The Pied Piper TV Show

Not the usual type of thing I post here but I've been searching for clips of this show for an age. I actually did think I'd made the whole thing up in my head until I came across a few other nut cases who remembered the programme. Forgive my indulgence and let me know if you remember it too.

Glaxo Babies

Free Dem Cells (1980)

I recently acquired an expanded CD release of one of my all-time favourite compilations, Avon Calling, which was originally 15 tracks from Bristol's Heartbeat label c.1978. The double CD adds a whole truck-load of extras but the very best song remains 'It's Irrational' by The Glaxo Babies. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a clip of that great track, so here's 'Free Dem Cells' from a couple of years later. Glaxo Babies were the band I liked just about the best of all on the Bristol scene of the late 70's and were doing the 'post-punk Gang of Four type thang' even before the Leeds mob (who I like very much indeed, by the way).

Eventually, being threatened by Smith Kline Glaxo, the band had to change their name to Gl*xo Babies...so the gigantic pharmaceutical conglomorate would no longer feel threatened by a bunch of Bristol punks who no will ever have heard of! I hear a cat laughing.

The Pop Group

Forces of Oppression (1978)

The first in what may be a brief series of 'Bristol Sound' videos. The Pop Group are, more often than not, considered to be the seminal band to come outta Bristol in the late 70's and acted as a catalyst for all things West Country and weird. I'm not utterly convinced that they were absolutely THE most important band around at the time but they were certainly vital and just plain good. Mixing up punk, funk, Beefheart and Stockhausen to good effect with some Free Jazz thrown in for flavour. Not many bands were doing this kind of thing back then. They recorded three albums to varying degrees of success and then splintered into Rip, Rig and Panic, Pigbag and solo projects. Stewart is still out there somewhere being crazed and shouty.

Sensational Alex Harvey Band

Next (1973)

Brel's tale of army brothels as played out by Glaswegian loony, Alex Harvey and his mates. Harvey created his own theatrical style of rock that had one foot in prog and another in punk a long time before punk really came along. Much missed. All his stuff is worth hearing.

Jacques Brel

Amsterdam

Jacques Brel (1929-78) was a Belgian singer-songwriter who's style is barely translatable into an Anglo-American context. Having said that, he has been much admired by many popular artists, including David Bowie, Nina Simone, Alex Harvey and, most notably, Scott Walker - all of them having recorded English versions of Brel's songs. Personally, I'm a big fan of Walker's interpretations, which maintain much of the original spirit of the songs and Alex Harvey's 'Next' is a wonder to behold. Even if, like me, your French is way beyond poor (i.e. practically non existent), it's impossible to not be carried away by the passion of Jacques Brel.

Wizzard

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday (1973)

The wonderful Roy Wood and chums with one of my very favourite Christmas tunes. Merry Christmas, everyone!

King Tubby

Take 5

The true King of Dub. Osbourne Ruddock, AKA King Tubby has his name on some of the greatest productions to come out of Jamaica, whether he was the originator of the rhythm or remixer. Without King Tubby modern music would a lot less than than it is. Second to none. Turn up the volume! Yes, it's the old Dave Brubeck classic.