Indie-Rock At It's Best

 

In 1980 Ian McNabb, a Liverpool musician, appeared with his band The Icicle Works on the scene. Like many of those bands from this era he combined post-punk and new wave with a creative kind of songwriting. The early songs of this band were a highlight for me in the 80s. Their sound is similar to many others but McNabb had the ability to write on of the best songs from the beginning of the decade. Based on an steady rhythm section and short guitar licks he wrote hymns of the early 80s guitar pop sounds. Still a band that should have more credits in music history.

Icicle Works

Almost 40 years ago Liverpool's The Icicle Works released their self titled album a classic record of the post-punk era. At this time Ian McNabb had a flair for excellent melodies which he underpinned with his unmistakable guitar sound. Their debut album entered the top 20 with several hit singles like Birds Fly, Love Is A Wonderful Colour and years later Understanding Jane were highlights of new-wave pop and still songs I always like to listen today. Timeless music that has inspired many bands to come. 

 

Understanding Jane

Last weekend I was searching for a CD in my collection that I wanted to listen and a compilation of Beggars Banquet came to my appearance. I didn't listen to this double CD for ages and was surprised to how much songs I was familiar. There are long forgotten songs on this compilation and listening to the various and very different artists they took me back to 1991 and the mood I was in at this time. You might know that I listen to a lot of new stuff that was released and often I am pleased but I will never forget the music that was a big part of my life way back in time.

The Icicle Works - Understanding Jane
Love And Rockets - Ball Of Confusion
The Go-Betweens - Streets Of Your Town

Labled

Like many other British independent labels Beggars Banquet were formed under the influence of the punk-rock movement. During the years they released a lot of records with quality and taste. Their first release was a classic punk single by the Lurkers. With the subsequent singles the hit the nerve of the time and bands like Tubeway Army and Gary Numan reached high positions in the charts. But Beggars Banquet had also open ears for gothic and new wave. Further along the line the released the records by The Go-Betweens and records by MES's The Fall at his best times. This could be an endless list if I would feature songs by Robert Forster or Grant MacLennan. Anyway, good to look back at the disclosures of this record label with a smile.