The Burpas - Fat Man (1981)

b/w - Dummies

A nice mix of Ska & New Wave on the only release from this Cardiff 5 piece (1980-81)

Caroline Limmer (Voc)

Matthew Mars-Jones (Guitar)

Chris Honeybone (Bass)

Sian Edwards (Drums Voc)

Michael Kirkland (Sax)

They Began life as ‘Big Daddy And The Burpas’ when formed at the Cardiff Art College but slimmed down to the above line-up after a few gigs.

Off the back of winning the 1980 Welsh Rock and Pop Competition [held at the Top Rank Cardiff Suite], they released this single on the Dutch Dureco Benelux label early in '81. It was produced by Tony Etoria whom they first met in 1980 when Tony was running events at Mel's Club (111 Bute Street) in Butetown.  

Alex Miles (Ex Vaseline Tigers) joined on drums around June '81, leaving both Caroline and Sian to share vocal duties until Caroline left during July.

The band relocated to Brixton, London during September.

Useless Info 1 Caroline used to run the Bar for Art College events.

Useless Info 2 They played along side many bands during their brief tenure including Moira and the Mice, Reptile Ranch, The Riotous Brothers, The Selecter and Misty In Roots.

Scans & Sounds

Thanks to Cardiff Music History for some of the info.

The KGB - The KGB (1981)

b/w See Me

Great Mod/Punk/Powerpop sounds from this Wallingford Oxfordshire Band

 
Bob Nicols RIP (Voc, Bass)
Arpad Toth (Guitar) & song writer
Steve Harris (Drums)

Special guest appearances on See Me from Steve's brother Peter & future wife Lorraine

The songs were recorded at Spaceward Studios, Cambridge. Sept 1981 & the 45 was released on their own A Major label [KGB 001] in Nov 1981.

Useless Info 1 - Some early copies come with a "The KGB" stamped white sleeve (Designed, Commissioned & Stamped [until he got bored] by Steve)

Useless Info 2 - In March 1982 10 more songs were recorded at the now defunct Roxon Studios in Watlington, Oxfordshire for a proposed LP but due to lack of money it was never released.

Sounds & Scans

The Mint - Marlene (1979)

b/w Mediterranean Nights

Written by Parton (M.S.)

Another 45 I know little to nothing about but Marlene is always worth a few listens (nice Folky New Wave)

Due to the catalogue # HT/SPS-1595 we can surmise it was recorded at the Hollick & Taylor Studios 16, Grosvenor Road, Handsworth, Birmingham B20 3NP.

Leading me to agree with 45 Revs that the band were more than likely from the Midlands area.

Useless info - Hollick & Taylor (q.v.) takes it's name from the building/studio owner John Taylor joining forces with Engineer Charles Hollick.

Sounds & Scans

Freelance - The Writing On The Wall (1983)

b/w Elinor / One More Time

The A-side is not really to my taste (a bit to "Progressive Rock") but the 2 tracks on the B-side are right up my street.

I'm presuming this 5 piece were Nottingham Based due to the record being recorded at Sin City Studios (div of Nohponex Ltd). 228 Forest Rd W Nottingham NG7

According to the Labels the Band were:
Kev
Stu 
Nick 
Phil Cragg
Rick Stoker
& it was Produced / Engineered by Peter Walters (Sin City's Studio Manager)

Useless Info - The Owner/Chief Engineer of Sin City was Byron Sacorafos, who was the First Manager of Plummet Airlines.

(Sin City was advertised in the Press as having Two 16Track Studios, a Recreation Room and a 4Track Rehearsal Studio)

As always if anyone can add any info, please leave a comment.

Sound & Scans