Original Sinners and Rocks Off, released in 1985 and 1986 respectively, are both apparently rather hard to find, so here ya go. Crackles'n'all. This time period of Chelseas history seems to have been overlooked in both the CD re-release department and also the biographical department. Why that is I dunno ? 'cos both of these are great albums showing musical diversity and a sensitivity not seen before from Gene October, because lets face it that's who Chelsea are. (or are they?) At this time the bands line up included Pete Dimmock from Chron Gen and Geoff who used to play in Stevenage band The Optional X-tras with Pete and Jon Thurlow who both latter joined Chron Gen. Jon also toured with Chelsea prior to the recording of these albums. Perhaps that's it; no one can find Pete or Geoff to secure 'em some royalties (mind you Geoff was no longer with the band for Rocks Off) Then again I do remember Pete telling me once that Gene didn't write the majority of the songs on Rocks Off, it was a guy called Willy from semi glam legends The Grip who did. This could explain the un-Chelsea sound of Psychedelia, Country and Pop to several of the tracks. Original Sinners is far more Chelsea sounding. Willy stayed with Chelsea for the Underwraps album, which coincidentally has a link posted to it over on the message board to yer left, courtesy of Spud. It was also around this time that soon to be goth legends Fields Of The Nephilim supported Chelsea a few times. One memorable gig that I can't remember because I was too drunk was at the Marquee. Anyway enough of this history bollocks, here's what yer waiting for: Original Sinners and Rocks Off. If the qualities a bit dodgy just remember what Michael Cann said in Alfie "It aint beautiful, but what is in life when you look close up. Yer know what I mean"
10 comments:
Thanks for these 2 Nuzz much appreciated. i saw them at the marquee several times ( but then again chelsea literally lived there at the time) the line up included pete and jon from chron gen, i remember goin backstage to give jon a demo tape to try to get some gigs in your manor (apparently he used to promote shows for bands etc ). but they were allways highly memrable nights ,Thanks again
What was yer band cat?, yeah Jon did promote shows in the 80's. He was also in a couple of other groups, The Verdict, and Family of Noise, sorta verring to the gothy. More recently he's played in Scum Of Toytown, posted some of theirs a while ago. Presently waiting for a recording of his new venture Ike, before I do a post on him. (He thinks I'm joking) Cheers for passing by, hope all's well.
Great blog you got here!
Btw i've added you to my link.
Nuzz - how did you get on with the screen grabs of Audacity? Any use?
Just me and my brothers knocking out a few jams nothing special played a bit locally, met joe strummer on the train once and he asked me what i did, i told him i played the drums ( but i didn't tell him i played 'em badly)hoping he'd invite me to take topper headons place on the drum stool, anyhow a few days later kosmo vinyl phoned our house and asked for a demo tape whice we duly sent to them but nothing came of it (probably because we weren't that good) but jon was great he wrote back with some "constructive critism" such was the eighties, it was a great time and a great laugh as well, we were called the shining..nice to hear jon is still playing music and good to hear from you as well Nuzz ,take care.
PS got the chron gen live at the waldrof san francisco cd if anyones interested..you'll have to give me time to dig it up from the vaults..
Same as PRD,cheers for those H, had made it a bit better, savings on errors, should have looked after vinyl better. Cheers cat, always a pleasure.
This is one hell of great blog. I love Chelsea, always remember seeing them in 1990 with the guitarist (I think) from UK Subs standing in, and getting a kick up the arse and a bollocking from October for getting the chords wrong. Hee hee. Keep up good work.
Hi!
Could you please repost these two albums?
Would be very nice of you.
These are really hard to find...
Thank you very much for uploading these two albums-as you say the CD reissues seem to have bypassed this mid-period in Chelsea's career. Amazing Adventures & Fool's Paradise are excellent songs. Kind regards, John.
CHELSEA have confirmed a gig on Teesside in March 2014 - their first gig for 29 years. More details are here. Ed Banger & The Nosebleeds are the main support band: https://www.facebook.com/events/679970302014580/
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Watch out for more details here: www.rockgardenrevisited.co.uk
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