THE WILDERNESS CHILDREN ON VINYL - 1988

This was the 2nd single released by The Wilderness Children.

It was recorded in December 1988 at the Chamber Studios in Edinburgh.

Line-up - Andrea Reid - Fraser Reid - Peter Moug - Phil Davidson - Mike Kane.

The record sleeve graphics were done by Laura Anne Walker (remember the DRCU creche artwork?), and photography by Joe Jordan featured on the inner lyric sheet.

So here below is the A-side, a frisky little indie number called "Plastic Bag From Tesco's"

ERASMIC SUPERFOAM - DONKEY RIDING

Formed in 1981, Erasmic Superfoam had a base above the Tav in Hawkhill where they practiced their post punk mash-ups of well known tunes.
After their debut gig at Art College, and a couple of tweaks to the band line-up, they got themselves over to Wilf Smarties studios in Edinburgh to lay down this track "Donkey Riding", the traditional kids song. It doesn't sound anything like how we used to sing it in primary school mind you, what with it's spiky, fragmented guitar going on, in a Gang Of Four kind of style. In fact, you could say it quite literally kicks ass!!
The trio making the wonderful noise are - AL STRAKER guitar/vocal - JOHN BUTLER bass - DAVE FEHILLY drums.
The track did attract the attention of John Peel, and almost got them a record deal, but sadly, much to our loss, it wasn't to be, and the band all rode off into the sunset!
The B&W picture above was taken in the 70's at the donkey rides in Camperdown Park.
Thanx to Craig and The Captain.

SCOOBY DOO DEMO - 1971

Back in April 2009, I posted an item to do with a Scooby Doo protest that took place in Dundee in the early 70's.
I put it up as a pretend April Fool, but revealed it was an actual real event.
Although it generated lots of comments, all of us were a bit hazy as to how it came about and when it took place.
Now I have a few details about it.
February 1971 is when the city square / Tay bridge demo started up, organised by Jimmy Brown and his schoolmates.
It wasn't just Dundee either, word soon got out to the youngsters of Scotland and not only did big cities like Glasgow join in, many of the smaller towns got involved too, places such as Fort William, Keith and Lochaber.
The protests all ended the same way - sending petitions with hundreds of signatures, into the BBC.
2 months later, Dundee's Jimmy gets a message from the BBC - Scooby Doo will now be returning to the screens.
A rather satisfying victory for those pesky kids!
The article above was published on 8 April 1971.

MUSIC AT DE STIHL'S - 1988 - WILDERNESS CHILDREN

In the late 80's when DJ's, rather than band's, ruled the music world, "live" music at nightclubs would often have to take a back seat, but De Stihl's in South Ward Road, as you can see, managed to accommodate both.
This is a review of Dundee band Wilderness Children who performed there in October 1988, the same month as the previous acid ad.
You may need to click the image for the large version, to read it.
You can also rewind back to the July Archives to get a couple of other items on the band, including a music sample.

THE WILDERNESS CHILDREN EP INSERT

Just thought I'd put this insert that came with the EP up on view to accompany the previous item. It has band photos, bits of info and lyrics.
Click to enlarge.

THE WILDERNESS CHILDREN E.P. - 1988

The Wilderness Children, fae Mid Craigie, released this vinyl EP in 1988. It's titled "We're A Council House Punk Rock Band" and it has 3 tracks - "Mrs Susan Spence" - "Go To Hell" and "Midsummer's Night Dream".
The band line-up, albeit only on first name terms, is Fraser, guitar - Andrea, vocals - Peter, guitar - Mike, bass - Phil, drums and Pete, visuals.
I do know that Fraser & Andrea Reid were married.
The EP, using the DIY punk approach, apparently only cost £63 to record and the band literature goes on to say "If we can do it, so can you. Get off your arse and do something", which is pretty sound advice.
It also states on the cover "Pay as little as possible".
The sample I have chosen below, is a tasty wee indie tune for July called "Midsummer's Night Dream".

THE LOCHEE SWING - 1981

Here's a humorous slice of satire from the 80's.
A variety of aspirations centre around the simple concept of installing a kids swing - with a very real kinda punchline!
It's all rather self explanatory.
Click to enlarge.