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On the back of this album it has written Trivia For The Collector. A perfect example of the witty self denigration that makes Stiff one of the most interesting record companies ever. This album is the first nine stiff singles and the 11th (what ever happened to number 10?) and shows just how musically diverse the Stiff operation was in the beginning before Nick Lowe and Elvis became stars and the money involved got too much. Formed on the premise that anyone should be able to put out a single what resulted was some very curious records indeed. And as we all know variety is the spice of life. None of these singles were ever released in this country so this is your chance to check out the documented birth of a whole music movement.
The very first Stiff single and the track that opens the album is Nick Lowe's "Heart Of The City" One of the classic songs of the 70's (certified) and it cost just £45 to make. A do it yourself rough diamond of a song but (as it says on the cover) it got the record of the week award in NME and Sounds.
Second Single — The Pink Fairies, a British psychedelic institution who used to fall off the stage because they were so stoned put aside the ganga for a few hours and rock out "Between The Lines." They even play in time!
Third — Roogalator's "Cincinnati Fatback" a laid back, snappy boogie tune underpinning a tongue in cheek home town homage. "This is a story about a town that I come from / it's got a good lick and I'd like to tell you about it real quick."
Two songs from the Tyla Gang (now signed to Stiffs nearest equivalent in the U.S., Beserkley) finish the side. "Styrofoam" is about how that insidious material is taking over the physical universe. "Texas Chainsaw Massacre Boogie" is mean and nasty Texas Boogie. I don't think the movie that the song is about has made it out over here yet but it was a cult thing for the early London punks. Texan's cut people up, the punks did it to themselves with safety pins The English always were more restrained!
Side two opens with a Lew Lewis single "Caravan Man" described on the cover as "the finest single Eddie & The Hot Rods ever cut." Lew Lewis was heavily involved in the Sarfend music scene that spawned the Rods and Dr. Feelgood and this track features that same raw early sixties British r&b (rivvum & blooze) sound, except its rawer.
The Damned's "Help" is up next. It's The Beatles song done in 1 minute 42sec and they don't miss out any words.
A very early Richard Hell track "You Gotta Lose" is next. Interesting because its got that New York sound but doesn't sound out of place on what is basically a British album.
Plummet Airlines and Motorhead get a track each "This Is The World," "Take It Or Not" mid 60's style and punk/heavy metal respectively. Motorhead features Larry Wallis whose "Police Car" — on the Stiffs live album, is pretty good too.
And to round everything off The King's first Flip side, real rare up to now and what a shame because its one of the best things he's ever done. Yup. Elvis Costello's "Radio Sweetheart" bittersweet as usual with some mighty pedal steel featured bringing a tear to your eye and a catch to your throat.
Trivia for collectors? Yeah, but everyone ought to collect this one.
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