Sexual intercourse began
(which was rather late for me)
Between the end of the “Chatterley” ban
And the Beatles’ first LP.
Up to then there’d only been
A sort of bargaining,
A wrangle for the ring,
A shame that started at sixteen
And spread to everything.
Then all at once the quarrel sank:
Everyone felt the same,
And every life became
A brilliant breaking of the bank,
A quite unlosable game.
So life was never better than
In nineteen sixty-three
(Though just too late for me) –
Between the end of the “Chatterley” ban
And the Beatles’ first LP.
—Annus Mirabilis by Philip Larkin (1922-1985)
“I saw her standing there” by The Beatles: the first track on their debut album, ‘Please please me’ and a statement of intent. Paul’s original lyric had been “She was just seventeen, never been a beauty queen.” John changed it to “She was just seventeen, if you know what I mean” and the world was never quite the same again.
Our 51st episode feels like starting over. A re-set and an opportunity for our own statement of intent. 50 episodes in the back pocket, a wave of the bat to the crowd, but no running up and down the wicket kissing the badge - that’s not the Sombrero Fallout way. No, a brisk word with my batting partner, a retaking of guard, and a few deep breaths. Then on with the game.
During the last episode I played “Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)” by Arcade Fire, the first track on their debut album, ‘Funeral’. I made the comment that there were few groups about which I could say the initial track on their first LP remained my favourite. Which sparked the thought that I should assemble an episode out of debut album, first cuts.
And when better than for our 51st episode? (Our first is the correct answer, but that bird has flown).
It would have been easy to choose Disorder, Is this it?, Janie Jones and some other show favourites. But then I thought, no, let’s have an episode of virgin artists. As it happens that’s included some established ones as well. I hope you find something new you enjoy.
Tracklist:-
Adult diversion, Alvvays
Panther dash, The Go! Team
Your ace from space, U-Roy
Over the ice, The Field
Holidays in the sun, The Sex Pistols
Sure ‘nuff ‘n’ yes I do, Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band
Fear, The Passage
Do it again, Steely Dan
Kevin is gay, Giant Drag
I wanna be adored, The Stone Roses
Learning, Perfume Genius