Ways to Wear Coats (A Compilation From Vulcan Studios, 1986)

Ways to Wear Coats (A Compilation From Vulcan Studios, 1986)

a1. Peter Hurst New Brighton - Through The Binoculars Of The People
a2. One Last Fight - Catch Candy
a3. Ryan - Like Men Possessed
a4. Two's A Crowd - Goodnight Angel
a5. Crikey It's The Cromptons! - Food For Feet
a6. Gone To Earth - No Work Today
a7. Innocents Abroad - Time Was
a8. Fairground - In Fear Of You
b1. Jacktars - Tadpole
b2. Half Man Half Biscuit - Arthur's Farm
b3. The Decemberists - Gift Horse
b4. Magic Carpets - Trick Of Fate
b5. Beyond All Means - Empty Spaces
b6. Da Vincis - The Book
b7. Peter Hurst/Brian N. Smithers - The End


Peter Hurst- Originally the drummer of Toxteth-based punk acts such as Dance Ritual (1982), Green Cude (1983), Patterns (1983), Mr. Toad and the Naughty Majorcans, and finally of Dementia (1985) with guitarist Tudor, former Das Reiner and later Gone to Earth.

One Last Fight. Guitar rock band originated in 1984 from the ashes of the rockabilly act Ourter Limits. The line-up included Ian ‘Bucko’ Buckley (vocals, guitar, former Falcons later Buckley, 56 Kiss), Martin Nickson (bass), Paul ‘Lev’ Levick (drums). After a demo in 1985 (My Heart’s on Fire, Did You Get What You Wanted? Tell Me Satory, The Fianl War) in early 1986 they released their first 12”, Menage a Trois, (Ssatan satan, A Forgotten Pledge b/w Did You Get What You Wanted? Meatbeat) featuring Andrew Proctor on bassoon. The same year they contributed an original song for this compilation, and in 1987 the group disbanded when Levick quit.

Ryan – Dance-oriented rock group originally formed in 1986 by Nick Belger (ex Crack The Ice) and featuring Gareth Blazey (guitars, later of Dirtbox), Billy Frank (bass, former Discipline later of Heaven Tonite, Sex Kittens, The Big I am, Power House), Alex Ford (keyboards), Phil Armorgie (drums, later of 56 Kiss, Sex Kittens, Holy Motion, and Power House), and Andy Butler (voc). The band only released the song on this compilation, afer which Armorgie left the band for Holy Motion (a synth-duo or Armorgie and Lez Hawkins, featured on the compilation Modesty kills, 1987)
(see also http://newfrontier0.tripod.com/billy.htm )

Two’s a crowd: Pop rock duo formed in 1985 by ex Afraid of Mice nad Mothmen Phil Jones (vocals, guitars, sax) and Alex McKechnie (former Modern Eon, Passage). Quite popular in Liverpool, besides the track in this compilation, they also released an Lp in 1987 (Live At Lime Street, recorded live at The Empire and featuring Mandy & Sylvie (voc), Nicky Murphy (keys), Alan Whetton (sax), Graham Russell (trmpt), Andy Hutchinson (trom), Terry Sterling (drms). In 1987 due to a Manchester-based band with the same name, band having same name Two’s a crows metamorphosed into Up and Running.

Crikey, It’s The Cromptons! Jazzy pop band form the Wirral formed in early1985 featuring Tony Crompton (aka Crompton-Vest or Brown, guitar, vocals), and other member with bizarre names such as Midi the Magnanimous (bass), Di Wagstaff, and Reg Crickey (drums). What is certain is that the line-up, at various moments, included and collaborated also with people with real names like Andrew Delamere (drums, also of Wizards of Twiddly, Whatevershebringswesing), Huw Williams (drums, ex Jactars), Pete McPartland (bass, ex Jactars, Third Man), Henry Spencer (guitar, Jactars) and Dave Treble (guitar). They released a six-track demo in May 85, and beside contributing a song for this compilation, the band also released a mini Lp (Mouthing Off).

