SMALL STUFF

Rip It Up, Issue 38, 1 September 1980, Page 2

SMALL STUFF

The Selector has quit 2-Tone Records. Dismayed by non label rip off merchandising associated with 2-Tone's success, Selecter sought to dissolve the label. The Specials, who have just completed the album More Specials (produced by Dammers end Dave Jordan), did not wish to dissolve their label, so Selecter quit, New 2-Tone signing is the Swinging Cats Debbie Harry is a star, not only is rock flick Roadie, on release, but Ms Blondie has guested on a 'Muppet Show’. By the way, in Roadie Blondie play themselves on stage doing "Rings Of Fire" and in pre and post concert scenes. Also playing themselves are Alice Cooper, Roy Orbison and Asleep at the Wheel. Playing someone else, is Meatloaf, who as roadie of the hour, is the star of the film. Also on the soundtrack are Cheap Trick, Pat Benetar, Sue Saad, Joe Ely Band and others ... star of two albums in three months, Jah Wobble, has quite PIL. The second solo album is titled V.I.E.P. ... Jools Holland, Squeeze’s keyboardsman has left to form his own band. The old line-up’s final gigs were at their tiny local pub, with support act Costello and band, billed as Otis Westinghouse and the Lifts ... Mick Jones is producing and writing for girlfriend Ellen Foley’s second album. Clashers will play on it ... there is talk of a 3LP set of demos from the Pete Townshend collection, including very early Who stuff ... new Bowie, Scary Monsters features one song twice. First time it’s in Japanese. The 45 lyric reveals; "Ashes to ashes (the title), Funk to funky, Major Tom’s a junkie.” Well, now we know ... Bruce Springsteen’s next, The River is a single LP scheduled for October release in USA Two tracks were previewed at the CBS International Convention in Miami. Some tracks are thought to be digitally recorded and mixed ... Steve Naive (Attractions), Cheap Trick, Jack Douglas (CTI producer) and others, are rumoured to be involved in the John Lennon New York Record Plant sessions. Meanwhile Ringo records in France with a little help from friend Paul McCartney, and George does same in London ... USA may issue an LP Qf Costello 455, flips etc, not on albums ... ex-XTC man Barry Andrews has a single out in UK on Virgin

... Wilko Johnson is in*Dury’s Blockheads ... Cashbox claims that the highlights of Toronto's new wave Woodstock, was neither Costello, 8525, Pretenders or Rockpile but Talking Heads joined by Funkadelics (including Bernie Worrell and Nona Hendryx) ... London Council Fire inspectors forced the Plasmatics to cancel their Hammersmith Odeon show only hours before the NY Stiff band (and their pyrotechnical effects) were due to explode on stage ... Garland Jeffrey’s first Epic album is with members of the Rumour ... Gary Rossington and Allen Collins of (Lynyrd Skynyrd) have a hit album with Rossington Collins Band debut, Anytime, Anywhere, Anyplace. The bands female lead singer is Dale Krantz ... Miles Davis is recording ... Dr John and Doc Pomus are writing songs for new 8.8. King ... new albums to look out for, include: Echo and the Bunnymen Crocodiles (in NZ soon thru WEA), Police Zenyatta Mondatta, Desmond Dekker Black and Dekker (great Stiff stuff), Jethro Tull A, Aretha Franklin Aretha (first Arista LP), Steve Wonder Hotter Than July (first 45 is reggae/rock "Masterblaster Jammin' ’’), .Dead Kennedys Fresh Fruit from Rotting Vegetables (in NZ on Cherry Red thru RTC), ÜB4O Signing Off, Skids The Absolute Game. Residents Nibbles (in NZ soon on Ralph thru RTC via Missing Link), Capt Beefheart Doc At The Radar Station, Roger Daltrey McVicar (a film soundtrack), Cheap Trick All Shook Up, Barbara Streisand Guilty (songs and production by Barry Gibb), Jam Sound Affects (October release in UK), The Attractions Mad About The Wrong Boy, Leo Sayer Living In A Fantasy, Pretty Things Cross Talk, Yes Drama (with Buggies lads) lan Matthews WA Spot of Indifference Robert Palmer Clues, Chic Real People, Dr Feelgood A Case Of the Shakes (2 tracks produced by Nick Lowe), Taj Mahal Live (Magnet) and Going Home (14 track compilation of CBS recordings), Siouxsie & the Banshees Kaleidoscope, Stranglers Who Wants The World, and Southside Johnny & Jukes Love Is A Sacrifice, Talking Heads Remain In Light, Gary Numan Telekon, Neil Young Hawks And Doves, Joni Mitchell Shadows and Light, Doobie Brothers One Step Closer.