Power pop meets punk

A reminder of a recent local gig, as The Distractions live band gear up for more outings next month, first in York on 18th October then Salford on 25th. By then we should have more definitive news of the Nobody's  Perfect reissue which really is shaping up to be something special...


The Distractions: The Spinning Top, Stockport – live review

30 July 2017 

Spinning Top is a pub on the lower side of Wellington Road just down from the train station in Stockport town centre. Bar on the right, stage on the left and the loveliest staff you’re ever likely to meet. It’s standing room only for The Distractions who are playing in the town for the first time since 1979. Nigel Carr reports back for Louder Than War.

Support is the super talented and frankly hilarious Peter Egriega [previously known as the former Distraction, Arthur Kadmon]. He brings us a short set of what can only be described as life tales, sung in a variety of styles backed by just a hand slapped box and double bass. Songs full of heart and pathos – ‘I knew your father before he was a knob’ and the one about Dogging in Alderley Edge. He’s a rare talent with a big heart and I couldn’t help but warm to his big smile and rough-ass delivery! A very British Seasick Steve but way funnier. 

The Distractions burst on to the Manchester music scene in 1979 with their first release, the 12” ‘You’re Not Going Out Like That’ EP on TJM Records. Tony Davidson who ran the label also owned the famous rehearsal studios on Little Peter Street opposite what became The Hacienda. Joy Division, V2, Buzzcocks and many other nascent Manchester outfits used to rehearse there. There is a famous photograph of Joy Division taken in one of the rooms by Kevin Cummings, now immortalised in a ten feet high freeze at the True Faith exhibition at The Manchester Art Gallery. The Distractions went through a number of line-up changes in their short career, even signing to Island Records in 1980, before imploding in 1981. What they left behind was a stunning body of work; a vastly underrated collection of jaunty power pop meets punk ditties. Similar in vein to Buzzcocks – Pete Shelley once famously admitted to copying their la la style backing vocals. (According to the Ramones T Shirt wearing man on the door anyway!)

Original members, lead singer Mike Finney and drummer Alex Sidebottom are joined tonight by a new touring band. The perfectly crafted garage meets punk 'Something For The Weekend' gives way to lead singer’s favourite '(Stuck In A) Fantasy' and there is nothing but big smiles and appreciation around the room. It’s an older audience of course, most remember the band from the first time around. There is an increasing punk intensity as the gig progresses; highlight 'Waiting For Lorraine' ends with the line "Waiting for Lorraine to drop dead" as Finney slams his arms across his chest. He even drops into a little shimmy on down during ‘It Doesn’t Bother Me’! “The single was released by Island on white 12” vinyl to coincide with the Christmas market, only the label messed up and it didn’t come out until April!”

Finney plays the perfect front man, self-deprecating and humble and these wonderful songs still ring in my ears as I leave to catch the train home. Proper memorable pop-punk with great hooks & harmonies with searing guitar licks underpinned by Sidebottom’s incredible drumming. It’s a shame that today’s younger gig goers who are clamouring for fresh post-punk don’t latch on to some of the finer bands that existed back in the day. Nearly forty years on and The Distractions are as good as ever, sounding tight, vibrant and fresh. If you get the chance go and see them – I’ll be there in Preston on November 10th – I hope you are too!

~

The Distractions are:

Mike Finney - Vocals

Alex Sidebottom – Drums

Joe Brehony – Bass

Jonny Poole – Guitar

Chris Dutton – Guitar