Gone to Earth: Manchester-based folk-punk group (formerly known as Tobacco Dogs) featuring Tudor (previously with Public Disgrace, Dementia) - who left in 1987 for Suicide Stars – and, for a short period, Jane Alexander on vocals (later to join White Russians). Recorded several singles and two Lps on Probe Plus, respectively in 1986 and 1987.

Innocents Abroad: Based in Aigburth, the group consisted of Peter Mills (vocals), Martin Malone (guitars, later Eskimo Chains), Steve Godrich (aka Steve Gordon, keyboards), David Skidmore (bass), Kev Hovens and Stuart Hilton (larter Junior Cottonmouth) on drums (at different times). They released a Mini Lp in 1987 ‘Quaker City’ which features the song in the tracklist of this compilation. After releasing a secong Lp (Eleven, 1990) the band folded.

Jactars - Liverpool band formed around 1985 by Ian Travis (vocals, guitars), Tony Lonorgan (a.k.a. Tog, keyboards), Dave Morgan (bass, later Barbel), Huw Williams (drums, also Crikey It’s The Cromptons, later The Big I Am). The song in this comiplation is the band’s first vinyl release, followed in 1987 by a 12” (Wadlow) and a mini Lp (Pull the Plug). They also recorded a Peel session in 1989, featuring Pete Mcpartland (guitar) filling in for Lonorgan.

Half Man Half Biscuit: Oxton (Birkenhead) based group formed around 1983 by Nigel Blackwell (vocals, guitars, former Split Gut, North of Watford), Simon Blackwell and Paul Wright (both both ex Attempted Moustache, Mr Zero, Bisquits, respectively on guitar and drums duties), Neil Crossley (bass) (ex Venomous Youth, later with Jegsy Dodd for live dates) David Lloyd (keys). The, band quite popular for the witty, weird and outrageous lyrics and song titles, released their first song (I Hate Nerys Hughes) on an NME compilation, and in 1985 they put out their first album (Back in the D.H.S.S.), which was the biggest commercial success of Probe Plus. In 1986 othher singles were released, and despite their budding popularity, the band decided to call it a day. The song featured in this compilation was the band’s last release befor the split. In 1987 the Peel Session and another Lp (Back Again In The D.H.S.S) were posthumously released. In 1990 the band reformed. They arte responsible for covering an Edith Piaf song (No Regrets) with Liverpool actress Margi Clarke.
(see also: http://cobweb.businesscollaborator.com/hmhb/ )

Decemberists: Pop band with jazz influences formed in 1984 by Colin Pennington (voccals, guitars, former Tunnel Users, later of James), Karen Jones (vocals), Andrew Deevey (vocals ,guitars), Andrew Ford (bass), Chris Harrison (drms). Karen Jones left in 1985 to pursue her solo career. The band only released two songs: the first (James Is) on the cassette compilation Discreet Campaigns, and the secong on this compilation. In 1987 the group changed their name to Hell Fire Sermons.
(see also: http://www.myspace.com/bluegtr )

Magic Carpets: Pop-psychedelic band featuring Andy Holland (vocalc, guitars, former Dharma Bums, Vernons, Clocktower, Kelso, now running the label Candy Productions), Paul and Tony Goulden (respectively on guitars and drums), Paul Kelly (bass). In 1986 they released the LP Guided Naafi Missile, whose opening track also appears on this compilation.

Beyond All Means: Pop rock group consisting of Terry Murphy (vocals), Mick Price (guitars), Gary Watson (guitars), Paul O’Brien (bass, later of Ultimate Vision), Stephen Shotton (drums). The only vinyl release is the track recored for this compilation.


Da Vincis (aka DaVincis): Guitar band formed in 1984 as The Dream Play by Paul McCormick (vocals, guitars), Martin Smith (guitars), Chris Stevens (bass, later with Mugstar, Cicada Falls, Rattlebus), Faith Moore (drums). They became the Da Vincis in 1985 when Smith was replaced by Martin Ward (former Redo Zebri later Mugstar, Rattlebus) and Faith by Iain Bickle (ex Fire). After the track for this compilation, the band also contributed a song (Ava Gardner) for a Merseyside Musicians Bur. Compilation cassette in 1987. In the same year they recorded a Peel Session (which contained the songs New Ways to Wear Coats, parodying the title of this compilation) and released the mini-Lp Eating Gifted Children. In 1988 a second Peel Session ann a single (Pull) were recorded featuring Steve Ashton on drums. The following year Mike James replaced Martin Ward on guitar for a German tour (Nov/Dec89). They also toured France before changing several lead guitarists, operating as a three-piece for a certain period of time, then disbanding after playing their last gig in March 1990.

