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.