For now, let's take a listen to some early stuff from this trio. "If You Ever Change Your Mind" was the band's debut single, and the song also appeared on the 1999 debut album, 'Black Is a Very Popular Colour.' What else to know? One of the things I loved about the band was all of their albums came out on 10". Most (but not all) of Sportique's releases were on WIAIWYA in the UK and Matinée here in America. As you know, both labels would go on to become legendary in indie-pop circles. As you would expect, Sportique garnered plenty of praise and plays on John Peel's show during this period, and they recorded sessions for him in May 1998 and Aug. 1999. I think you'll find they sound a bit like Razorcuts but with some harder and rawer elements thrown into the mix. There certainly is no doubting Webster's voice, and the liberal use of organ on many of the songs might even take you back to his Subway days. At any rate, it's all good. Here's an excerpt from Webster's sleevenotes on the first album:
Last year we were definitely very 70s. But late 70s you understand. And everybody said, hey, look at Mark, Gregory & Rob! They're doing the 70s! Before that, of course, I did the 60s back in the 80s. With a little 70s thrown in; and Mark has always been very 60s, with that authentic 50s feel that all the cool kids have. Rob on the other hand has always been very now, but with a definite early 80s edge, since even before they tried to make that fashionable again.
So this year we're doing the 90s. Or maybe not. Maybe with the 00s coming up it's time to do some futurist stuff. Like back in the 80s. It's hard to tell.
Quite. Tune in tomorrow to see if Sportique went all futurist after the turn of the century.
"Love & Remains" (A-side of 1999 single)
"If You Ever Change Your Mind" (from first album)
You can still buy these two releases. Here are some links:
"Love & Remains" 7" at Jigsaw Records in America
"Love & Remains" 7" at Pebble Records in the UK
'Black Is a Very Popular Colour' 10" at WIAWYA in the UK
6 comments:
Every time I see this band's name I have visions of my black and chrome 1963 Vespa GS that I had and can smell thee two stroke and hear the distinctive "ring ding ding" of the tick over. Do you know if they were named after Vespa's best looking scooter
I just don't know, Drew, although it wouldn't be much of a stretch to think so since they had sort of a mod sound. I have never seen it in writing anywhere, however. I do know there was a trendy '60s clothier on High Street named Sportique too. A mystery...
As Mark is a big scooter lover i think that it highly likely
Anonymous makes a good point.
Also wanted to add the Sportique clothing shop I was thinking about was on Old Compton Street in Soho and later on King's Road. It was a regular haunt for Marc Bolan, the Stones, the Beatles, the Who, etc., as well as all the mods. I still think the scooter theory is the stronger one.
Loving the thread and the songs you've posted. Sportique is such brilliant name for a band; tres chic and European! The Vespa Sportique 150 was such an iconic mod accessory, I'd bet that's where the name comes from.
I admit I've never heard Sportique before; you're right, not exactly Razorcuts 2.0!!! Greg is definitely channeling his inner Pete Shelley. With the camp, sarcy vocals, jagged guitars and thunderous drumming it's not a million miles away from the final set of Martin Hannett produced Buzzcocks singles.
Best of all are the sleeves! Very classy, and a perfect match for the Sportique name. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome blog you have heere
Post a Comment