 Club the bonds and friendships formed way back then endure to this day. You cannot ask for better than that!
These days I limit my filming of gigs, it annoys people (although I can honestly say that if ever I do record something it is never impinges on other punters view of the stage!) and I get it. However, occasionally, the event warrants it and this was one such case. Last weekend Gunta and I saw Steve play a solo gig at The Hare pub in Harlow. That afternoon he discussed the inspiration behind the song 'This Fragile Life', a Harlow resident revealed to be a lady named Maggie Reynolds who died in poverty in the early 1980's. Last night, the song, as important in my mind as 'Kick Out The Tories' or 'Living With Unemployment' had a 'Repercussions' makeover with the introduction of brass (not to forget a second guitarist by the name of Leigh!).
All in all, a brilliant night of positive affirmation that things can get better!
'KICK OUT!'
It was 2019 and another foray into Northern Europe on a Wonky Bus, number 7 no less. Three gigs in France on this occasion. The footage shows a number of the party in the customary 'tour' shirt..... in BLUE!! Well, as I recall, the official rationale for this fashion departure was that 2019 marked the 40 anniversary of the release of the very pro-European 'Euroman Cometh' album from the gallic one. Unofficially, 2019 saw the UK in a ferment of protest and counter-protest as the Government tried to push through Brexit, so the shirt featuring the Council of Europe's flag featuring the 12 gold stars, the symbol of the European Union, was for some on the trip something of a two fingered salute to the jingoism that gripped many at the time back home.
Anyway, back to the video clip above, found upon setting up a new work phone and transferring data from the old. The venue was heaving, so much so that it was nigh on impossible to get into the auditorium in what is a pretty small venue, so for want of a better plan we took over the bar/merch area and made it our own.... I think drink had been taken!
A solo show from Hugh when 'Moments of Madness' fell upon Milton Keynes last year. Like its predecessor 'Monster', 'Moments of Madness' is another on form album featuring some strong material. Once again Hugh splits the set with solo/'Nosferatu' material followed by a second set of Stranglers' material. Of the second set, whilst I admire Hugh's willingness to mix it up a bit, I don't think that Waltzinblack particularly works as a live track and 'Turn The Centuries Turn' live is what? Well... a bit of a dirge.
It makes great sense for Hugh I think to keep an eye on what The Stranglers have been playing (if indeed he ever does), what better way to ensure that you can give the Stranglers' section of your audience something that they are not going to hear elsewhere. That said there is a wealth of material that would, I am sure, leave that part of the fanbase happy as Larry... 'Fools Rush Out' or some of those old 'Sculpture' era B-sides that have never had a live airing. But that is a minor criticism really on what is a great show!
Many thanks to Chatts for the share.
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-f8LE9D63FJ
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-3conRnOhje
And one last one from the Friday running order, an acoustic set from Belfast's The Outcasts. Thanks to Pater once again for the share!
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-4jaCAUX9ns
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-lbAQz95WZk
