Jazz Butcher – THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN

Felt, Go-Betweens, Jazz Butcher, Shreikback, Sunset Gun, Woodentops

WHEN THE CLOCKS STRUCK THIRTEEN (July Pt 2)

Congratulations to those of you who tolerated the chart offerings from July 1984 via the post from a couple of weeks back. Surely those 45s issued via the indie labels and who distribution methods/lack of daytime airplay were the biggest factors in them not hitting the Top 75 would prove to be a bit more palatable. Surely……..

In June 1983, Lawrence Hayward (aka Felt) had released Penelope Tree, a gloriously catchy piece of indie-pop which, if the world was a fair and just place, would have been a huge hit. The opening lines of Penelope Tree were:-

I didn’t want the world to know
That sunlight bathed the golden glow

Just over a year later, the new single from Felt opened with these lines:-

You’re trying to fool somebody
But you end up fooling yourself

Methinks Lawrence was, despite his claims of never really wanting to be a pop star, was getting a tad frustrated:-

mp3: Felt – Sunlight Bathed The Golden Glow

Moving along quickly to another song which takes me back to that particular summer

mp3: The Go-Betweens – Part Company

Having, the previous year, come to the attention of the UK indie cognoscenti via Rough Trade Records, our wizards from Oz were signed by Sire Records and thanks to the snippets of news via the music papers, we learned they had headed off to France to record what would be their third studio album, Spring Hill Fair, from which Part Company was the lead single. It’s one on which Robert Forster takes the lead vocal, and musically there is a hint of the slower numbers that Johnny Marr was writing for The Smiths. Another that should’ve been a hit, but like every other 45 released by the band, it failed to trouble the charts.

mp3: The Jazz Butcher – Roadrunner

I’ll confess not to knowing that this rather frantic and fabulous cover version had been released in July 1984….it was many many many years later (via a blog in the 21st century) did I learn that Pat Fish et al. had taken Jonathan Richman‘s signature tune and made into something that sounded like one of their own.

mp3: Shriekback – Hand On My Heart

The mid 80s was a time when white-boy funk was a bit of a ‘thing’ (and Glasgow had more than its fair share of would-be bands). Shriekback had formed in 1982, with Barry Andrews (ex XTC) and Dave Allen (ex Gang of Four) being joined on vocals by Carl Marsh. By 1984, they were signed to a major label – Arista Records – and given a bit of a makeover with the addition of female backing vocals in an attempt to create a really radio-friendly sound. Debut single for the label, Hand on My Heart flopped. As indeed would the subsequent singles and two albums, Mercy Dash (Sep 84) and Oil and Gold (June 85).

It wasn’t just white-boy funk, mind you:-

mp3: Sunset Gun – Be Thankful For What You’ve Got

As mentioned previously on the blog, Sunset Gun were a Glasgow trio, made of up sisters Dee and Louise Rutkowski, and Ross Campbell. The Rutkowski sisters were a huge part of the Glasgow music scene in the early 80s, having been part of Jazzateers, the group that would in due course evolve into Bourgie Bourgie.

The demos recorded by Sunset Gun created a bit of a buzz, with a number of labels looking to sign the group, and in the end it was CBS that won the bidding war. The trio went into a studio with Alan Rankine (ex Associates) in the producer’s chair, and the debut single was a cover of the 1974 hit written and recorded by William DeVaughn, a song later covered by Massive Attack and included on their subsequent debut album in 1991.

Continuing with the theme of debut singles…..

mp3: The Woodentops – Plenty

A band who would influence and delight many in subsequent years without ever getting the sort of commercial success that their fans in the media believed should have been theirs. I’ve always associated The Woodentops with Rough Trade Records, but this particular 45 was released on the then very new Food Records that had been set up by Dave Balfe, formerly of the Teardrop Explodes. What a glorious and enduring debut!!!!

JC

Crispy Ambulance, Danse Society, Felt, Jasmine Minks, Jazz Butcher, Lou Reed, Pale Fountains, Pastels, R.E.M., Wake

WHEN THE CLOCKS STRUCK THIRTEEN (March Pt 3)

This would normally be Part 2 from March 1984, but I did of course, a few weeks back, spread the chart hits across two days worth of posts.

