Some FEATURED ARTISTS on this week’s Stronger Than Dirt (Saturday, April 27, 8-10pm) include the Monks, Electric Prunes, XTC, Speedies, Kraftwerk, Pylon, Grifters, Apples in Stereo, Sixteen Deluxe, Habibi, lots of new music as well as the weekly Dusty Diamond.
COVER ART OF THE WEEK: XTC’s third studio album, “Drums and Wires,” was their first with new guitarist Dave Gregory who had replaced keyboardist Barry Andrews. It also marked a change in sound from less quirky to more mainstream pop and new wave. Released in 1979 on Virgin Records its front and back covers featured the same bold graphic design but in different shades of color. The design was conceived by band member Andy Partridge and realized by Jill Mumford. The first edition also included a free single. (Click on image to enlarge)
DUSTY DIAMOND OF THE WEEK (a vintage gem from the STD vaults): The Mystreated were a British garage psych group whose music channeled 60s bands like Love, the Music Machine and the Byrds. They formed in 1989 and were active until the late 90s, releasing several albums and singles. “The Widow’s Son” is an up-tempo raga rocker with Roger McGuinn inspired guitar licks and jackhammer percussion. Recorded and produced by Liam Watson at the Toe Rag Studios in London, it appeared in 1994 on the “Looking Right Through” album on Twist Records. It smokes! Listen to it here:
Promo art from The Grifters’ 1992 “Soda Pop” single on Shangri-la Records. Original art by Roy Berry.