| Whereas the Clash
stenciled it and sang
about it the Fingers lived it. Or did they? Originally a Deep Purple
covers band in Belfast called Highway Star. Their future changed when
they hooked up with Gordon Ogilvie a journalist who instigated a more radical
change. Changing their name in 1977 after a Vibrators song their sound
became as
raw and uncompromising as their environment and for that
matter Jake Burns voice.
First two singles and first
album as good as anyone's. Suspect Device / Wasted
Life (1978
Rough Trade), Alternative Ulster / 78 Revolutions A
Minute
(1978 Rough Trade). Album Inflammable
Material. Great all the way
through. Picks : Johnny Was
and Wasted
Life.
The more
uncharitable would say their best work was ripped off from others. Suspect
Device
sounds remarkably similar to Montrose's Space
Station # 5
and I believe they were sued because of this. The riff from Alternative
Ulster is
supposedly from a Bob Marley tune and 78
Revolutions
borrows from Irish compatriots Rudi's seminal single Big
Time.
Personally I don't give a toss. Just hearing the opening bars of Alternative
Ulster or Suspect
Device
still sends shivers own my spine and that's what counts.
After this inspiration
dripped away as you can only be so angry for so long.
Mind you I still am !!!
Band: Jake Burns
Voc/Guitar. Brian Faloon - Drums.
Henry Cluney - Guitar.
Ali McMordie - Bass.
|
