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Saturday, July 9, 2011

Still Life - My World (1983)


7" Single, released in 1983

Still Life - My World (A-Side)



Still Life - Passion Play (B-Side)

From the band's Soundcloud page: "Still Life were an 80's new wave band formed by the songwriting partnership of Jon Newby and Ian Campbell in Louth in Lincolnshire. Signed to a management deal by Richard Ogden (Ozone Mgmt) the pair soon found themselves the proud owners of a 4 track reel to reel and set about writing songs in their parents front rooms. After spending time working with producer Rod Thompson on several of their songs it was decided to record Away From This Town. In 1981 the track was recorded at Producers Workshop, Chelsea, with additional overdubs and mixing taking place at SARM East, Aldgate. Engineer was Julian Mendelsohn and musicians used were Phil Towner - drums, Mathew Seligman - Bass, Anne Dudley - Moog bass and Tessa Niles - backing vocals. Two further tracks, Teenage Fun and Tired of Dancing were recorded as demos for EMI in their Manchester Square studio with Producer Rod Thompson aided by Bram Tchaikovsky. After talks and offers from EMI, Chrysalis and Regarde Records it was decided to sign to Regarde and Away From This Town with b side Teenage Fun was released in 1982 (a 12 inch version was also recorded). The track was reviewed on Radio 1's Round Table and went on to be played on Radio 1 along with plays on regional radio stations for a further 6 weeks. Regarde were unprepared for this instant radio play and had only pressed 100 promotional copies of the single By the time any pressings had been delivered the radio play was long gone. Undaunted a further song, Little Innocent was recorded at Producers Workshop, however, it was soon decided to part company from Regarde and a band was formed with Jon on vocals and guitar, Ian on synth and musicians Mark Reeves - keyboards, Tim Bradley - bass and Paul Barrett - drums. The band recorded further tracks at Sarm West and Redan Recorders with Rod Thompson producing, recording live demos and two further tracks at Chapel Studios with Pink Floyd engineer Nick Grifiths in the producers chair. The band went on play live up and down the country, including a support slot with Culture Club. Following a "pie throwing" incident Tim left the band to return to Doncaster and soon afterwards Mark left and returned to Horsham. Jon and Ian decided to disband Still Life in late 1983."

3 comments:

Gilaro said...

You are marvelous!
This blog is incredible!
Thank you soo much!!

Sebastian said...

Amazing how much quality post-punk synth-rock is laying in obscurity. Thanks for bringing this gem to my attention.

Anonymous said...

i used to live near Louth and i remember seeing them live at the Woodman pub sure brings back memories of better times gave me goosebumps just listening to the track again need to hunt it out ive got it somewhere on vinyl passion play is awesome too Steve