First Solo Vinyl -1990
Christopher (1991) From left: Wayne Booth, Jon Brown, Ian Finney, Andy Starkey
Photo by Greg Clucas
In 1990, St Helens Musicians Collective received funding and released a compilation album of the ‘best local bands’.
I’d just formed my band Christopher and I was asked to contribute a track. The band wasn’t ready so my brother-in-law who was managing us suggested I record a track on my own as the deadline was coming.
I recorded the entire track myself in one afternoon at Pentagon Studios in Widnes. I wasn’t happy with the results because my voice dried up, but time was short. A prime rule of studio recording is: don't rush it.
Jennifer Fever - Jane Weaver’s first band - was also on the album and it was the first time I tried my hand at production with anyone other than myself. I actually did nothing more that offer a few slight arrangement suggestions. On 'Touch' I produced and arranged the entire song.
The song was played on Mark Radcliffe’s show on Radio 5 -Hit The North- and also featured in Granada Reports. Mark said it could have been a hit if it got the right backing behind it. As usual, I didn't have proper guidance or management.
I've edited the end of the vinyl transfer (see below) to include his comment, for posterity.
Pic used for the inside-sleeve art, by Greg Clucas 1990
The song was written in 1990 after my first proper relationship had ended badly. I was 23 years old. I took it quite hard.
Later in 1990 (October I think) I started taking the band seriously and we began auditions and rehearsals. Christopher came to be, as a real band, at the end of 1990.
An extra piece of trivia: I later sold the guitar I used to record 'Touch' with to Rozalla's manager Chris Sergeant.
Here's the track in all it's naive vinyl form.
I've edited the end of the vinyl transfer (see below) to include his comment, for posterity.
Pic used for the inside-sleeve art, by Greg Clucas 1990
The song was written in 1990 after my first proper relationship had ended badly. I was 23 years old. I took it quite hard.
Later in 1990 (October I think) I started taking the band seriously and we began auditions and rehearsals. Christopher came to be, as a real band, at the end of 1990.
An extra piece of trivia: I later sold the guitar I used to record 'Touch' with to Rozalla's manager Chris Sergeant.
Here's the track in all it's naive vinyl form.
The full track listing:
WHAT'S THE I*D*E*A (1990)
Idea 001
SIDE 1Right Off -Those Naughty Corinthians
Family Sinners - The Nice Party
The Clever Ones - More Perfect Watchers
Right On - The Tansads
My Kingdom - Sky Blue Life
Christopher - Touch
SIDE2
Tin of Beans - Volunteers
Sensation Machine - Gnarl
Micronaught - Strawberry Girl
She Burns Alone - Limebirds
Near - Jennifer Fever
The Thought You Thought You Was - Poisoned Electrik Head
Hi Ian, I'm not sure if you will see this, but worth a try. I'm trying to get in touch with Jon Brown who I played in a few Widnes bands with in the 80s. I don't suppose you have a contact for him? thanks, Andy Maclure
ReplyDeleteSorry about the delay Andy, I've sent you a PM on Facebook.
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