Record Round Up

 

 

Over the past few months, I've tracked down a number of rare, and unofficial Europeans and How We Live recordings. These include a Euros BBC Radio Broadcast, an obscure Otway 'b-side', Dry Land' demo recordings, and a very early (pre A&M) Europeans demo. Read on to find out more...

 

 

 

'You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet' (1981) Europeans / Otway b-side

 

 

John Otway 7" In Dreams

 

I recently discovered that two singles were released from the John Otway / Europeans album 'All Balls & No Willy', namely 'In Dreams' and 'Mass Communication.' I managed to get hold of them, and on the b-Side of 'In Dreams', I was surprised to find a 'cover' version of the old 'Bachman-Turner-Overdrive' track 'You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet'. The vocal is delivered in Otway's own unique comic style, and Colin Woore gets to play a few decent lead breaks. The 7" states that this track is 'otherwise unavailable'. A shame that it wasn't dug out for the CD reissue !

 

 

'Drink Pink Zinc' (1981) Europeans Demo

 

 

The Snoopies Album

 

This next one is particularly exciting, as it contains a Europeans track unavailable anywhere else! The source in an LP called 'The Snoopies Album.' 'Snoopies' was an alternative music venue in Richmond (London) that closed its doors in 1981. As a 'celebration' of the venue, the promoter there gave the wonderfully named 'Ralph.E.Boy' unrestricted access to the demo tapes of bands that had played there. Ralph picked 15 of the best tracks for a compilation album, and privately pressed 1000 copies on to vinyl. Other bands included on the compliation include 'The Cardiacs', 'The Scissor Fits' & 'The Tronics'.

 

 

 

Track 6 on Side Two is called 'Drink Pink Zink!' by Europeans. It is listed as a 4 track recording, published by Cherry Red Music. (Steve's surname is mis-spelt as 'Hoggarth.') The track itself has a 'sca' / 'two tone' feel to it, and sounds instrumentally a lot like the Otway album tracks. There is a short section towards the end, with droning chords that reminds me of the middle eight to 'American People.' It ends with an off-the-wall 'anti' piano solo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to see: The Front Cover / The Label / Track Details

 

 

'The Animal Song' (1982) Fully Signed 7" single

 

 

Animal Song signed

 

I also managed to get hold of a UK 7" single of 'The Animal Song', fully signed by the band back in 1982 ! I don't know where it originates from, but it is signed 'Cheers Mark' at the top by Ferg Harper, and 'Thanks for a great night' by Geoff Dugmore !

 

 

 

Click here to see a scan

 

 

'Sight & Sound' (1984) Europeans Live on BBC Radio

 

 

BBC Sight & Sound

 

This is a 45 minute Europeans concert recorded at Cheltenham in February 1984. The show was broadcast live on the BBC2 show 'Sight & Sound' and simultaneously on Radio One. It is a shame that no other songs were broadcast, as those played here, are nearly identical to those on the 'Live' album. Throughout the concert, Ferg plugs the 'Live' album... limited edition at a bargain price ! The sound quality is excellent, recorded straight from the radio

 

 

 

The Tracks : Introduction / Typical / Spirit of Youth / American People / Innocence / Going to Work / Falling / Joining Dots / AEIOU / The Animal Song (fades early)

 

 

'Demo Recordings' (1986-87) How We Live

 

 

How We Live Demos

 

These How We Live demo tracks were sent to me by a fan that used to help roadie for the band. (Steve apparently gave him a copy of the tape back in the 80s) They are labelled 'demos', but they are very 'polished' and not that different to the final versions on the 'Dry Land' album. 'We Don't Need to Be Lovers' is a previously unheard track, unmistakeably HWL, with great vocals from Steve. 'Simon's Car' and 'You Don't Need Anyone' have since been added on to the Racket Re-Issue of 'Dry Land', although the tracks here are the 12" versions that were recently available for download exclusively from the Marillion Fan Club site.

 

 

 

The Tracks : All The Time in The World / English Summer / Working Girl / A Beat in the Heart of the City / In the City / We Don't Need to Be Lovers / Simon's Car / You Don't Need Anyone

 

 

 

 

 

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