REVIEW: Buzzcocks – Late For The Train – Live And In Session 1989-2016 (Cherry Red Records)
More than 40 years after they were formed in Bolton, punk pioneers Buzzcocks remain a popular live band.
Even after the sad death of founder member Pete Shelley in late 2018, fellow ‘Cocks stalwart Steve Diggle continues to tour with the band (see this gig review).
Buzzcocks are most revered for the unrivalled series of singles they released between 1976-1980, compiled as Singles Going Steady (reviewed here), and just re-released in a tasty but expensive 7in boxset.
Having disbanded in 1981, they regrouped in 1989 and began to tour the world and record new music, which was gathered on last year’s Cherry Red 8CD boxset Sell You Everything (reviewed here).
But while they have few equals as purveyors of pithy pop-punk, their prowess as a live force should be recognised too, which is why this companion set is just as essential. Yes, it’s occasionally a little raggy around the edges, but isn’t that what live music is all about – otherwise you might as well sit at home and listen to records?
Buzzcocks released a handful of official live albums during their imperious career, but most were from the first phase of their existence. This set looks to redress the balance: after all, their first spurt of activity lasted just five years, and their second for 30-plus.
Late For The Train raids the archives to bring together five long-forgotten shows (*three of them previously unreleased) while a sixth disc compiles 32 tracks recorded for the BBC across three decades.
There are a mighty 137 tracks in all, and although that means multiple versions of songs like Promises, I Don’t Mind, Harmony In My Head and Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve), they’re songs that no one who loves music should ever tire of listening to.
Things kick off with a 1989 gig from Birmingham, which is basically a ‘greatest hits’ set by the recently-reformed band, and they are in good form on the soundboard recording, which, like the next disc, is described as an ‘official bootleg’.
Disc two is a 1993 show at the Northwick Theatre in Worcester, with nearly half the 23-song set comprising cuts from Trade Test Transmissions – their first album of new material in 14 years. Songs like Last To Know, Palm Of Your Hand and Unthinkable showed they still had the knack of writing three-minute pop-punk gems.
Disc three is from the L’Arapaho Club in Paris in 1995 (previously released as French and Encore Du Pain, though three tracks from the former are omitted, presumably due to time constraints).
Disc four is one of the band’s most famous post-reformation gigs, supporting the Sex Pistols at Finsbury Park in 1996. Bootlegs have been doing the rounds for years, but this is the first official release. It consists of just nine songs – including four from latest album All Set, plus the classics Love You More, Harmony In My Head, What Do I Get? and Boredom.
The disc is filled out with previously unreleased tracks recorded Live at Maida Vale in 2003. Again, Buzzcocks show their determination to be treated as they’re more than a nostalgia trip by including versions of five songs from their latest record (the self-titled seventh studio album) plus oldies Breakdown, Orgasm Addict and Harmony In My Head.
Disc five is Live at the Forum in London in 2006 (previously released as 30), and 75 per cent of the set is drawn from the early years, with seldom-played album tracks like Moving Away From The Pulse Beat and Hollow Inside dusted off to rub shoulders with more familiar live favourites, and a pick ‘n’ mix of newer tunes. This disc is also available separately as a red vinyl 2LP set.
The final disc includes session versions of both classics and newer tracks, done over the years for Jakki Brambles, Mark Radcliffe, Mark Riley and at the 6Music Festival, and it’s always interesting to hear these rawer BBC recordings, as to my ears anyway they’re often superior to the ‘proper’ releases.
There’s tonnes of unreleased stuff here to satisfy the appetite of even the biggest Buzzcocks fan. I’m sure Pete would approve, so treat yourself to this and Sell You Everything (available direct from Cherry Red HERE), sit back with a few cool ones and mourn what we’ve lost. 8/10.
