THERMOMETERS - '20th Century Girl'.
Punk rock from the outskirts of Edinburgh (or South
Queensferry to be precise) released on Fockker Record
Co in January 1980. A bit of a Heartbreakers feel but
musically it's a bit more primitive than Thunders and
co. A picture sleeve does exist but not with my copy.
RAZAR - 'Idle Rich'.
Razar's 2nd single from September 1978 on Charisma
Records, following their Polydor debut 'Ascension
Day'. Musos on a hippie label playing punk rock! Back
then the target audience would ignore this, but with
the passing of time we're now a bit more open minded.
THE PLAGUE - 'In Love'.
First released in April 1979 on Psycho in a foldout
sleeve, and again in October 1979 by Evolution on
pink vinyl and a different foldout sleeve (pictured).
The Plague were Roxy Club regulars back in 1977/78,
here they embrace both The Equals and The Boys.
SCRUFF - 'Get Out Of My Way'.
Released February 1978 on Track Records just before
the label went into liquidation. A press release
mentions the then buzz word 'powerpop' though despite
the smart shirts and waistcoats musically this is
less Rich Kids and more glam era bootboys Jook.
MIKE DEE - 'Breaking The Ice'.
Under the radar new wave on WEA Records from November
1980. Mike was Swedish but was based in the UK when
he recorded this single with a strong 1977 Iggy/Bowie
influence. Mike also fronted the Music For Boys 45 on
Logo and later did a few Euro only releases.
THE ASTROS - 'Snake-Bite'.
Released in December 1980 on RAM Records. The Astros
were a trio from NE England or as John Peel put it
'Durham, Gateshead, Sunderland, places like that'
when playing the single on his show. Co produced by
the band with Terry Gavaghan and a fine noise it is.
THE WRETCHED - 'DNR'.
Private pressed punk from County Durham released in
October 1981. This was the only Wretched single with
just a very small number issued in a picture sleeve.
Two band members later formed Passion Trade who had a
track on a 1986 compilation EP on Other Records.
TRANCE - 'Time Devours'.
Released April 1980 on the Silent Pocket label. 'Time
Devours' was originally to be issued under the band
name X-Hibition in early 1980 but the recording was
delayed due to having to find a new drummer, by that
time they'd changed their name to Trance.
VIDEO - 'Just Might Happen Again'.
Lone single by this Wallsall based band released on
Logo Records in August 1979. The song is actually a
cover of the Real Kids track 'Better Be Good' but
given a new title. Singer Jayni Bradbury would later
record as Jayni & The Limit and Jealous Girl.
THE VANDELLS - 'Ruby Toot'.
Nice mod revival from Brighton released May 1980 on
Loose End Records. Very 60's influenced rather than
the genre favoured Jam sound. A label with more clout
could have had a hit with this as it's very radio
friendly. Extra points for being ex-Depressions.
THE DRIVE - 'Jerkin'.
New wave from Dundee on NRG Records from August 1977.
1,000 copies pressed but sales were slow until a
'vile punk record' story appeared in the local Sunday
paper which resulted in an increase in sales. More
punk in attitude than sound which owes more to T-Rex.
STINKY TOYS - 'Driver Blues'.
French punk rock on Polydor Records from July 1977.
Stinky Toys are famous for being the opening act on
the 2nd night of the 100 Club Punk Festival in 1976.
This is the B-side of their only UK release but they
did release two albums in their home country.