One of those voices

Here's the rest of the great Brian Davies article in the Positive Reaction fanzine from 1979. The Distractions and X-O-Dus - soon to both be signed for single deals by Tony Wilson's Factory Records - play the Rock Against Racism gig at Manchester Polytechnic.

MANCHESTER POLY - TUESDAY 3rd Apr. 1979.

DISTRACTIONS / EXODUS / BLACKSTONE

ROCK AGAINST RACISM GIG

MANCHESTER HERO BRIAN DAVIES WAS THERE!!!

The group formed about two years ago, when (I think) lead singer Mike Finney and guitarist Steve Perrin put an advert in NME, and from this, they got another guitarist Adrian Wright. He brought with him ex-Purple Gang drummer Alec, who had just returned from America. After they hassled Pete Shelley for a bass player they got Pip Nicholls. Tony Davidson, owner of the wealthy TJM label saw them and asked them to record for him. Within a week they had been in the studios and recorded the four tracks which make up the EP: "Doesn't Bother Me", "Nothing", "Maybe It's Love" and "Too Young". It was Single of the Week in NME and almost received the same accolade in 'Sounds'. The future looks quite rosy for one of Manchester's brightest hopes, with a gig in London soon at either the Marquee or Music Machine. The EP was a one-off and the band had signed a production deal with Arrow for the next single, possibly the brilliant "Still It Doesn't Ring".

Anyway to the gig. Brilliant with a couple of reservations. The band write superb tunes, but tend to play everything at 100 mph. This tends to blur the subtleties hidden away in the music, but the band's overall competence virtually makes up for this. 

The set was composed of 17 songs, all original apart from the Small Faces classic "Whattcha Gonna Do About It?". Unfortunately, the band had to curtail the set, due to the fact that time was running out, and there was another group to come on. Singer Mike looks like he would be more at home as a bank clerk, but he commands attention, in the middle of the stage and he has "one of those voices". 

Similar to Jake Burns, in that it makes you think that he can't sing like that all the time, but he does. Other stand out songs were "Paracetamol Paralysis" (nice title), "Time Goes By So Slow", all of the EP apart from "Doesn't Bother Me", which they wouldn't play due to time restrictions, the new single, and the much requested "Valerie". As their manager said, "They're the best pop group in the country!". You know, I think he's right. They don't lack a sense of humour either, especially Steve: "This is an anti-in tune song"! 

He says he is influenced by Velvet Underfround and the Bay City Rollers? I don't want to end with the usual "check 'em out" conclusion, but that's exactly what applies. They're a hard-working and extremely friendly band. CHECK 'EM OUT!!! 

Went home happy, and missed Blackstone, sorry!  

BRIAN DAVIES 

NEXT MONTH! 

 Possibly another article on THE DITRACTIONS, V2 interview, NOT SENSIBLE, more gig reviews. 

BRIAN in MANCHESTER!

The future looks quite rosy

Here's the first half of a terrific article by Brian Davies in the Irish fanzine, Positive Reaction. It covers the huge 1979 Rock Against Racism gig where The Distractions were joined by their soon-to-be-Factory Records label-mates, X-O-Dus. Thanks to Brian for the scans and permission to republish.

MANCHESTER POLY - TUESDAY 3rd Apr. 1979.

DISTRACTIONS / EXODUS / BLACKSTONE

ROCK AGAINST RACISM GIG

MANCHESTER HERO BRIAN DAVIES WAS THERE!!!

The original bill was THE ONLY ONES / ANGELIC UPSTARTS / ASWAD / and local reggae band EXODUS. The Only Ones pulled out (no idea why!), so did Aswad 'cos one of them had a nervous breakdown, and apparently because Aswad couldn't appear so Angelic Upstarts followed suit. At one stage THE FALL were  supposed to appear but that was pure speculation on the organisers' behalf.

After their lengthy sound-check, watched by most of the multi-racial audience (reaching a peak of about 5,000-6,000), EXODUS appeared on stage at about 9pm. Theirs is a brand of totally unique reggae, the lead guitarist often employing out of date guitar-hero solos. But when they played straight-forward reggae they were great, the bass and drum meshing beautifully and the male singer had a really melodic and tuneful voice. The first number ("Racial Problems"?) was really good, the musicians in the group (two guitars, bass and drums) played alone for about five minutes and were then joined by a male and female singer. The next number "World In Action" was pretty ordinary but "English Black Boys" was really excellent. 

I then left my brother who was impressed by the rest of the set, in search of a few words with THE DISTRACTIONS. This group will probably be a new name to most Irish readers but they have released one record, a twelve-inch on TJM Records, "You're Not Going Out Dressed Like That". The music is fast-pop, but that classification does not do them justice. I would say they write better pop tunes than Pete Shelley or Blondie (is there any higher praise?).

Anyway, after much messing, asking different people (hi Ann!), their manager (ex) took me to the dressing room, where I met the band and assorted girlfriends. Not really being prepared, I came away something patchy, so what I'll do is give you a brief history of the band, their future plans and a few other interesting items that came out of conversation!

The group formed about two years ago, when (I think) lead singer Mike Finney and guitarist Steve Perrin put an advert in NME, and from this, they got another guitarist Adrian Wright. He brought with him ex-Purple Gang drummer Alec, who had just returned from America. After they hassled Pete Shelley for a bass player they got Pip Nicholls. Tony Davidson, owner of the wealthy TJM label saw them and asked them to record for him. Within a week they had been in the studios and recorded the four tracks which make up the EP: "Doesn't Bother Me", "Nothing", "Maybe It's Love" and "Too Young". It was Single of the Week in NME and almost received the same accolade in 'Sounds'. The future looks quite rosy for one of Manchester's brightest hopes, with a gig in London soon at either the Marquee or Music Machine. The EP was a one-off and the band had signed a production deal with Arrow for the next single, possibly the brilliant "Still It Doesn't Ring".

(C) Brian Davies

To be continued