BPeople - Give Up

BPeople are a lesser known post-punk band from Los Angeles.  They released one full-length album, yet for me their greatest song came from a compilation called Petrified Conditions 1979-1981.  "Give Up" sounds so remarkably ahead of their time...I'm talking this sounds like Arcade Fire!  Completely cool and quirky (the sax makes it a little off-kilter) and the impressive vocals give this an edge as well.  They actually have quite a few bizarre little ditties that I like, but "Give Up" stands head and shoulders above the rest and is well worth trying out.

             *I tried very hard to find a link for this 'un but can't unfortunately

Max Romeo - I Chase The Devil

Max Romeo is a reggae roots artist from Jamaica who was rather popular in the UK and his homeland.  He had a few minor hits, but will always be associated with "I Chase The Devil" which I maintain is the best reggae song of all time.  It has unique subject matter involving religion, it's got a fantastic riff and it's one of the most addictive songs of all time.  There is more to Max than a single hit, but this one stands out so tremendously that it simply must be heard.

                                         I Chase The Devil

Vivien Goldman - Private Armies

Vivien Goldman is a gifted writer and journalist from Britain, but briefly she was also an amazing musician!  She was part of a new wave group called Chantage (which I've never been able to find the record for) and solo she only really released one single that hasn't made it's way to CD yet.  Both songs from this single are very remarkable, in fact "Private Armies" gained some extra notoriety when it was covered by the New Age Steppers.  It is a dub song, that has such a cool laid back vibe, but the lyrical content is anything but.  It seems to be about the Police roughing you up if they don't like the look of you.  Vivien's vocals are infinitely cool and sarcastic...they are just so harmonious with the laid back vibe of the song.  It's a really great find...but make sure you check out "Launderette" too (the other song on this single) because it's totally impressive too.

                                           Private Armies:

Debbie Taylor - Too Sad To Tell

Debbie Taylor is a soul singer from Virginia who released a bunch of singles in the late '60s, and in 1972 she released her only full length album "Comin' Down On You".  It is a decent recording, especially for being quite unknown (only recently was this released on cd) but the crowning jewel is track 3..."Too Sad To Tell".  It is actually extremely funky...I mean the attitude she's showing on the cover comes across beautifully in this song.  The drums are rather unique making the timing really cool plus Debbie sure as heck has some mega pipes on her.  Unfortunately it's really the only song like it on this album but it's well worth discovering.

Too Sad To Tell