Monday's Long Song

 

Just in time for the start of summer, another heatwave has hit southern Germany. Temperatures of around 30 degrees are drawing thousands to the outdoor swimming pools, and there is no sign of the heat letting up in the coming days. We are expecting temperatures to rise to just under 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday. This means that any physical exertion leaves you drenched in sweat, and a fan is the most frequently used household item. 

Musically speaking, I’ve also taken it down a notch in this heat and have been listening to Rhythm Collision again. The Ruts were at the forefront of British punk when they formed in 1978. With their political punk, infused with reggae elements and a flair for melody, national fame was guaranteed.  

After their singer, Malcolm Owen, sadly passed away following a heroin overdose, the band – now calling themselves Ruts DC – set out in search of a new sound. Alongside this, they played as Kevin Coyne’s backing band; he also lent them 1,000 pounds so they could record another album. Working with producer Mad Professor, they consistently pursued a dub reggae direction and, in 1982, released one of their best albums, which unfortunately failed to attract nearly enough buyers, leading the band to eventually split up shortly afterwards.  

Ruts DC Meet Mad Professor - Love And Fire