Picture the time – 1980, most of punk’s originators have released at least a couple of albums and 2 Tone is the vogue, whereas Vic & Subway Sect, one of the ’76 Punk Rock Festival alumni, have put out three singles and have an unreleased album, recorded in 1978, to their name in addition to being managed by Bernie Rhodes ex of The Clash & The Specials. Things could be better …
In the spring The Subway Sect support slot for Siouxsie & The Banshees is a northern soul reworking of the songs from the ’78 album and dressed in cardigans, peg trousers & sandals to an audience of bemused gothic & paisley garbed punks.
‘WTMB’ was released around the same time and is another rework of the ’78 songs, but this time in a variety of styles which still holds up 30 years on, that highlights Vic’s songwriting that was a major influence to Edwyn Collins and Roddy Frame. Tunes possessing lines such as ‘the matchbox in your pocket turns to a grenade, but you can’t pull out the pin it’s not the way you were made’ how could you not like the cut of his jib! Vic still releases music and has recently been performing these somgs in their original ’78 versions. Check him out, he’s always worth leaving the house for!
Anyway enough of the guff, here’s ‘What’s The Matter Boy’.
I did see VC & SS sometime in the early eighties and, although I was by no means a ‘gothic & paisley garbed punk’, I was certainly bemused. I liked off-beat & unusual and he seemed so very straight. Possibly post-modern before his time, it just didn’t work for me at all: he seemed to come from my Dad’s generation. One of the very few gigs I’ve left half-way through.
Aah, this sounds like his Vic Damone period with the tux & dickie bow?
Yup. A trilby too, I think…. Not at all what I was expecting.
I had a crazy weekend, but I do want to listen. Hope to have time tomorrow.
I liked that – never crossed my path before, but I thought the combination of punkish attitude with strong, and really quite traditoinal, songwriting was surprisingly effective. Having said that, I wanted to hear that last, lovely song get the full-on crooning treatment (possibly from Richard Hawley).
Chris – that’s what I find interesting about Vic is his contrariness, of doing the opposite of what was the current trend.
Barbryn – I see what you mean his voice is too light at times.
I liked it too….pretty much for the same reasons as Barbryn….reminded me of Billy Bragg in places and Billy Childish in others…..completely new to me…cheers!
great LP cover too!
Also very much enjoyed this…for the reasons Barbryn and Panthersan articulated. Also completely new to me. Thanks, Albahooky.