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subway sex


composers
Kerr, Burchill


publisher
Copyright Control


background
One of the last compositions by Johnny And The Self Abusers, and arguably, the best. Its wailing haunting sax line - and is that a violin being played by Charlie? - was indicating how the group were moving away from punk's staple three chords into something more sophisticated.

Despite its promise, the song only turned up on the band's final demo tape. As a new composition, it wasn't played live often, which is probably why it didn't appear on any live recording, and explains its notable exclusion from fanzine reviews.

Johnny And The Self Abusers imploded before it could be firmly ensconced in their live set, and Simple Minds - besides the song's promise - had little to do with it. It was not played live after 1977.

The dusty old demo was finally given some recognition when the first half was featured on The Street Fighting Years Radio One documentary broadcast in 1989.

It was formally officially released on the The Early Years 1977-78 CD in March 1998. Questions over legalities, especially the financing of demo tape, saw the CD being swiftly withdrawn.


see also:
Subway Sex (Demo)


lyrics
The lyrics have never been published.


discography
Demo Excerpt (1:47)
Producer: Simple Minds and Brian Young

Street Fighting Years Limited Edition MC Box Set Street Fighting Years Limited Edition CD Box Set
Demo Version (3:41)
Producer: Simple Minds and Brian Young

The Early Years 1977-1978 CD




live history
Johnny And The Self Abusers: 1977