(see also: http://link2wales.co.uk/liverpool/ )

ways to wear coats

A Secret Liverpool (compilation, 1984)

The compilation was the brainchild of Carl Davies (former Go-Thongs), released by on his own label Davies Records. ‘The only really known band on the Lp are Expost Facto and the High V, who appear courtesy of Probe Plus’(Breakout, Feb. 1985). The first five hundred copies of this Album only had one side of music contained on them, all the sleeves where hand cut from re-cycled cardboard. The second pressing later became a proper two-sided album with gatefold sleeve and inserts –1000 of which were pressed.
Mike Badger (founder member of La’s and a major contributor in various forms to this compilation, with Lee Mavers in the pic): ‘A lot of people don’t know it was actually funded in part by Carl’s brother, the actor Ian Hart and it did actually remain very much a ‘secret’ until 1996 when a guy from Australia called Terry Banks contacted MOJO magazine because the first ever La’s release a song called ‘ I Don’t Like Hanging Around’ was on side two’.
(see: http://www.whisperinandhollerin.com/chat/chat.asp?id=5294
http://www.geocities.com/the_las/lascratch.html. )

A Secret Liverpool
a1. Unknown Artist: Silence
a2. The Kindergarden Paint Set: Secret Life
a3. Ellagaru: Banana Skin
a4. The Riotous Hues: Lessonless Rainbows
a5. The Harts: Please Believe Me
a6. The Cranes: It's That Expression
a7. Roy Gbiv: The Time Grew Forever
b1. The La's: I Don't Like Hanging
b2. Ex Post Facto: Enchanted Ground
b3. Ellagaru: Mother Mother
b4. The High Five: Turning
b5. The Harts: Near The End Of Love
b6. The Riotous Hues: She Left
b7. The Kindergarden Paint Set: Oh Baby
b8. Esprit!: For You
b9. Holiday For Strings: The Greatest Myth

The opening track was three minutes of complete silence (the ‘empty’ mp3 file is not included in the folder). Mike Badger recalls: ‘In the tradition of Crass and John Cage, the opening track was three minutes of silence, though that just confused people.’
(see also: http://www.mikebadger.co.uk/musicdisc.htm )

Kindergarden Paint Set: First musical venture of Mike Badger, whose life span was between 1981-1982. At the time defined as Bananarama imitators (for no apparent reason). Mike Badger featured on percussion on both tracks of the album, recalls: ‘It was my first real musical venture,” admits Mike. “3 guys and 3 girls doing a kind of Rip, Rig & Panic-style percussive, Doo-wop thing, mainly students, who decided to remain students and get proper work. I cried like a little whipped pup when it broke up and moved to London for 18 months in May 1983. During KPS’ lifetime, Roger Eagle got us some gigs at the Adams Club (Eagle’s post-Eric’s venue) with The Frantic Elevators (Mick Hucknall’s pre-Simply Red art-rock outfit – Ed). All in all, it was a case of youthful exuberance versus harsh reality!’
(see: http://www.whisperinandhollerin.com/chat/chat.asp?id=5294 )
(see also: http://www.mikebadger.co.uk/musicdisc.htm )

Harts: Under this name Carl Davies (of Davies Records) recorded two songs for this album, and insisted that they should be released backwards.

La’s: The tracks on this compilation were by the first line-up of La’s, featuring Mike Badgers. Actually, the number I Don't like Hanging Around is Mike Badger with backing band the Modernaires performing a two minute ramshackle swing. Lee Mavers (bass-player with Neuklon) joined the group soon after the release of this compilation. A drummer, Tony Russell and a bassist were recruited and the band started playing parties and local pubs.
(see also: http://www.link2wales.co.uk/lpool/las.htm
http://www.geocities.com/the_las/lascratch.html.)