This is the usual half of the series looking at singles which failed to find much popularity with the record-purchasing public, but have proven to be of enough cultural significance to be recalled here on the blog.

mp3 : Crispy Ambulance – Sexus

A Manchester band who signed to Factory Records, albeit the two of their three singles and one album recorded and released between 1981 and 1984 came out on Factory Benelux, the Belgian imprint of the label. Sexus was issued only on 12″ vinyl and is atypical of the band’s sound…..which many at the time (myself included) thought was too much like a cut-price early Joy Division in the days before Martin Hannett added his box of tricks to the sound. Indeed, lead singer Alan Hempsall stood in for Ian Curtis when he wasn’t well enough to perform the opening numbers of the set at what is now a very infamous gig in Bury on 8 April 1980, which ended in a riot among the audience and the band.

mp3: Danse Society – 2000 Light Years From Home

I’ve mentioned in earlier editions of this series that 1984 was a year in which goth, or variations of the genre, seemed to be everywhere. Danse Society were from Barnsley, a blue-collar town in the north of England who formed in 1980 and by 1983 had signed with the major label, Arista Records. The album Heaven Is Waiting, released in December 1983, had gone Top 40, but the subsequent release of this Rolling Stones cover, one which came with a touch of dance, made no impact on the singles chart.

mp3: Felt – Mexican Bandits

Felt may well have been a band, but to all intent and purposes it was the name under which the Birmingham-born Lawrence Hayward recorded and performed (albeit he never used his surname). Signed to Cherry Red in 1981, there had already been two albums and four singles, all of which were critically acclaimed prior to Mexican Bandits which, like its predecessor 45s, would reach the indie chart but not come close to the mainstream chart. But this really suited Lawrence who didn’t seem to want fame and all the hassle that comes with it.

mp3: Jasmine Minks – Think!

Originally from Aberdeen in north-east Scotland, the four-piece band relocated to London and signed to Creation Records, becoming a key part of that label’s early output and live scene centred around venues in central London. Think! was the debut single, with the catalogue number of CRE 004, and it’s a belter. In a previous mention of this 45, I said that I was waiting on either Edwyn Collins or James Kirk to start singing after that initial 20-second burst of energy.

mp3: Jazz Butcher – Marnie

The late Pat Fish (he passed away in October 2021 at the age of 63) was the one constant factor in the ever-changing line-up of Jazz Butcher. The first single and album had come out in the Autumn of 1983, and Marnie, issued through the London-based indie Glass Records, was the first of the new material. For more on the life and times of Pat Fish, I’d like to refer you to the Friend of Rachel Worth’s wonderfully written guest ICA from back in March 2108.

mp3: The Pastels – Something Going On

Formed in Glasgow in 1982. This was the band’s fourth single, but their first for Creation (it had the catalogue number of CRE 005). Still very much on the go today, and while they have never had any meaningful commercial success, they have long been one of the most important and influential band to emerge from my home city given how much advice and support they have given to others who have come along in the subsequent decades.

mp3: Lou Reed – I Love You Suzanne

Don’t think any background info is required. The sole single issued in support of his thirteenth studio album, New Sensations.

mp3: R.E.M. – So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)

Don’t think any background info is required. The band’s third ever 45, and the advance single for their second album, Reckoning, Still sounds immense 40 years on.

mp3: The Pale Fountains – (Don’t Let Your Love) Start A War

See the January edition (Part 2) of this series for the background on The Pale Fountains. I hope you’ll agree, it’s turning out to be a great month for flop singles……

mp3: The Wake – Talk About The Past

A Glasgow-band who signed to Factory Records. Probably best known for the fact that Bobby Gillespie was their bassist for a while, he had been involved in the debut album Harmony (1982) and the later single Something Outside (1983). By the time Talk About The Past (FAC 88) was released, he’d been asked to leave.

Happy listening.

JC

Jazz Butcher

THE MONDAY MORNING HI-QUALITY VINYL RIP : Parts Thirty eight and nine: SOUTHERN MARK SMITH

Today’s offering is a tribute to the late Pat Fish, who passed away suddenly, at the age of 63, on 5 October 2021.

I can’t claim to be a huge expert on The Jazz Butcher. Indeed, most of what I have on the hard drive consists of songs included on compilation albums or box sets, although I do have a second-hand vinyl copy of an actual Jazz Butcher compilation – Bloody Nonsense, released in 1986 – which I picked up during one of my trips over to Canada, and while I can’t say that every song is a stand-out or has made a positive impression, there’s been enough to make me a casual fan.

This blog hosted an excellent guest ICA back in March 2018, courtesy of Friend of Rachel Worth.

“The Jazz Butcher in some ways are ideal for an ICA. No wild variations in style and a catalogue of LPs all of which are a bit patchy. Actually getting to grips with their discography is one of the biggest challenges, with various compilation LPs and some tracks appearing on more than one album. Then there is the slight variations of name, sometimes Jazz Butcher Conspiracy, sometimes just Jazz Butcher and sometimes something else entirely.

The line-up changes with the weather (same with record labels) with songwriter and singer Pat Fish being the only consistent factor. All in all they are a tough band to keep track of.

