Now we come to one of the more obscure artists on the Subway roster. I had trouble even tracking down a suitable photo. Outside of a compilation, Rodney Allen was the first with a proper release for the label. The 'Happysad' LP (SUBORG 2) came out in 1987 often sounding like a less political Billy Bragg... just Allen and his guitar. The five-song "Circle Line" EP (SUBORG 18) followed in 1988. My trusty copy of 'Indy Hits: The Complete U.K. Independent Charts 1980-1989' reveals neither release made the countdown. Being rarer finds on Subway has done wonders for his solo releases on the secondary market, and both garner big bucks today. About the time of "Circle Line," Allen landed with Subway band the Chesterf!ields, replacing guitarist Brendan Holden for a few minutes, and then he took off for the Blue Aeroplanes from roughly 1988 to 1995.
That's about all I have, folks. Of the 15 artists that appeared in some way on Subway, Allen is, by far, the one I know the least about. For today's selection, I go back to his appearance on SUBORG 4, the excellent 'Surfin' in the Subway' compilation. This is the album where I cut my teeth with the label. It includes appearances by all of my favorites, including the Flatmates, the Chesterf!elds, the Rosehips, Razorcuts, Bubblegum Splash and more. A must have for any self-respecting indie-pop-fan. If you know there is more to Allen's story, feel free to fill in the blanks in the comments section. I'm far from an authority on this bloke.
Cupid's Bow
Update: By request, I'm adding
Circle Line too.
5 comments:
I really enjoyed the Happysad album back in the day..."less political Billy Bragg" pretty much nails it. "Julianne" was my favorite on the album. Didn't know he had anything after that, so thanks for this.
Nice to hear from you, Bret Alan. As you say, 'Happysad' is well worth a listen. The rest of the Subway artists will be a little easier for me.
Hey Brian, hope you're well. Got your email, cheers. There's a reply on the way back to you. In the meantime, I have one other Rodney Allen song, pretty sure you will have got it when I posted it over at my place, but if not, just holler and I'll re-up (or more likely, just email it to you). Also, I don't think he got much of a look in writing credit-wise after he joined the Blue Aeroplanes, but Different Now - B-side of the 12" of Jacket Hangs, if memory serves - is one of his (and it's ace).
I believe Disney Head is Rodney Allen at his finest - I am pretty sure I heard it being busked in an underpass in London a long time ago...stop me dead in my tracks....
That is a great time machine moment, Anon. One of my blogging pals mentioned over the weekend that Rodney Allen is touring with a couple of other fine bands from that era.
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