Swell Maps released four singles and two albums during their 1977 – 1980 career. All these records went to number one in the British Independent charts. In hindsight the band stand as one of the pivotal acts of the new wave. Not only was the group an acknowledged inspiration to the likes of Sonic Youth, Pussy Galore, The Butthole Surfers and Pavement, and their alumni - most notably brothers Nikki Sudden and Epic Soundtracks - continued on as key players in the underground music community. Nikki Sudden, David ‘Phones’ Barrington and Epic Soundtracks formed the first incarnation of the Swell Maps in early 1972 and continued recording and playing at home during the mid-seventies. Jowe Head, John ‘Golden’ Cockrill and Richard ‘Biggles’ Earl joined the ensemble during these years. In the spirit of punk’s ‘do-it-yourself’ mentality, they formed their own label, Rather Records, and issued their debut single, Read About Seymour, in the early weeks of 1978. Local media support soon won the group a distribution pact with Rough Trade, and after recording the first of three John Peel sessions they worked on their debut album, A Trip to Marineville, which was released in 1979. The band’s second LP, Jane from Occupied Europe, was released as the band broke up. A series of outtakes and singles collections - Whatever Happens Next... Collision Time and Train Out of It - followed while the members pursued solo careers. A Trip To Marineville and Jane From Occupied Europe were recently remastered and re-released on CD by US label, Secretly Canadian Records and on double vinyl by Munster Records of Spain. All these albums (and more) are available from The Big Store at http://ww.nikkisudden.com. Nikki Sudden formed the Jacobites and also works with his own band – his latest album, The Truth Doesn’t Matter, will be out in mid 2006. Soundtracks joined Crime and the City Solution and then These Immortal Souls and later made four achingly beautiful solo albums before his death in 1997. Jowe Head played with the Television Personalities and issued solo records. Richard Earl made one eclectic solo record before retiring from music to build antique motor cars. John Cockrill became a general practitioner (a doctor) while David Barrington became a marine micropalaeontologist. Jowe, Richard and Nikki went in a studio in Berlin during 1998 and recorded some new, as yet unreleased, numbers. The five surviving Maps are in touch and considering a reunion in WSRS studio during summer 2006.
[Updates] On the 26th of March, 2006, Nikki Sudden passed away in NYC just after a show at the Knitting Factory. He was at work on an autobiography and a new album, The Truth Doesn't Matter. He was 49.
Surely be missed.
Buy these songs and make out with one of us for free! (Coupon required, offer excludes those 55 +, offer expires 12.1.09). iTunes link: http://miniurl.com/21328
Recorded: live on March 16, 2003 at the Beta Lounge in San Francisco
In 1967, San Francisco’s Fifty Foot Hose were certainly one of the
innovators of a sound that took Psychedelia to new heights and was
captured on the band’s one record, Cauldron. They are a totally
unique hybrid—on one hand pulsating bay area acid rock, on the other,
fractured electronic freakery, becoming one whole cohesive being. The
sci-fi-ish video game-like artwork hinted at the sounds within, as did
the Limelight label’s pedigree for truly progressive sounds. Band
leader, Cork Marcheschi, used homemade electronic devices to create
crude and experimental soundscapes and instrumental compositions that
were sprinkled throughout the album.
Often starting shows with a swelling rumble that exploded into the
first song, they soon developed a rabid following on the SF scene,
though there was the occasional totally wrong gig, like when a
very-pregnant Nancy had to perform at a Catholic Girls’ school! Still,
the group wowed the crowds, performing with greats like Chuck Berry and
Fairport Convention.
hi weekend and sue with the first album and a new video !!!!!!! oh happy day ;) tell us what you think ! cheers sue
SUE - Home Philosophy - The Debut LP - OUT NOW or SUE live on Tour: 28.3. Aurich/Roxanne 4.4. Berlin/Kinski 17.4. Berlin/Cafe Zapata 7.5. Bielefeld/Kanal 21 20.5. Bochum/Eve-Bar and check our new videoclip: SUE - This Is
Click the image to order a free copy of Topplers Records latest compilation CD featuring an amazing selection of bands from 1977 to the present day. Swell Maps, Nyah Fearties, Thrilled Skinny, Jowe Head & Phones Sportsman, Paul Groovy, Steve Treatment, The Cult Figures, Nikki Sudden... and more!..
All you pay is the postage... get it while stocks last!!!
DJ That Hideous Strength will be spinning his New Wave Psych Disco Prog platters for you & yours @ The Argus Lounge this Saturday night, 2/21/09 9pm-2am • free • 3187 Mission (@ Valencia)
Hello Swell Maps, Here's an early holiday gift for ya. Go here for FREE exclusive AVITIA mp3's and pick up the new album "Ireland Awaits" available on Itunes on December 9th. Peace