Roy Gbiv: Under this pseudonym, the song is Mike Badgers (later La’s) first official release on vinyl. Badgers describes the song as ‘a poem set to ‘The Syncopated Clock’ by Leroy Anderson played at 45rpm instead of 33rpm – Alice in Wonderland territory’.
(see: http://www.whisperinandhollerin.com/chat/chat.asp?id=5294 )

Esprit!: Originally called Carnaval, the band included Kevin Wright (vocals, guitars), Steve Boyle (guitars, vocals, later with Honey), Ian Fradgley (bass player, later with Tony Velasco, ex Carry On Spying), Mike Ward (drums), and Paul Roberts (sax). Boyle’s remembers: ‘For some reason, Kevin – who was Paul Simpson’s cousin (Wild Swans) didn’t want to use the name Carnaval on the compilation LP and also we used just about the worst song we had. The guy pulling together the LP, David something [Carl Davies, ndr.], was a mate of Kevin’s so we went along with this. We should have put a good song on as over the years I have discussed this LP with a variety of people and I sold my spare copy to a bloke in Japan a few years back.’ The band, after recording three Radio One sessions, split just before a showcase gig at Kirklands because of a row over the potential use of a drum machine. Nathan McGeogh was their manager for a month. Julie (sax) who replaced Paul Roberts who went off to art college was the girlfriend of now famous Liverpudlian actor Ian Hart.
(see: http://link2wales.co.uk/liverpool/liverpool-a/liverpool-h/ )

Cranes: Pop band fronted by Carl Reynolds (vocals).

Holidays fro Strings: Power-pop group formed in 1983 by Andrew Schofield (vocals, later featured on the soundtrack of the BBC thriller serial Marksmen), Jimmy Hughes (drums, former Madame, later Foundation), Jay Naughton (keyboard, later Jojo & the Real People).

Riotous Hues also appeared on the Elegance, Charm and Deadly Danger compilation (1985, see relevant post). (For Ex Post Fact and High Five, see relevant posts.)

a secret liverpool

Elegance, Charm And Deadly Danger (1985)

Elegance Charm And Deadly Danger is a compilation album of St. Helens / Rainhill bands released by Push Records in 1985. Push (acronym for Promotional Umbrella for St. Helens) was formed by a group of local promoters (among whom Dave Evans of the Tractors). The bands featured on vinyl all contributed to the costs, eventually getting their money back from selling records.

Elegance, Charm & Deadly Dangers (1985)

a1. Old Ma Cuxsom And The Soapchoppers - Don't Cry Darling (Daddy Had to Drown The Cat)

a2. Wake Up Afrika - Love Died In The Road

a3. The Riotous Hues - Happen

a4. Us - This Year

a5. Dixie Cartoon - Big Bucks

a6. The Howitzer Brothers - Real Man

a7. The La's - My Girl (Sits Like A Reindeer)

a8. Mave - Samantha Rox

a9. Kingston And The Hunters - Heart And Soul

b1. Post Mortem - Pity

b2.The Aristocrats - Ballistic Boogie

b3. 5,000 Spirits - Saigon Rain

b4. Cassio Viletone - Fingerless Gloves

b5. The Academy Of Unrest - Sensitive

b6. The Happy Gauls - Bad Night At Malibu Beach

b7. The La's - Sweet 35

b8. The Romulan Cloaking Device - Terry Fields And A Pint Of Guinness

b9. Mave - Thania (Come Down To Victor's With Me)

Old Ma Cuxsom: Originally Old Ma Cuxsom & The Soapchoppers (formerly John Noakes & His Amazing Waxy Cuticles) was a St. Helens pop group form in winter 1983 by Hugh Umbidaligo (vocals), Troy Steele (bass), Marcus Gossage (guitars), Colin Smith (keyboards), and Mikey Babbs (drums). Besides the number featured on this compilation the band also released one single in1986 (Don’t scare Me b/w Don’t Cry Darling, + Lightermen, Stevedores & Dinosaurs).
(see also: http://www.myspace.com/oldmacuxsom )

