Subway Sect - Discography

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It is a major tragedy that no Subway Sect recordings exist from their 77-78 period other than Nobody's Scared. Without doubt an album from these boys would have been as groundbreaking as The Scream or Unknown Pleasures (only a couple of years earlier) and would have guaranteed them status in the history of rock for ever as groundbreakers and innovators. Sadly all that remains from this superb band is two very different singles.

Bernie Rhodes explained about his label Braik Records in the NME 25.3.78. "It will deal only in extremes. The scene is getting predictable." The first single is Nobody's Scared. Upcoming are tracks by a Pakistani blues band and an all girl group of "teenage prostitutes". Yeah right Bernie. First and only release was Subway Sect of a single 6 months old. As for the rest what you can say? Touch of the McClarens there.

Sounds Review 15.4.78

Nobody's Scared / Don't Split It (1978 Braik Records)

A fine single that is not standard punk fare.... a sort of white noise with melody (predating Jesus & Mary Chain's sonic antics) and some heaveeeee lyrics. Recorded 6 months prior to release (October 77) the band had already moved on. On Don't Split It Vic wails 'Don't wanna sing rock'n'roll' over a primal VU /Jonathan Richman riff and harmonica.

Click to hear audio clip of 'Nobody's Scared'

Ambition / A Different Story (Rough Trade 1978)

So what did our dysfunctional punk heroes come up with their second single? Well to start with by the time of the release only Vic Goddard remained as the rest had been sacked/left. The single ?A curiously poppy toon featuring the usual impenetrable lyric of a musicians angst complete with electronic beeps , 60's keyboard and sound effects courtesy of an arcade games machine!

I keep thinking of Van Halen's Jump for some reason. According to Mojo ( October 2001) Vic Godard hated the keyboard riff and on bootlegs the song can be found stripped of it. With or without its a cracking song. Great cover version by The Jesus And Mary Chain on the back of the 12" of Never Understand.

Sounds Review 4.11.78

The Album That Never Was

"You've recorded an album which is coming out soon. Are you happier with it than the 45...?"

Vic: "I hope its going to be...one of my favourite albums of all time, but I know that Television's first album is better" Sounds interview by John Savage 1.7.78

Somebody please find those mixes and release the f***ing album!!

Likely songs:

Chain Smoking
Birth & Death
De-Railed Sense
The Ambition
You Stand Back
Rock & Roll Even
I, Change
Parallel Lines
Staying (Out Of Touch)
Inbalance
Eastern Europe
The Exit Of No Return
Forgotten Weakness
Enclave
The Idiot Of All

One excellent John Peel session broadcast 24.10.77

Chain Smoking
Parallel Lines
I Don't Split It
Nobody's Scared

Brief Appearance on Don Lett's Punk Rock Movie singing Birth & Death.