Back to Dundee's post punk days we go and to a band whose sound reflected the era very well, Severed Arm.The line-up was - JIM LOW, vocals - DAVE McDONALD, guitar - JOHN ANDERSON, bass and CASS on drums.
Severed Arm played locally at venues such as the Tayside Bar, Marryat Hall and even the Baxter Park Fest.
The band also used to play up at Ardler Community Centre, and during one of those sessions, around 1982, they had their tape recorder running and managed to get a few tracks down on cassette. From it, below, is a song called "Open & Closed", a tune which captures that typical early 80's alternative pop template of jangly guitar and youthful angst!
Big thanks to Dave.
Saw them at the Maryatt with Junkies and some other band. They were pretty good. I remember Jim Low tried to climb the wee PA.
ReplyDeleteHe definitely did, like an Iggy Stooge?
DeleteWhar's Jeem these days? And Cass? What a blast fey the past!
ReplyDeleteJim lives in Covenrty, Cass Brighton, Dave London and I believe John is in Dundee.
ReplyDeleteThe Cure nicked all their ideas!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Jimmy and Cass for many many years. Do they revisit Dundee often?
ReplyDeleteJim still makes occasional/seasonal visits to Dundee. You may even see him scuttling about this Xmas if you're lucky.
ReplyDeleteSome furious hi-hat action going down on that track!
ReplyDeletewith a name like that one would expect it to be a def leopard tribute outfit.or some thing similar. why that name anyone ? waylon butts
ReplyDeleteWas a reference to Capital punishment in some counties
DeleteI never liked it, nor understood it, but a'body else in the band seemed to like it. I think it was Jim's idea. You'll have to ask him.
ReplyDeleteIt was just an idea, I think Jims? I wanted to call the band "Marsupials through the keyhole" or even better (I still like this one..." Big Dog in an Abattoir”). After hearing my idea’s, the band quickly changed their name to “White Light” for the Baxter Park gig in 81?.
ReplyDeleteI think "Severed Arm" was a reference to the punishment of crime in some places around the world.
Far too much knowledge for someone not in the band! Is this John A? I forgot about the name "Big Dog in an Abattoir". If we'd have chosen that John Peel might have played us. Hope you are doing well if it is you John. DM
ReplyDeleteIt is me Dave! Hope things are fine with you. Do you still play? I,m sure I could still play our whole set from the 'Jimmy Shand' gig for Dot's Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI still do a bit of guitar for Dundee punk supergroup Tubby Thunders once a year or so as we all live in far flung places. We get together for some middle age punk rock action on rare occasions. Me, Jim Low, Fanta, Pete Silvers and Barry Gibson. I think Cass held onto that set list from Dot's birthday at the Jimmy Shand. He probably stil has it somewhere in a shoe box...
ReplyDeleteThe chicken's burst!
ReplyDelete