Wake Up Afrika!: Widnes five-piece acoustic group formed in 1984 by Pete Benson, Dave Pichilingi’ Fenlon (vocals) (both formerly with Utopia Dream, Fenlon later 35 Summer), Duncan Lomax (guitar) (ex Perfect, later 35 Summers, Hal), Ian Donohue (guitar), Stephen Hollan (bass), Andy Hignett (drms) and Andy Frizell (sax) (ex Perfect, later Wizards Of Twiddly, Royal Family and the Poor), the latetr replaced in 1987 by John Lyons. The band only released 2-track demo in 1987 (Mr. Christie / The Breadvan), changed their name to Giant Smile, back again to Wake Up Afrika, released a single in1989 (Simple Words b/w God Only Knows + Animal) before splitting and Fenlon and Lomax formin Summer 35 in 1990.
(see also: http://www.myspace.com/35summers
http://www.myspace.com/wizardsoftwiddly )

Riotous Hues: St. Helens act formed around 1984 by David Evans (guitar, vocals, later briefly with La’s), Dave Shaw (guitars, later Old Ma Cuxsom), Sean Edelston (lead gitar) Gaz Capper (drums) and Phil Smith (bass). Mike 'The Captain' Parker occasionally played keyboards (former Ilos, Fatal Impact, Happy Accident, later Us and Space Cakes). Both Smith and Evans later played in the Tractors. The band’s only vinyl releases are the song featured on this compilation and two others appeared on the Secret Liverpool compilation (Lessonless Rainbows, She Left). (see also www.myspace.com/therawhidechomp )

Us: Pop act formed in 1985 by ex-Riotous Hues The Captain (later Space Cakes), Tony Russell (drums, also with Romulan Cloaking Device), and other quite obscure figures such as Jamie and Ste A. The band only released the track appearing on this compilation.

Dixie Cartoon – Punk act from St. Helens fronted by Mike McCauley (later Rawhide Chomp). The only recorded song is ‘Big Buck’ featured on this compilation.

Howitzer Brothers: A group of funny poets from St. Helens.

La's: Originally a garage and R&B band formed in St. Helens in 1984 by Mike Badger (guitars), Lee Mavers (vocals, former Neuklon), John Power (later Cast), Paul Hemmings (guitars), John Timson (drums). Original member Badger – responsible for the band’s name – was asked to leave in 1986. In 1987 Mirk Birchall replaced Timson on drums, and this line-up released their first single (Way Out + Knock Me Down b/w Endless)
(see http://www.thelas.org/forums/ )

Mave: St. Helens poet.

Kingston And The Hunters: St. Helens power pop act featuring Paul Wilson (founder member, later Sweler and American Band Kerosene) and Simon Pratt (later Rawhide Chomp) on drums. The only recorded song is the one appearing on this compilation.

Post Mortem: Punk group from the Rainhill area formed around 1982 by Dr Death (vocals and song writer), Xon Walt (guitar), Paddy Nailbomb (bass), Drum Roll (drums). Only released the number on this compilation. They changed their name to Dr Death and The Mortem Boys, since there was already another band with the same name. (Thanks to Mike for the info)

Aristocrats: Dance-punk group from St. Helens. The only sing left is the number in this compilation.

5,000 Spirits: Pop rock band based in St. Helens. They only released the song on this album.

Cassio Viletone: Pop group from St. Helens.

Academy Of Unrest: St. Helens goth-punk group influenced by the Killing Jokes and early Cure. The line-up included Doug (vocals, guitar), Bun (bass), Brian Carney (keyboards), and Flimb (drums). In april 1985 thy released their first single (Sheol Hex b/w Rise of Doubt + Hope). They are also responsible for opening the Dead Fly in 1984, the first rehearsal room + record label in St. Helens.

Happy Gauls: St. Helens based five-piece punk band fronted by Mike (later manager with the Vernons).
(see: http://www.myspace.com/thevernonsmusic )

Romulan Cloaking Device: Rock’n’roll band formed around 1984 by Mike Shaw, Platty, Tony Russell (drums, also Us) and Jeff Murdon (bass) (both later with Space Cakes). The band only released the track on this compilation and disbanded in 1986.

