Swell Maps - Read About Seymour

The 'Swell Maps' were (and still are) one of my personal all time favourite bands. This their debut single released in 1977 fitted perfectly in the Punk genre, and then you go out and buy their album and find out that these guys make some seriously strange (but brilliant) music which defies classification.
Three tracks on this single, all sub two minutes and all classics. For me 'Read About Seymour' is the best track, but all of them are great (It should be noted I am a total Swell Maps fan so my ratings could be biased, but I don't think so)

The more famous members consisted of brothers Epic Soundtrack and Nikki Sudden, and Jowe Head.. The excellent Nikki Sudden, writer, guitarist and singer in the Swell maps unfortunately passed away in 2006 leaving a prolific catalogue of music which if you like this then I recommend you dip into. Also worth looking at is Jowe head, who also has released some excellent material of his own (some free Jowe Head stuff can be found on this Toplers link)

Etchings on both sides, on the a-side the most common one 'Porky Prime Cut' and the more specific 'Read About The Boys' on the b-side 'To Mark Solid Gold is Gold'.

Band: Swell Maps
Label: Rather Records
Year: 1977
Tracks:
1. Read About Seymour
2. Ripped & Torn
3. Black Velvet

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


If you like then, buy the Swell maps classic debut album, another one for a £5, bargain:

A Trip to Marineville

Swell Maps - Free Bonus 7" EP

This EP came free with the' 'Swell Maps' excellent debut album 'A Trip To Marineville'. later releases of the CD had these songs included.

A real mixed bunch here, 'Loin Of Surf' is the Swell Maps first foray into 'surf instrumentals' and for me they don't disappoint (although you should note in my book the Swell maps can do no wrong). The second track 'Doctor At Cake' is another instrumental and most probably the weakest on the EP. Next up is the classic, legendary, outstanding 'Steven Does'. Only the Swell maps could make a song like this. For any of you budding guitarists out there, listen to the solo, untouchable. At only 1:45 mins long this was always on the turntable, hence the condition. The last song 'Bronze and baby Shoes' is a rela strange one I cant even begin to describe. So why don't you have a listen and leave a comment and say what you think.

I have two copies of this one with printed pictures on the sleeves, and one with hand drawn faces (does anyone know if the Swell Maps drew them?)

Some etching trivia again, on the a-side we have "Don't Wear Leopard Skin" and on the b-side "Swell Maps Amuse Children"

Band: Swell Maps
Label: Rather Records
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Loin Of Surf
2. Doctor At Cake
3. Steven Does
4. Bronze And Baby Shoes

Ripped from glorious very scratched vinyl:


If you like this then buy their excellent debut album now, only a £5 no excuse (note Steven Does is not on this one):

A Trip to Marineville