Where Where You

 

Cherry Red is the record label releasing fantastic

compilations since many years. Now they released Where Were You? Independent Music from Leeds 1978-1989 a compilation of Leeds based bands from the early punk/new wave era until the days shoegaze turned into the new next big thing. Many bands are well know on this three CD's but with less known songs; others are new to me. Anyway it is another opportunity to step back to these days. Listening to these songs many memories returns and made me grab out other records from this decade.

The Mekons - Where Were You

The Rose Of Avalanche - Goddess

The Sisters Of Mercy - Temple Of Love

Gang Of Four - Damaged Gods

Girls At Our Best - Getting Nowhere Fast

Where Indie-Pop Started

 

Cherry Red is one of those record labels (Germany's Bear Family is another)digging deep in musical history to create a collection of relevant genres. At the end of last year they released The Sun Shines Here a three CD-compilation of songs released between 1980 and 1984 showing the whole spectrum early indie-pop had at these days. It was a period when London was centred around more angular, aggressive music and bands from Scotland, Manchester and Liverpool emerged drawing on the cooler end of 60's/70's music to create something fresh and new. Listening to those songs again made me thinking this could be a theme for a new series.

Liverpool's Pete Wylie released his first single in the late 70's as Wha! Heat and it is a classic because it has everything his later releases were famous for. A straight beat, great guitars and his incomparable voice.

Better Scream

Also from Liverpool It's Immaterial appeared on the scene in the early 80's. Formed by former members of the pub-rock band The Yachts they appeared with fantastic pop songs arranged with additional horns. A good example how great they were was their first single.

Young Man (Seeks Interesting Job)

A shortly existing band were Girls At Our Best from Leeds and their sound based on short guitar riffs, forward driving rhythms and a clear voice. Perfect girl's pop from almost 40 years ago.

Go For Gold!