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What’s up Sorry Staters?
Sometimes I feel guilty when I don’t talk about releases that we currently have in stock here at Sorry State for my staff pick. Honestly, what I probably SHOULD write about is this new White Trash reissue. Great 80s hardcore from Colorado. And I’m quoted on the hype sticker! Pretty wild. I’m honored. But I feel as though I must be honest about what I’ve actually been listening to on repeat as of late.
My latest obsession was somewhat prompted by this guy Patrick the Pack Rat. Y’all know this guy? I’ve been enjoying his YouTube series where he interviews punks and rocker types about their record rooms. One of his videos reminded about this single by this band The Circles called “Opening Up”. I remember learning about this single many years ago and just loving it. I even looked around for a copy in different record shops when Public Acid went to England the first time. To no avail, I’m afraid.
The Circles released this single in 1979. The band was from England and part of that whole mod revival wave of the late 70s. Now, if you’ve been following Mr. Pack Rat, you might’ve seen his video where he gives a crash course in the genre of power pop. When he talks about The Circles, he jokingly talks about how a lot of the bands in the late 70s mod revival are basically just “well-dressed power pop.” I must admit, whether he was joking or not, I identify with this concept. The 60s mod movement in England had a whole different context with soul music and all that. But when I listen to “Opening Up,” my brain synapses just don’t connect to that place. For one thing, the song is not really bluesy. For all intents and purposes, I would lump this single into my “pop bangers” category along with other power pop stuff I gush over… even if the band does happen to be posed around a Vespa scooter on the cover photo of the single. Like geez, we GET IT, lads.
Power Pop really is a dicey term, isn’t it? But I think more than any other genre, it warrants addictive behavior. At least it does for me, anyway. I’d like to think we’re all fiending for that perfect 3-minute burst of alchemy. We want that saccharine sweet melody, baby. And with a lot of these bands that only released a couple singles in the late 70s, I imagine the rarity of the records only adds to the allure. I guess not unlike people are with KBD singles, it’s like junkie behavior. In some cases, you might be trying to track down a 7” single with just one great song on one side of the record. You just sit there and lift the needle to play the same song over and over and over. For a long time, I didn’t even know what the B-side on the flip of “Opening Up” was. I guess it’s a song called “Billy”… Any good? Maybe I’ll check it out one day. I’m liiiiitle preoccupied with the A-side at the moment.
“Opening Up” seriously is a such a banger. The song kicks in with that simple chord progression, then that little melancholic guitar melody comes in, the drums just pounding on the toms in a build up before the song kicks in. Pure bliss. The pulse of the song is super driving, even if it’s not the most aggressive sounding thing you’ve ever heard. The mood of the melody feels contemplative and nostalgic. Which is ironic, because the lyrics are talking about the youth of a “new generation.” But in a way, because the band is trying to encapsulate a vibe from an era that precedes them, it’s kinda looking forward while simultaneously evoking a feeling of reminiscent longing. Perhaps unintentional brilliance on their part? Haha.
Funny enough, the anthemic-ness of the lyrics and the little guitar lead has this particular sensibility, almost like a wimpier version of the melodic side of Oi! For example, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to learn that The 4-Skins straight up ripped off “Opening Up” when they wrote “Chaos.” Personally, I lean more toward the intentional tunefulness of The Circles over that kinda stuff any day. But man, close to the end of the song when the band does these 1-2-3 punches on the chords with the kick drum pulsing underneath? “WAN-NAH-NAH – bup bup - WAN-NAH-NAH – bup bup”… and then the guitar hook comes back in? Be still, my beating heart. Then the coda with the singer just chanting on repeat: “I can feel the new sensation! I can see a new generation!” I’m bopping my head, just shouting along. It’s such a beautiful resolution. Perfection.
Anyway, that’s all I’ve got. Some of you readers might be like, “oh yeah dude, that’s a classic.” But if you’re unfamiliar, do yourself a favor and jam this tune. Feels like a good song for Springtime. But hey, if you’ve made it this far, I’ll just put it out there that I’m dying to own an og copy of this 7”. Bang my line if you’re holding and you’d like to help me feel a new sensation for a new generation. No joke though, I’d be stoked to find one.
As always, thanks for reading.
‘Til next week,
-Jeff