Pick'n'Mix Slaughter

Sudden Sway - '76 Kids Forever [CDMRED 223 UK 2003 FLAC]

Originally released as a vinyl album on Rough Trade Records (ROUGH 133) in 1988, which I also own, however I am being lazy and just ripping the CD reissue for now. BTW, it's a Cherry Red reissue CD so please don't forget to go easy on the volume.

With little exposure post-Warners save for a late night tv live performance, Sudden Sway released the delightful '76 Kids Forever on Rough Trade. Like a British homage to West Side Story (without any Jets or Sharks), this set is based on life as a kid in the Midlands town of Netherton and reflections on growing up during the doldrums of a mid-seventies Britain. Given that most of the band's audience were about the same age, their own recollections of childhood would have been very similar. To me it was a very personable and clever record, and I felt I could relate to it a great deal - by the same reasoning I also felt that I was the only person who bought the album, especially as sales were initially poor.

Musically, it is their best work, mixing synthpop twists and silly stage dramatics, with funky keyboard riffs and an imaginary cast of thousands. Lyrically, it would likely be lost on anybody from foreign shores - it never got to the stage, but take it from me, it's rather good! Many will also be amused by the Cocteau Twins musical parody mixed in with John Barry'esque themes on Only A Grebo (more of a pop at dodgy 70's music than Grangemouth's finest) So, You're Alright Then? borrows the hook from Stevie Wonder's Superstition with great success, the majestic title track would work well on the stage plus the hilarity of I've Got A Tinnitron Music Centre is for everybody who persevered with tacky seventies hi-fi. 

Everybody should find much to love on this album.

01 The Phoenix Family Protection Plan
02 Solo - Store Detective Man
03 Barmy Army
04 So, You're Alright Then?
05 I've Got A Tinnitron Amusement Centre
06 Only A Grebo
07 Reverend Peter, Bio-Teacher
08 Once In Every Weekend
09 Trisha Listen
10 Ballad Of Brancaster
11 Never In Netherton
12 '76 Kids Forever
13 Hush Puppy Yummy
14 Trailer For '76 Kids Forever. The Soap Opera Musical!