.

elegance, charm and deadly danger

Jobs for the Boys (compilation 1984)

In 1984 Ronnie Flood, founder of the city’s musicpaper Merseysound “had the idea of putting together a compilation of the best local groups who weren’t getting airplay” (New Society, Jan 1985). The record was issued by Natalie Records and was co-funded Merseyside County Council. In Flood’s view “it was a way of getting groups together to make a statement about the state of the unemployed people in Liverpool”

Jobs for the Boys (1984)

a1. Be La Deuce: You Play About
a2. The Conversation: Our Last Goodbye
a3. Cook Da Books: Piggie in the Middle 8
a5. Pressure Drop: Daddy Buy Me a Rifle
a6. This Final Frame: Mondays Child
a7. The Rain Kings: A Kind of Cruelty
a8. The Faction: Jobs for the Boys
a9. Discipline: Borderline
b1. Politburo: Innocence
b2. Exhibit: It’s Hypothetical
b3. Phantasee: Tell Me
b4. Neuklon: The Phoenix
b5. I-Lands: Back Before the Pain
b6. Broken Promise: Beneath Those Lines
b7. Heaven Tonight: Mystery Play
b8. Afraid of Mice: Don’t Take Your Love Away
b9. Experimental Gardens: In the Dance

Be La Deuce: A four-piece with soul and jazz funk influences, formed in 1984 by Richi Riding (vocals, percussion), Alan Gillibrand (guitar, vocals), Paul Grivosti (bass, vocals), and Graham Chesters (drums, vocals). The band also released a demo tape in 1984 (featuring: You Play About, Stay or Go, Deep in Your Heart, Life Ain’t So Pretty, Keep Your Head (Live), Electric Woman), which included the number featured on this compilation. In 1986 the band changed its name to Louie And the Lettermen.

Conversation: A funk pop trio from Prescot, formed in 1982 by Dave Sanders (later with Flood) with a flexible line-up here featuring a female vocalist.

Cook Da Books: Kirkby band (originally Cook The Books) formed by ex-members of Dogemz and Brooklyn in 1980 as a reggae act. The original line-up included Tony ‘Rose’ Prescott (keyboards), Owen Moran (vocals, bass), Peter ‘Dig’ Deary (keyboards), John Leggett (drums) and Kevin Kelly (guitars). They released their first single in 1982 (Piggie in the Middle Eight b/w Turn to Black) and a few months later another song (This Is Not the Time) appeared on the compilation cassette Crackin’ Up At The Pyramid. When Kelley left the band for Lager Lager, the sound lost much of its reggae orientation. The remaining members released a number of singles and an Lp (issued only in France) between 1983 and 1985, when the band lost Tony Prescott (later Steppin’ Razor) became Da Books. The number featured on this compilation is the original four-track version of the band’s debut single.

Pressure Drop (see relevant post): Punk group formed in 1982 and heavily influenced by the clash and the Damned. The line-up included Mark Hodgekiss (vocals), David Ball (bass), David Austin (drums), Tony Turner (guitars), and Warren Peacock (guitars), who left in 1983. They released two singles respectively in 1983 (From Here To Eternity b/w Navy Blue) and in 1984 (Daddy Buy Me a Rifle b/w Guinea Pig, see relevant post below). The a-side number of the latter single is featured on this compilation.

This Final Frame (see relevant post): Wirral band originated in 1981 after the dissolution of T.V. 12 (former Rest) as a white reggae band when Paul Skillen (vocals, guitars), Pete McAsey (bass, also Balcony), Carl Henry (drums) joined forces with Eamonn Sale (keyboards) and Jim Short (trumpet). This line-up released two singles in 1982 (The Diary b/w Discontent) and 1984 (The Mask b/w Memories Are Stone). After recording Monday’s Child to be released on this compilation, Henry left (for Politburo) and was replaced by Jerry Holsgrove. The second line-up (plus some additional musicians and vocalists, namely Vicky Peters, Mick Cobb, Mandy Smith, Barbara Philips, Mandy Wotton) released other two singles in 1985 (Take No Prisoner b/w Eden and Stories b/w Blue and Grey). In the summer 1985 This Final Frame disbanded and Paul Skillen (after a short period with Dream Time), Eamon Sale, Jerry Holsgrove and Vicky Peters (ex Subtle Hints) and Neil Shenton (ex ID) formed World Apart.

