ACTION REACTION is now available on iTunes worldwide. This is the original album from 1980 plus 4 bonus tracks. Physical version will be available in Sept, 2009
2007 marked the 30th anniversary of the birth of The Canadian punk scene,The Crash & Burn Club and the release of The Diodes first album on CBS records.
When punk first broke in 1976, The Diodes (Paul Robinson, John Catto, Ian Mackay, John Hamilton and, later, Michael Lengyell) were at the front line of a wave that included The Ramones, Dead Boys ,Talking Heads, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Generation X, The Damned,and countless other pioneers of alternative rock. By the time they signed to CBS Records in August, 1977 , The Diodes had already run Canada's first punk club (the legendary Crash 'n' Burn ), played CBGB's in New York, and had been written up in Melody Maker UK ,NME UK, Creem US,Rock Scene US, Billboard US,New York Rocker, The Globe and Mail Toronto and The Toronto Star. The debut self-titled Diodes lp came out in October, 77;making it one of the first punk/new wave albums of the era.
The single, "Red Rubber Ball", a revved up version of The Cyrkle's 60s hit, was the first new wave single on the Canadian charts (peaking at a modest No. 96 on the RPM singles chart), It reached No. 5 on the U.S. Record Week "New wave Top 20" chart in Feb, 1978. In November, 77, the Diodes headlined the notorious 'Max's Kansas City' in New York with none other than Wendy O. Williams (The Plasmatics) introducing them on stage. The Diodes lp was released in France, Sweden, Germany, Holland, and was a top selling CBS import in the USA and the UK.
During a 1978 US tour, the group introduced a new song "Tired Of Waking Up Tired" . The reaction was so phenomenal that the single was rush-released and rocketed onto US radio stations KROQ in LA, KSJO San Jose No. 4; WTBS/Boston No. 12; , WBCN Boston, etc. As an import only item In the UK, "Tired" made ..36 on the Sounds magazine Best of 78 chart. The NME hailed it as one of "The Singles That Got Away" and respected rock critics , Jon Savage, Vivien Goldman, Ken Barnes and Greg Shaw called it a classic track. The Diodes also become the first punk group to get an El Mocambo live broadcast on CHUM FM Toronto(March, 1978) This was held on the first anniversary of the Rolling Stones appearance there a year earlier.This gig will soon to be released as a live album on vinyl.Watch this space!!!
The Diodes were an active force on the Canadian and US music scene, touring with the likes of The Ramones , Dead Boys ,Talking Heads,The Cramps, Ultravox, Split Enz,Gary Numan and U2. The Diodes were influential not only in Canada (Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet and Change Of Heart released a 7" tribute single) but worldwide (Bob Mould (Husker Du) once bought a box of their first lp to give out to people). "Tired" was also the only track by a Canadian band featured on the Rhino Records DIY series of punk/pop compilations. Interest in The Diodes has been steady via heritage airplay on Modern Rock radio. The cult movie Hard Core Logo has a segment where the lead characters sing an acoustic version of "Tired". Vintage video play on Much Music,the CBC the BBC and the Internet has secured that The Diodes live on!."Tired Of Waking Up Tired" was also recently voted No. 17 on the Top 50 Canadian Singles Of All Time (Chart magazine)and Spin Magazine included The Diodes in "The 30 essential punk albums of 1977"(Oct.07)
In 1981,the group disbanded and singer Paul Robinson and guitarist John Catto moved to England, where they still reside and continue to work on other music projects.
The Diodes were a key band in the development of the Canadian alternative music scene.
Over the last few years, The Diodes have been profiled by Dave Bidini (Rheostatics) in The Toronto Star; appeared in the book MONDO CANUCK, featured on the MUCH MUSIC'S Punk Special, MOJO magazine in the UK reprinted lyrics to "Plastic Girls" as an example of great punk lyrics, and vintage Diodes videos have been featured on Canadian music programs including Much Music and the CBC.
1998 was the 20th Anniversary of the release of "Tired Of Waking Up Tired", the quintessential new wave pop classic. And what better way to celebrate than to make available for the first time on CD, the complete Columbia/Epic recordings by The Diodes, one of the great original punk bands, and a part of the Sony Music Canadian rock legacy.
All tracks digitally mastered and restored are extremely LOUD.
iTunes Download Best of The Diodes available here:
Sometime in the mid-late 80's I bought a Diodes button because it looked cool. It was in a Windsor, Ontario record store A&M or Record On Wheels, maybe even Sam The Record Man. Years later I found the music behind the band. Lately I have been enjoying your myspace page, youtube video and downloaded music. At age 40 I guess I missed seeing the band live but I am still enjoying your music now, after maybe 20 years.
Hey does anyone know about a mispressed version of the ACTION REACTION LP?
I just was in Toronto and bought as much Toronto punk vinyl as I could carry. I bought The Diodes self titled album, "released" and "action-reaction" all on record. They sound great, as they were meant to be heard. but when i put on side 2 of action reaction i heard some lame do-wop soul band. it must be a mispress. Has anyone heard of this? Does anyone know what happened? It also seems like the 1st side has a different track order than the actual record sleeve. the sleeve says catwalk is the 1st track, but the record has "that was the way it was" 1st. Weird, eh? Anyone?
Hey! Vedette is playing this Friday (Oct 9th) at the Silver Dollar (NW corner of College & Spadina) and will be joined by Palace of the End, Nature Move Faster as well as Actors and Architechts (who promise a PARTY, because they are are having their CD release Party!!!). As well, it is Thanksgiving weekend, and there's just so much to be thankful for, including live music in this great city of ours, and BOOZE... so are you comin' or what?
Just a reminder to listen to THE DIODES on THIS GREAT WHITE NORTH. It's an ALL CANADIAN music show FRIDAYS 4:30-6pm CST on 91.7 KOOP FM in Austin, Texas. You can listen online at www.KOOP.org.
Hi The Diodes, Crash Kelly's CD, "One More Heart Attack" is in stores and on now, please help spread the word and if you haven't already pick up your copy today - for a listing of U.S. store locations, check out the "Where Can I Get My Crash Kelly CD" blog on the MySpace page!!!
Also, get back to your rock roots with Crash Kelly's label mates, Saints Of The Underground in stores and on iTunes now! Please help spread the word and pick up your copies today.
Just stopping by to say hello and give you some news. The new album 'Coolgilly and the Freakshow' from Centascope is now available worldwide from CD Baby and directly from the merchandise page of the official website. You can also get the album from Apple iTunes, MSN Music, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon and many more.
Thank You For The Info.... Yes we are looking for Artists / Labels to distribute. Here is a little bit about us. Dynasty is a multifaceted Record label and Distribution company. Our Distribution company is for Artists / Labels who want their music available on digital/ringtone sites and also in mainstream traditional music stores. Stores like: HMV, CD Plus, Entertainment One, Best Buy, Trans World, Sam Goody, FYE, Wherehouse, Strawberries, Coconuts, Streetside, Harmony House to name a few. We also distribute to over 250 digital retailers around the world.
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