The Great Indie Discography

From Martin Charles Strong's 2003 Great Indie Discography (with fellow Mancunians, The Smiths adorning) comes this history of The Distractions (complete with errors):

 (c) Google 2011. Google Books.

DISTRACTIONS

Formed:  Manchester, England... late 1977 by students MIKE FINNEY and STEVE PERRIN-BROWN, who had played several live gigs in the previous two years with the rhythm section of LAWRENCE TICKLE and TONY TRAP.  These originals were replaced by ADRIAN WRIGHT, PIP NICHOLLS and ALEC SIDEBOTTOM (former drummer with 60's combo, the PURPLE GANG), after their jubilee year resurrection.  During a hectic touring schedule supporting the likes of MAGAZINE, The BUZZCOCKS and just about every Mancunian New Wave act around at the time, The DISTRACTIONS signed a one-off deal with 'T.J.M.' and unveiled their debut EP, 'YOU'RE NOT GOING OUT DRESSED LIKE THAT', early in '79.  That year also saw the lads sign another one-off contract, this time to Tony Wilson's 'Factory', the results coming in the shape of the strongly melodic double-header, 'TIME GOES BY SO SLOW' / 'PILLOW TALK'.  At the turn of the decade, The DISTRACTIONS' critical stock had risen to the extent that 'Island' offered them an album deal.  Preceded by a re-recorded 'IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME' (originally from the debut EP) and a re-vamped version of (Eden Kane's 1964 Top 10 hit) 'BOYS CRY', 'NOBODY'S PERFECT' (1980) was surprisingly disappointing.  One further single for the independent 'That' outlet, 'AND THEN THERE'S', surfaced the following year, singer JULIE FINNEY replacing PERRIN-BROWN before their attention was diverted to other activities.

Album rating:  NOBODY'S PERFECT (*4)

MIKE FINNEY - vocals / STEVE PERRIN-BROWN - guitar / ADRIAN WRIGHT - guitar / PIP NICHOLLS - bass / ALEC SIDEBOTTOM - drums (ex-PURPLE GANG)

Mar 79.  (7" ep) (TJM 2) YOU'RE NOT GOING OUT DRESSED LIKE THAT EP - T.J.M.

- It doesn't bother me / Waiting for the rain / Do the.

Sep 79.  (7") (FAC 12) TIME GOES BY SO SLOW. / PILLOW FIGHT - Factory

Jan 80.  (7") (WIP6533)  IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME. / ONE WAY LOVE - Island

Apr 80.  (7") (WIP 6568)  BOYS CRY. / PARACETAMOL PARALYSIS - Island

May 80.  (lp) (ILPS 9604)  NOBODY'S PERFECT - Island

- Waiting for Lorraine / Something for the weekend / Boys cry / Sick and tired / Leave you to dream / Louise / Paracetamol Paralysis / Fantasy / Nothing / Wonder girl / Untitled / Still it doesn't ring / Looking for a ghost / Valerie

Sep 80.  (7") (WIP 6650)  SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND / WHAT'S THE USE - Island

Apr 81.  (7") (THAT 1)  AND THEN THERE'S / 24 HOURS. / GHOST OF A CHANCE / LOVE IS NOT FOR ME - That

- JULIE FINNEY - vocals; repl. PERRIN-BROWN

- changed their moniker to FIRST CIRCLE, although there were no records

(c) The Great Indie Discography, Martin Charles Strong (2003).

(c) Google 2011. Google Books.

A teaser

The Distractions' new album will be with us in 2012 (along with the eagerly anticipated compilation - more on that soon).  In the meantime, there may be a taster in the form of some acoustic versions of album tracks.

"Girl of the Year"

A pop song in that great tradition, a song about you-know-what.  Louise, Valerie, Josephine, Nicole, or are The Distractions Waiting for Lorraine?  

"Too Late To Change"

A darker, more folksy number with driving rhythms from The Only One's drummer, Mike Kellie.

"Wise"

Destined to be a Distractions classic, this is a tear-jerker in the vein of Looking For A Ghost and Black Velvet.  Except this time it's written by part-time Distraction, Nick Halliwell, and the lyric includes a cameo from plucker Perrin to complement his friend Finnney's glorious lead.