The Zips , arguably the finest Scottish punk band to emerge from the first wave of punk, and definitely, and defiantly, the most vital and valid to this day, just listen to Hear Hear from Down With The Zips, a more perfect analogy for the debacle that is Westminster you will never hear. Jonzip is a prophet.
Another prophetic announcement arrived this week in the form of the artwork for The Zips new album due later in the year. The artwork is a collaboration of Strummer/Clash fans, the band and local talented artists Stephen Scott. Stephen has produced a number of paintings of The Clash over the years (a print of one of these takes pride of place on my living room wall). This time though his artwork depicts the famous image of the lone figure standing defiantly in front of a tank in Tiananmen Square. The prophecy this time? Days after the artwork was launched, it was revealed that Charlie Cole, the photographer that captured the iconic image had died.
IOU
I was fortunate enough recently to pick up one of the limited-edition vinyl releases of the band’s latest single IOU, which many of you will be aware of from the video launched a while back. I’m not sure if there are any left (mine is numbered 134/150) but if you haven’t got one, get in quick.
The two songs, IOU & BOA, are bona fide Zips classics , the “A” side gripping you from the off with searing riffing, solid bass and Headon-style machine gun drumming from Buddy Poor. Add the usual relevant lyrics from Jonzip and the picture is complete. The video is a joy to behold too. Clever little rhyming couplets abound on the “B” Side too “like a Boa with no constrictions…”, as the riffing continues apace and the song builds to a crescendo rhyming off a list of friends and unsavoury characters.
The single sleeve/box adds to the aesthetic with a lot of thought put into the overall packaging making this a must have release.
Roll on the album. Huh?
Superb all round review Gingerquiff! Pretty much nailed what we were trying to get across. And for the benefit of your readers, there are still a few copies. Thanks, The Zips