Starting tonight with one of the rare records that I have seen performed live - the Stranglers, November 1977, University of Ulster, Coleraine. New University of Ulster, I think it was still known as. I remember arriving at the hall, just as the band were playing No More Heroes. I think it was that, as the hall had the acoustics of a swimming pool. In 1977 such exotic visitors to our shores were few and far between, which makes it more unfortunate that all I remember is the first song. Also tonight, The Teardrop Explodes , mk 2. I think that Julian Cope was the only one remaining from the first LP lineup. I saw a recording of their Top Of The Pops appearance, where the bass player appears to be on loan from a Duran Duran tribute band. Julian was oblivious to his colleague's prancing about, while Troy Tate on guitar looks suitably embarrassed. I'll go now, before someone reminds me of embarrassing performances closer to home.
Stranglers - No More Heroes
The Fall - Hey Luciani!
Stingrays - Escalator
Flaming Groovies - All I Wanted
Gymslips - Love’s Not the Answer
Flys - EC4
MC5 - Tutti Frutti
Teardrop Explodes - Passionate Friend
Astronauts - All Night Party
John Cooper Clarke - Thirty Six Hours
Selecter - Missing Words
Fleshtones - Shadow Line
REM - Ages Of You
Blues Magoos - Tobacco Road
When Stiff Records first opened its vestibule door in 1976, one of the first artists to wipe their feet before entering was Larry Wallis, former Pink Fairy. Of course, he'd done much more than the Pink Fairies, but my formative years were spent reading the NME , and that was how they always described him. He also took part in the first Live Stiffs Tour in 1977, but didnt have the profile of the other four - Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Ian Dury or Wreckless Eric. If there was a quiz question about that tour (and the live LP which followed) he'd be the one you'd remember last. Police Car's a good record, though.
Ultravox feature tonight, but not the Midge Ure version. John Foxx was the singer then and managed to do the job without needing a thin moustache.
Buzzcocks - No Reply
Sex Pistols - Liar
Chron Gen - LSD
Mumps - We Ended Up
Radiators From Space - Try And Stop Me
Saints - Private Affair
Nightingales - Crafty Fag
Crash Kills Five - What Do You Do ?
Generation X - Wild Youth
Hijackers - When I Get Home
Dead Kennedys - Funland On The Beach
Ultravox - Wide Boys
Glaxo Babies - It's Irrational
Colors - Tomorrow
Hysterics - Everythings There
Jerks - Get Your Woofing Dog Off Me
Larry Wallis - Police Car
AFTD again. Acronyms, don't you love them ? Many an hour has been spent discussing Worst Rhymes In Jam Records , in mod clubs up and down the land. My own favourite features in the opening song, where Billy describes a former foreman he once worked for. As well as creating a phrase 'don't even stop for a cough' Paul Weller compounds the offence by rhyming "cough" with 'RAF'. Still, you can't argue with his clothing choices in 1978.Â
Another Swedish selection tonight from Cornflake Zoo, with a cover of a song by Sonny Flaherty and Mark V. I'm sure you're familiar with their work. If you are, then Mr You're A Better Man Than I (Yardbirds, not Sham 69) Â
Jam - Billy Hunt
Action Pact - Yet Another Dole Queue Song
Laugh - Paul McCartney
Smiths - Sweert And Tender Hooligan
Cramps - Twist And Shout
Cornflake Zoo - Hey Conductor
Radio Birdman - Do The Pop
Eater - Lock It Up
Orange Juice - Holiday Hymn
Maryland Cookies -  Don’t Lie To Me
Astrosurf - Kids Today
The Loft - Skeleton Staircase
Elton Motello - Jet Boy Jet Girl
Electric Prunes - Try Me On For Size
Suicide - Mr Ray
How did it ever happen that Sweden would be the home of so many great garage bands like The Nomads. I'm sure there's a fairly rational reason, but let's imagine that a box of Nuggets LPs was left in a Malmo railway station in 1980 - the Sire reissue, not the original Elektra edition. And let's imagine that they were found by a group of bored teenagers; bored with the long dark winters, bored with the expensive beer, and bored with Abba wannabes. They played the LPs on their Bang and Olufsens (cheaper in Sweden than over here) and their ears were opened. Maybe it didn't happen like that. But how else do you explain it ?
There's also a great version in tonight's show of a Dion song, sung by that paragon of health and virture , Johnny Thunders. Look it up on the internet and you'll see Johnny dance. Dance Johnny Dance.
Talking Heads - New FeelingÂ
Moondogs - Talking In The Canteen
Nomads - Five Years Ahead Of My Time
B-52s - Rock Lobster
Alternative TV - Viva Le Rock N Roll
UK Subs - Police State
Feelies - Loveless Love
Slaughter & The Dogs - I’m Mad
Big Star - Ballad Of El Goodo
Pirhanas - Happy Families
Johnny Thunders - I Was Born To Cry
Television - Prove It
Pop Group  - Words Disobey Me