The Rain Kings (a.k.a. Rainkings): Formed in 1984 after the split of Flood, when, parting company with Dave Ssanders (former Conversation), Roy Corkhill (bass) teamed up with Dave and Jeff Sansbury (respectively on guitars and vocals). The group’s music was considered to be distinctive of the new Liverpool sound, combining acoustic guitars and nice melodies. Cockhill quit in 1984 to join Here’s Johnny.

Faction: Not to be confused with John Tuite’s band (see relevant posts below) this homonymous band was a mod-rock trio formed in 1982 (played their first gig on World Cup final night), fronted by Gary ‘Ozzy’ Osborne (vocals guitars) and including Tony Piggott (bass) and Ian Wilkinson (drums), later substituted by Mark Turner (1984). The band released a demo in 1983 (Here Today Gone Tomorrow, Raining Again, No face in the Crowd, Jobs for the Boys, Four Walls) which included the track the gave the title to the whole compilation. A second demo was recorded in 1984. Faction has been the support act for bands like Afraid of Mice, Tears for Fears, Farm and also Madness.

Discipline: The band originated from the ashes of Chain of Command (see relevant post) – Neil Whitehead, David Taylor (both on vocals, synthesizers, percussion) and Matt Adams (bass, rhythm box) – when, after releasing a cassette-single (Some Aspects b/w Honour among Thieves) and having a track on the Compilation Subtle Hints (Some Aspects) in 1983, Taylor and Adams left. An anonymous contributor to this blog informed us that “The track Boarderline was originally written and rough demoed by the original three piece Chain of Command. Matt left just before they went into the studio (Amazon) to record it. COC changed their name to Disipline briefly, and it was at this time that the track was accepted for Jobs for the Boys.”

Politburo: Wirral three-piece formed in 1982 after the split of Dead on Arival, when Ian Jackson (bass), Carroll Bayne (vocals), Paul Denheyer (guitars) and Steve Lynn (vocals) were joined by John Lever (drums, formerly with Manchester-based Chameleons) later replaced by Carl Henry (of This Final Frame). In early 1983 the band was reduced to Denheyer, Jackson and Henry. After a couple of demos (the latter of which featured Dave Dickie (with Black) and Andy Clegg on keyboards and included the tracks Innocence, Euphoria, Extraordinary, Room 205, Now You See Me, Building cages, return of the Kodak Ghost – among which there are all the numbers subsequently appeared on compilations and the A-side of the band’s only single) the first vinyl release was a song (Room 205) on a BBC flexi disc called Two Minute Heroes (October 1984). In November 1984 Politburo re-recorded the song Innocence with Dickie producing to be issued on Jobs for the Boys. In March 1986 the band released their first single (Euphoria b/w April Shower, Half a Hairpin). In the same year Politburo worked on demos of hat should have been their second single (Dumb Blond), but never was.

Exhibit B: The band was formed in mid-1984 by James Hughes (vocals, keyboards, guitars) and Howie Minns (a.k.a. Howie Di Miunzo, drums, keyboards) (both formerly with Cherry Boys and City Lights). In 1984 they released a self-titled demo (the Other Side, Absolutely Criminal, the Escapology Party, It’s Hypothetical b/w Breathing Space, If I were Meant to Fly, Feels like Today) which included the song featured on this compilation.

Phantasee: A disco-funk / disco-pop act formed in late 1983 when Pete Fitzmaurice (drums, former Twisted Nervez) joined Dawn O’Reilly (vocals), Colin O’Toole (bass) – both formerly of Renard, with Tony Velasco (later Contact, Waving at trains, Carry on Spying) and Pete ‘Ped’ Gills (later Frankie Goes to Hollywood) – and Vinnie O’Toole (guitars). A fifth member, Frank Iwiediebo originally joined as a dancer, then also provided backing vocals (like Paul Rutherford with FGTH). Brian Jameson completed the line-up on additional keyboards for live performances. A planned single (Virgin Boy) for Madness’s label Zarjazz never materialised.