When they are good they are fantastic in a jangly guitar, smart lyrics way. However each LP also either has something that is head-scratchingly awful at best and annoyingly novelty record like at worst.”

Pat Fish was born as Patrick Hunrods in December 1957. As FORW pointed out, he was damn near impossible to pigeonhole as a musician, always looking for ways to challenge his fans and the critics. He was writing and performing right up to his death, and indeed just two days prior, on 3 October, he had been scheduled to perform a web concert, only instead to appear on-screen at the scheduled time to make an apologetic announcement that he wasn’t feeling well and would re-schedule for about a week later. It is hardly a surprise that his death came as such a shock.

Of the song featuring today, FORW offered these words within the ICA:-

Probably if you know one song by the Jazz Butcher it will be this one. Pat Fish describes it as “The Albatross. A record, I feel, of its time. We were young(ish) and cocky and I think it shows. I still haven’t learned to sing on this one, which bugs me too. Still, it was cheap and cheerful, and it helped us to meet an awful lot of people”

It was actually the debut single, released on Glass Records in 1983. The following year, it was re-recorded and included on the band’s second studio album, A Scandal In Bohemia, again on Glass Records. The first version is fast and heavily reliant on keyboards to drive it forward. It borders on manic in places but at all times it is toe-tappingly superb with a killer sing-along chorus. The second version is markedly different, like a classy 80s pop song as the keyboards blend with acoustic guitars while Pat Fish sings in a melancholic manner, certainly to my ears, that in places isn’t a million miles removed from Lloyd Cole. The lyrics are also slightly different, and it is just as equally brilliant in its own way as the original. I can never make my mind up on which of the two versions I prefer, and that’s why both are on offer today:-

mp3: The Jazz Butcher – Southern Mark Smith
mp3: The Jazz Butcher – Southern Mark Smith (Big Return)

RIP Pat. There’s plenty who will miss you.

JC

Jazz Butcher

AN IMAGINARY COMPILATION ALBUM : #158 : THE JAZZ BUTCHER

A GUEST POSTING by FRIEND OF RACHEL WORTH

The Jazz Butcher is some ways are ideal for an ICA. No wild variations in style and a catalogue of LPs all of which are a bit patchy. Actually getting to grips with their discography is one of the biggest challenges with various compilation lps and some tracks appearing on more than one album. Then there is the slight variations of name , sometimes Jazz Butcher Conspiracy , sometimes just Jazz Butcher and sometimes something else entirely.

The line up changes with the weather (same with record labels) with songwriter and singer Pat Fish being the only consistent factor. All in all they are a tough band to keep track of.

When they are good they are fantastic in a jangly guitar, smart lyrics way . However each LP also either has something that is head scratchingly awful at best and annoyingly novelty record like at worst.

1. Next Move Sideways (from Fishcotheque)

Signed to Creation Records in one of Alan McGee’s punts this was my first exposure to the band. Bought on the basis of a review that compared them to Lloyd Cole and the Commotions , Pat has since complained that the LP came out sounding too smooth and tidy , which is probably why it is still my favourite . This gallops along in a way that allows you to forgive the 80s sax that suddenly appears.

2. Harlan (from Condition Blue)

Into the 90s and more of a groove than a song. Features what is described as aquamarine guitar by Peter Astor from another jangly band The Weather Prophets. The song is typical Jazz Butcher material in that it is inspired by American short story writer Harlan Ellison.

3. Keeping the Curtains Closed (from Fiscotheque)

Another one from the 1988 LP that is still my favourite and by far their most consistent. This one where i do hear an echo of Lloyd Cole. I really like the guitar on this and always feel it is over a tad too soon.

4. Shame About You (from Last of the Gentlemen Adventurers)

More upto date from a recent crowd funded LP. Nothing overly special but zips along and always brings a smile to my face despite a sense of regret in the lyric.

5. City of Night (from Big Questions)

Change of direction and pace. Always found there was something slightly desperate (ride the tube with nothing much to say , stare at the people you can see right through) and seedy about this song (I’ve seen the handcuffs on your shelf , i would like to help , I’d like to help myself)

6. Human Jungle (from Big questions and countless compilations)

Starts with a Walk on the Wild side rip off and then morphs into a big pop song about an obscure 60s tv show staring Herbert Lom as a psychiatrist who sorted out complex cases in 60 mins. Certainly beats the ‘i love you , you love me’ focus of a lot of pop songs.

7. Southern Mark Smith (from A Scandal in Bohemia)

8. Get it Wrong (from Fiscotheque)

Back to the gentle jangle of 1988. Pat’s paean to adultery. This is here more for the lyric than the annoying 80s sax.

