Request a record from 1976-1981

Steve, Tim and Nicky (in Luke’s absence) are joined by Ian Templeton who has just finished writing his latest book, Barbed Wire Love - A People’s History of Stiff Little Fingers which is about the band's early years, covering the beginning through to 1983. Containing more than 500 fan stories, unseen photographs, recollections from friends and associates, and a foreword by SLF singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jake Burns, this is the Stiff Little Fingers story as it’s never been told before.

Compiled and edited by Ian, the book is published by Spenwood Books on March 5, 2027. And can be pre-ordered here: https://burningshed.com/ian-templeton_barbed-wire-love_book @topfans

In this episode Ian chooses his current favourite SLF record and 5 non SLF tracks from 1976-81. He talks about the book, SLF, some great anecdotes from his punk past and even his beloved Bristol Rovers. We have invited him back to tell us more in a few episodes time.

www.alternativecolchester.co.uk

Request a record from 1976-1981

Tim and producer Luke are once again flying the flag for Ipswich Town, while Steve remains firmly in the Colchester United camp — and refuses to accept that the Tractor Boys are any more important than the U’s. Expect plenty of football banter between the three, with the usual good-natured arguments about who really matters in the blue corner of East Anglia.

The music this time starts with The Sports’ Who Listens To The Radio, before taking in Menace, The Members and Plymouth punks Sabotage, whose When The War Is Over provides a reminder that the punk scene wasn’t confined to London.

The Dils bring the Class War, while the obligatory Stiff Little Fingers track arrives with Fly the Flag. Tubeway Army’s That’s Too Bad follows, before The Clash deliver Garageland and Social Distortion bring things to a close with 1945.

The soundtrack, in order:

1. The Sports – Who Listens To The Radio
2. Menace – Last Year’s Youth
3. The Members – Goodbye To The Job
4. Sabotage – When The War Is Over
5. The Dils – Class War
6. Stiff Little Fingers – Fly the Flag
7. Tubeway Army – That’s Too Bad
8. The Clash – Garageland
9. Social Distortion – 1945

Football loyalties, punk records and the continuing question of whether Colchester United deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Ipswich Town. They do, according to Steve. Tim and Luke may have other ideas.

www.alternativecolchester.co.uk

Request a record from 1976-1981

More football banter and punk rock gems including three tracks by Sham 69, an obligatory SLF classic and other nostalgic bursts from 76-81 by the likes of Alternative TV, The Shapes, The Dickies and others.

www.alternativecolchester.co.uk