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from the liner notes of "1-2-3-4: Punk and New Wave 1976-1979," Universal,
MCD 60066 THE POP GROUP WE ARE ALL PROSTITUTES b/w OUR CHILDREN SHALL RISE UP AGAINST US Rough Trade, RT 023 November 1979 Formed in Bristol in mid-1977, the Pop Group were Mark Stewart (vocals), Simon Underwood (bass and later replaced by Dan Catsis), Gareth Sager and John Waddington (guitars) and Bruce Smith (drums). Hugely influential, they played fractured, dissonant punk-funk over which vocalist Stewart's radical left-wing lyrics were recorded in a slightly distorted fashion. Following their March 1979 debut 'She Is Beyond Good And Evil,' 'We Are All Prostitutes" was the band's creative peak, although the song with its 'everyone has their price' refrain is unsettling and intense. The band subsequently released two well received albums on Jake Riviera's Radar label, 'Y' and the snappily titled 'How Much Longer Must We Tolerate Mass Murder'. After breaking up, the Pop Group proved to be a massive influence on the flourishing Bristol post-punk scene. Original bassist Underwood formed Pigbag, enjoying a huge top 3 chart hit with 'Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag' in 1982, whilst Gareth Sager formed Rip Rig and Panic including young vocalists Neneh Cherry and Andrea Oliver. John Waddington formed Maximum Joy and Stewart carried on in his own uncompromising fashion on Adrian Sherwood's On-U-Sound label both with his own band the Mafia and through his work with Tackhead. Recommended Album: 'We Are All Prostitutes'. Thanks, Edward, for sending this. |