I keep getting letters about divorces.
Just like cowboys changing horses, people use each other up and leave.
One mistake and it all turns bitchy,
listening to records by Lionel Ritchie.
I’m not sure if he deserves it or even if they do.
Jealousy is just messed up pride, it only twists you up inside.
We don’t feel it, we don’t need it

9. When Eno Sings (from Illuminate)

Following Pat’s belief that “fan songs are cool” Jazz Butcher have a lot of fan songs

And dome-heads everywhere
can throw their hats into the air
when Eno sings

The “Eno male choir like” backing vocals are spot on as well

10. Mercy (from Last of the Gentlemen Adventurers)

I think LPs should finish on a slow song so here you go

Bonus Ep : The Slightly Irritating Hat Trick

The Jazz Butcher songs are laced with humour which can make you smile but then can stick around as slightly annoying interludes – here are 3 of them and 3 more fan songs

Olaf Palme

Peter Lorre

Just Like Betty Page

Friend of Rachel Worth

Arrested Development, Jazz Butcher, Psychic TV, Rockingbirds

LAZING IN LANZAROTE WEEK : STUFF FROM THE OLD PLACE : TUESDAY

STEP BACK IN TIME (First posted in April 2007)

From L-R : Andy Rourke, Morrissey, JC and Johnny Marr.

If only………..

It’s actually the cover of a quite brilliant birthday present given to me back in 1993 by Jacques the Kipper.

At the time in our lives, we were in the habit of exchanging C90s around every two months, made up of stuff that we thought the other would like, or old things that we were listening to again after a period of time.

Mostly, it would involve handing over a tape with nothing written on it, and an A4 sheet of paper that contained cryptic clues (e.g. – Vodka was the single word for Smells Like Teen Spirit which JtK shoved on a tape a good two months before it went massive).

But for the momentous occasion of my 30th birthday, and to mark the day when I felt I was officially old, my mucker got me honorary membership of my favourite band and typed out the full track listing without testing my knowledge:-

Reggae Kray Do You Know My Name side

1. Candy Everybody Wants – 10,000 Maniacs
2. Godstar – Psychic TV
3. Pleasantly Surprised – The Soup Dragons
4. Half Of Everything – Lloyd Cole
5. Dollar Bill – Screaming Trees
6. Wish You Were Here – Darlingheart
7. Message In The Box – World Party
8. Jonathan, Jonathan – The Rockingbirds
9. Fire Away – James
10. Doomed – Julian Cope
11. Summer Fun In A Beat-Up Datsun – Cornershop
12. Grey Cortina – Tom Robinson Band

That Toke Isn’t Funny Anymore side

1. Subterranean Homesick Blues – Little Big Band
2. The Mating Game – The Monochrome Set
3. Southern Mark Smith – The Jazz Butcher
4. Circle Line – Rodney Allen
5. You’ve Got Me Thinking – The Beloved
6. For What It’s Worth – Oui 3
7. People Everyday – Arrested Development
8. Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) – Digible Planets
9. Call It What You Want – Credit To The Nation
10. Who Do You Think You Are? – Saint Etienne
11. Birthday (Tommy D mix) – Sugarcubes

The thing that I’ve just realised is that at the time, I was making a serious attempt to pass my driving test (unsuccessfully), and JtK has thrown in a couple of motor-related bits of fun at the end of the first side.

I probably listened to this tape right through on a daily basis for the best part of a month – it was in the days when I was commuting daily from Glasgow to Edinburgh with only a Sony Walkman to keep my sanity, and there were only so many tapes you could keep in your suit pockets.

As with the mp3s that I download nowadays, I took the view that if I really liked a song on a JtK tape, then I’d go out and buy it, and I reckon I’ve probably got 14 out of these 23 tracks on CD or vinyl. But of the 5,000 or so songs that I’ve now got on the i-pod, I reckon there’s only three of these, and none of them are on any favourite especially made playlists.

I suppose the point I’m trying to clumsily make is that back in 1993, I listened to these songs a helluva lot, but nowadays they hardly feature – although I still like just about everything on the tape. As such, I’m equally certain that much of the new stuff I’ve been buying in recent weeks will hardly be listened to in 2020 (assuming I last that long).

But I do hope that somehow, by the time I’m approaching my 60th birthday in 2023, I’ll still be a regular in music stores such as Avalanche and Fopp, buying what’s fresh, lively and new, having heard it first on whatever it is that has replaced music blogs…..

And now, for your amusement, here’s some of the stuff I was listening to in June 1993:-

mp3 : Psychic TV – Godstar
mp3 : The Rockingbirds – Jonathan, Jonathan
mp3 : The Jazz Butcher – Southern Mark Smith
mp3 : Arrested Development – People Everyday

It hasn’t always been jingly-jangly pop my whole life you know……(but then I sort of gave that away with yesterday’s blast from the past)