Neuklon: Formed in 1979 and producing a keyboard-oriented electronic sound, the band, originally consisting of Mike Lloyd, James Johnson and Anthony Marshall, made their debut in 1979 supporting OMD at Eric’s. After frequent line-up changes and even a change of name (for a short period in 1982 they became Venus Beat Mushrooms) Neuklon got established as a four-piece, now including, besides Lloyd, Lee Mavers (vocals, later La’s), Colin McCann and Donna Lowe (both later in Lloyd Collection, with Mike Lloyd). The band recorded several demos, but their only number to be released on vinyl is the track featured on this compilation.
(see also: http://www.myspace.com/neuklon2008 http://www.thelas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2076&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30 )

I-Lands (see relevant post): The brainchild of Andy Warren (formerly with Change of image and Systems). In 1981 Warren formed Islands of Dance with Stuart McBain (bass), Howard Lacey (drums), Mike Saunders (guitars) and Ruth Evison (keyboards). In 1983 Darren Bell replaced Saunders, Bernie Mulcahey took the place of Evison, Tny Elson substituted Lacey, and Joanne Griffith joined on vocals. In 1984 the name was shortened to I-Lands and Mark Coleridge (from Ex Post Facto) replaced Elson on drums. The band released one single in 1984 (In the Rain b/w Velvet Glove, see relevant post), before recording the song which appears on this compilation.

A Broken Promise: Croxteth rock-folk band formed in the summer 1983 and featuring Roy Jones (guitars, vocals), Paul De Boo (bass), Mark Rogers (guitars) and Gerard Dyson (drums). They supported Alarm in 1985 and were expected to be by the local music press the next acoustic rock band to climb the national charts. Live favourites were songs like Yesterdays Children, Beauty in Understanding, Start Again and Stand Tall.

Heaven Tonite (a.k.a. Heaven Tonight) (see relevant post): Band puttogether in mid-1984 by Amanda ‘Mandarine Orange’ Todd (vocals, former Zale Out), Colin ‘Gash’ Billinge (ex Last Chant), Dave Lloyd (guitars) and Ian Carney (bass). Besides the song on this compilation, the band recorded a couple of songs (the title track of the movie Distant Fire and a possible single Forget Me Not) neither of which was released.

Afraid of Mice (see relevant post): The brainchild of Phil Jones (formerly Wo Wardrobe’s Swinging Clit, Skyfall, Next, later Two’s A Crowd) formed in 1979 and after trying out various names (Beano, Press, Jones) they eventually settle for Afraid of Mice. Between 1979 and 1986 the band went through several line-up changes and issued several singles (I’m on Fire b/w Down in the Dark and Intercontinental b/w What Shall We Do, in 1981, Trans-Parents b/w That’s Not True and At the Club b/w I Will Wait, in 1982) and two albums (Afraid of Mice in 1982 and The Official Bootleg in 1983). Curiously enough Afraid of Mice started and ended their recording history by contributing songs to compilations.In 1980 they were featured with two songs (I’m Not a Fighter and Trans-Parent) on the A Trip to the Dentist compilation (see relevant post) and in 1985 they contributed with Don’t Take Your Love away on this compilation.

Experimental Gardens: Wirral power-dance rock band risen from the ashes of avant-garde group Astrakhan when, in early 1983, Tony ‘Ringo’ Ringwood (vocals), Ritchie Edwards (guitars) and Mike Francis (bass) teamed up with Alan Roberts (drums, ex Distinction), John Magee (keyboards), and sisters Katrina and Melanie Michael (backing vocals). In November 1983 they released their first single (The One That Got Away b/w People Will Be People), produced by former Deaf School Steve Lindsey. In 1985 Roberts, Magee and the Michael sisters left and were replaced by Carl Walker (drums) and Paul Bannister (vocals, percussion). Experimental Gardens recorded several demos but, apart from their first single, the only other song ever to appear in vinyl format is the one featured on this compilation.


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