1537 Buys Some Christmas Cards

So, dear readers, there I was in Chester on a day off on Thursday* where I was there expressly to buy an advent calendar for Mrs 1537, some Christmas cards and sadly a bigger pair of trousers than last year.

Now as long time acolytes of mine well know, when I am on a mission I get locked on the target to the exclusion of all else; I am unswervable, undistractational and … oh, a record shop. Lovely, lovely shiny smiley vinyl.

So anyway:

The Stranglers Black And White and The Raven.

I’ve owned Rattus Norvegicus and No More Heroes since I was zygote but never explored anything later. As Black And White was released only 10 months later it seemed churlish of me not to own it and the next one. ‘Nice ‘n’ Sleazy’ as well as being something I’ve added to my work email signature is pure excellence.

Gallon Drunk Some Fool’s Mess.

Bought for the cover that made an impression on me when I first saw it 30 years ago and got filed away in my capacious memory banks. On a couple brief listens this sounds like very early Bad Seeds being dropped down the stairs at an iron foundry, twice. Too ramshackle for me, I prefer my rams unfettered**.

So that was my Christmas card shopping all done. Here are a few more recent buy highlights:

Endless Boogie Admonitions, Low Hummer Modern Tricks For Living

Two brand-new 2021-ers. The new EB album is superb, a great synthesis of everything that makes them great. They got some national coverage this time around too, Mojo magazine even stealing my very own ‘put the Can in Canned Heat’ witticism too. True story. Low Hummer are an indecently young indie band from Hull who I saw supporting the Manics back in October, they fizz with Futureheads-style jerky pop and on one thrilling occasion post punk disco.

Power Trip Opening Fire, Fudge Tunnel Hate Songs In E Minor

Power Trip’s excellent compilation of early tracks and rarities on purple vinyl with killer sci-fi death war robot carnage art, what’s not to love? Ditto for the brilliantly named Fudge Tunnel’s drily venomous 1991 debut, finally re-released by Earache, including their awesome cover of ‘Cat Scratch Fever’.

Mink DeVille Spanish Stroll, Blondie Heart Of Glass

Two 12″s that were long overdue, I love that Mink track more than I can articulate, ‘Hey Rosita! Donde vas con mi carro Rosita?. The Numero Group’s ‘Heart Of Glass’ is a real work of art, tracing the genesis of one of my fave songs ever from the earliest demo through to a rubbish remix.

All that and a kick ass advent calendar too.

1112 Down (the chimney).

PS: Because I love you.

PPS: Because I am ambivalent towards you.

*one of those ‘I’ll sort my entire life out today’ days.

**no, that doesn’t mean sprinkled sparingly with Greek sheep’s cheese.