BEATFOR101 - October Singles Weekender II

They were basically a duo of Nick Potter (guitar/vocals) and Sean Bergin (bass/vocals). Debut single "One Summer" in 1987, follow-up "Underground", Blissful (12’ only), and the album "Shorn". Crisp melodies, driving guitars, concise and memorable powerful punk-pop song.

Moss Poles - One Summer [7' Idea Records 1987]

Clearly influenced by the impassioned political fervor of the Clash, the Alarm also worked in a mostly acoustic, folk-punk vein that provided a counterpoint to their hard-driving guitar rockers. Their stage look was unquestionably a product of the '80s, with enormous spiked-up hair accompanying a cowboy/old-time cavalry wardrobe. The British music press habitually savaged their records as derivative and pretentious, but this meant little to their zealous following who supported the band to the tune of over 5 million sales worldwide and 16 Top 50 UK singles. Singer Mike Peters and bassist Eddie MacDonald write catchy, anthemic songs, debut single The Stand, the first (but not last) pop song based on a Stephen King novel, is a slice of roughed-up folk-rock.

The Alarm - The Stand [7' I.R.S. 1983]

Nice trip to Dublin last weekend.

The Irish band Cactus World News received a boost from one of their compatriots before they even recorded their first album. In 1985, the group sent a demo tape to Bono of U2 and he promptly brought the band into the studio to record their EP The Bridge (Mother Recs). Next year, Years Later was their multinational debut, a mighty waste of guitars and wolf cub choruses…

Cactus World News - Years Later [7' MCA 1986]

Indie rock band from North Spain (Gijón), loved before recorded this Chup Chup debut single. A minor hit after a TV Pepsi ad shown the way to general public. To make you the idea: it’s mid 90’s Seattle pop. A brilliant song.
Australian Blonde recorded some albums and eps, regular FIB act. In 2000 shared a record with Steve Wynn.

Australian Blonde - Chup Chup [7' Subterfuge Records 1993]

Paul Handyside 'Future’s Dream' debut solo album will be released 5 November. In the eighties Hurrah! was his first band. A british guitar pop outfit with ripped jeans and leather jackets. Released two albums and a bunch of great singles.



Hurrah! - How Many Rivers? [7' Kitchenware Records 1987]