Quake, February 1984

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The Quake

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The Bluebells


Frank Andrick and Mark Hoffmeister

Good things seem to just happen to the Bluebells. Without really trying or enforcing a nose to the grindstone work ethic the Bluebells have recorded on Scotland's Post Card Records, toured Britain and Europe, gained a domestic record deal on Sire Records, brought in Elvis Costello as a producer, and successfully toured the United States in support of their 6-song compilation E.P. Not bad for a band who came together in their own words "mostly as a joke." The Bluebells leader and main songwriter Bobby Bluebell (alias Robert Hodgens) recounts their once in a lifetime formation story. "I had a fanzine at the time called The Ten Commandments and I make up imaginary groups to fill up space, 'cause there weren't many groups going at the time. Well this other fanzine called me up and said they'd like to hear some of these groups, so I said I'd see if I could get a hold of them. So I went home and recorded this song and it ended up on their tape. Then a few weeks later Alan Horn who ran Postcard Records phoned me up and said he had to hear this track. When he found out it was me he suggested I start a group which ended up being the Bluebells."

Even the introduction of Elvis Costello, and his subsequent producing of some Bluebells material just sort of happened. "Well we were in this office getting interviewed by this record publisher who wanted us to sign with him. So he told us if we did we could have anyone we want to produce our record. Much like here (referring to the Elvis Costello picture in the Quake offices) there was a picture of Elvis Costello on the wall, so we said 'Get him to produce us' then the next day Elvis called and we hit it off great."

Make no mistake, when it comes time for the Bluebells to put their collective feet down on a question of quality their Scottish will and determination comes through. "We made one video for 'Cath'. When we met the director in London he asked 'what do you want in the video?' I told him no storyline, no sex, no special effects, we don't want make-up or beards and he said, 'I can't do anything like that but it would be a real challenge.'"

So much for production line M.T.V. imaging! The Bluebells refuse to sink to the mediocrity of a medium where the music videos and the clothes, car, soft drink and pimple creme commercials are indistinguishable from each other. The Bluebells do share a positive view on the positive side of the United States that they feel rather strong about.

"We'd just like to say that America is nothing like we expected it to be. It's like when we arrived in New York City the driver that picked us up kept saying 'don't go to 8th Avenue, don't carry a guitar up Broadway, you'll get mugged.'

"We went walking about and it's exactly the same as any other city. It's no worse than London or anywhere else. It's like in England they say 'don't go to Brixton'. But really fear breeds fear, you don't have to think that way. Like America has a lot to be proud of, I read somewhere that patriotism was on the rise. Well that's great it should come back. We're proud of Scotland and Britain. It's like some people are embarrassed to be Americans and that's really a shame."

Then again, there's no place like home, no matter where you lay your hat. As much a validation as anything is Bobby's love for local talent. "Orange juice were one of the main influences that made me want to start a group. I'm good friends with Edwin Collins (of Orange Juice) and they're wonderful. Aztec Camera, the last time we saw them it was a moving experience, so, obviously they are both real inspirational groups for us. We also like Altered Images quite a bit as well. Big Country spends alot of time in London, they're really great but we never really see them as they tour all the time."

1984 will bring the Bluebells to our shores once again. Orwell's year of the Century will also be the release date of the Bluebells debut album. 'Till then their 6-song E.P. and numerous import singles are well worth looking up and listening to. So do yourself a favor, support the sincere.

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The Quake, February 1984


Elvis Costello is mentioned in a profile of The Bluebells and a review of their debut EP, which includes "Aim In Life," produced by EC.

Images

1984-02-00 The Quake page 07.jpg
Page scan.


The Bluebells


Jean E. Catino

1984-02-00 The Quake page 12.jpg

I can't quite figure the Bluebells out. One minute I hear "Aim In Life," a gorgeous thing reminiscent of the slice-of-life mini-dramas Squeeze used to give us — only to be hit on the other side with "Cath," a Beatlesque pop tune with a predictably pop melody and lyrics. This is a nice record, don't misunderstand — it's just that some parts of it are better realized than others. There's a couple of pretty good songs, some good of ringing guitar work and some sweet-sounding vocals to standard, better-than-average pop/rock songs.

The two outstanding tracks are "Aim In Life," produced by Elvis Costello, and "Patriots Game." "Aim In Life," with minimal studio effects, makes its impact with two crooning voices harmonizing over a lone, distant acoustic guitar, a bass and a far-off tambourine. The story is that of an old woman, alone and in despair. "Patriot Game," based on Irish writer Brendan Behan's work, is an Irish folk song, starring a 16-year-old boy as he lies dying. His anti-war lament, sung with an anguished and affecting voice by Robert Hodgens, is quietly stirring. Like U2, the Bluebells are forging a new socially significant pop music with tunes like these.

They also know how to have fun. "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" is a completely harmless, acceptable competent rehash of Beatles/ Monkees/Gerry And The Pacemakers-brand 60s pop with a straight-ahead melody and predicable lyrics. "Sugar Bridge" is a "big" song, production-wise; its seamless instrumental track positively becomes one with the thick, layered harmonies. But the song says nothing.

I suspect that's OK, though. If they can continue to churn out songs like "Aim In Life" by Ken McCluskey the band's second vocalist, they'll be putting out music worth hearing.

The Bluebells are Robert Hodgens lead vocals and guitar, Russell Irvine, guitar and vocals; Ken McCluskey on harp and vocals; David McCluskey on guitar and drums; and Laurence Donegan on bass.



1984-02-00 The Quake cover.jpg
Cover.

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