Sub Doves

Sub Sub - Full Fathom Five [CDROB 30 UK 1994 FLAC]

Often remembered as one hit wonders, Sub Sub's back catelogue forms an interesting perspective of a career which eventually morphs into the superb Doves. If only more Snow Patrol and Coldplay fans would give Doves a listen.

I've no real intention of going into a detailed history of what Jimi & the Williams brothers were doing before Catch The Sun (hopefully those inclined will dig deep and research themselves), but Sub Sub were very important and after flirting briefly with the hit parade, they followed a distinct path through the multiple floors of dance into a guitar driven rock/pop which became their current sound.

All these releases are long deleted and many found themselves in the bargain bins of your local Woolies or WH Smiths - were this scribe was to pick them up. Most now fetch silly money on the second hand market as the value of their early work has become highly collectable.

The band were picked up by late New Order manager Rob Gretton who "signed" them to his Robs Records label. The first single Ain't No Love (Ain't No Use) was a massive top ten hit which propelled the band from nowhere to Top Of The Pops. Follow-up singles, Respect, Angel and Southern Trees were musically very good but did little in respect of sales. Sub Sub's time in the spotlight was over.

01 Coast
02 Angel
03 Valium Jazz
04 Southern Trees
05 Inside Of This
06 Ain't No Love (Ain't No Use)
07 Flute Track
08 Swamp
09 Respect
10 Past