#3 Subway Sect-Nobody's Scared (Braik Records UK 1978)

Subway Sect-Nobody's Scared b/w Don't Split It

(Braik Records BRS-01)

Released in the USA in 1978

Subway Sect were one of the leading lights of the UK punk/new wave movement. However, the were prevented from releasing their 1978 debut albums due to a conflict with their manager Bernie Rhodes (who still sits on the unreleased tapes.)

Luckily, Subway Sect did manage to release a single in 1978 (on Rhodes' ill-fated Braik label) and it was a biggie. The A side Nobody's Scared was a powerhouse song with thick, pulverizing chords and a locomotive powered beat. On top of it all was singer Vic Godard's ominous rant.

The flipside Don't Split It was even better. It had the same loud thump of Nobody's Scared but took things even further with it's scratchy guitar phrases, wailing keyboards and crushing drums. Vic Godard tops it all off with a howling harmonica solo!

This single caught Subway Sect at their absolute peak and it remains as one of the most vital records of the 70's new wave!

David Furgess (April 25, 2015)

#2 Chesmann Square-Circles (Instant Party) b/w Try (Lion 45 USA 1969)

Chesmann Square-Circles (Instant Party) b/w Try

Lion Records (L45-1002)

Released in the USA in 1969

Chesmann Square were a Kansas City group whose lone single featured a breathtaking cover of The Who's Circles on the A-side (it was done in the style of UK group The Fleur De Lys.) The flipside Try is a gorgeous acoustic number in the style of The Left Banke or The Nazz. 

David Furgess (4-25-15)

#1 The Rolling Stones-Jumpin' Jack Flash (Decca UK 1968)

The Rolling Stones-Jumpin' Jack Flash b/w Child Of The Moon 
Decca Records
Released in the UK on May 24, 1968 (USA June 1, 1968)
USA/UK Chart Peak #1

Released in spring 1968, Jumpin' Jack Flash is the greatest single of the Rolling Stones' career. It was the record where they officially left The Beatles in the dust. The track was originally slated to be included on the 1968 album Beggar's Banquet (but left off in the 11th hour.) It was a wicked mix of psychedelia and hard rock that featured one of the greatest guitar riffs in rock history (it also hit the #1 spot all over the planet.)

I first heard it while driving in my mother's 1967 Pontiac LeMans in the early summer of 1968 and it blew my 8 year old mind sky high. I just had to have the record at once (mom actually gave me the 89 cents it cost and I snagged it at the Woolworth's in Bridgeport, Connecticut (it was a key moment in my life and I remember it like yesterday!)

Worthy covers were done by The Flamin' Groovies and Johnny Winter. 

David Furgess (4-24-15)