In conversation with group members from time to time I often get asked questions like, “How in the world did you every get started on this crazy project?”

Well, in the first week of January in 2022, colleague Brian asked me if I ever f#%^’in slept? Okl He said he woke up that morning to a text from me 11:40 pm with a song and another at 4:20 am with a clip of a sports highlight.

So I told him I would send him a song when I got up in the morning.

It began, fittingly I think, with this song- ‘Start’ by now defunct dance geniuses SUNSHINE UNDERGROUND

SPOTIFY-

https://spotify.link/yZfWRDQlzDb

(SONG 1)

I had no idea it would become what it is today.

So, reflecting on that, I got to thinking, what other great “starts” are there?

It occurred that there is nothing as inspiring as the anticipation and execution of a killer opening tune to an LP- (even more if it is a debut LP*!)

So we begin this new series with the opening track off the self-titled debut LP by the PSYCHEDELIC FURS (1980).

[Ed. Note- Before any of you go down the rabbit- hole you need to know that rex finally forgave THE FURS a few years ago for the sell out that was ‘Pretty In Pink’.]

The track is called ‘India’.

What an incredible opening track to an astonishing LP. Listen to it now and there will be a brief commentary following.

SPOTIFY-

https://spotify.link/exm7yl8qzDb

The song is a testament to the glory of punk attitude/execution for a number of reasons. The band referred to the song as “beautiful chaos.” Fitting.

‘India’ commences with just over 2 minutes of guitar tinkering and occasional scratchy electronic sounds. It is somewhat puzzling. Even after 40 years I still reach to turn the volume up thinking the band couldn’t have intended the opening to be this quiet/sedate/ obtuse.

But the tension and build-up is well worth it.

But then, at 2:09 BOOM! An astounding and relentless drum rhythm kicks off the song proper and leaves the listener in awe. It is a full 2 min 30 seconds before the perfectly raspy voice of Richard Butler starts.

He sings of the country. I have since learned it might have been a reference to the passage of Americans and others who travelled there in the 60’s and 70’s for access to drug culture.

Here is a taste-

It is a stunning opening song to a groundbreaking LP with many excellent songs (all shorter) full of energy, drums, horns and clever/ catchy lyrics. Timeless really.

I saw this band play live in Detroit on their first North American visit. It was unforgettable.

Here is a live clip of the song from that era. Note, the song does not have the studio build-up.

I hope you enjoy this opening song to the week and series.

(SONG 638)

PLAY LOUD OR PERISH

10/2/2023