APB: One Favorite Alternative Band

nobody@vox.com(Java Jane) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 13:30:32 -0400

APB out of Aberdeen, Scotland is one of my all time favorite 80s alternative bands, although they are fairly obscure. They are best known for their song "Shoot You Down" off their "Something To Believe In" album, and although they never put out much material (two albums, one EP), I like just about every track they made. Here is a live sample of APB, although I think their recorded work is what really shines:

Rainy Day

A Little APB History:

During the'80s, one of the most popular underground alternative bands to make a splash in the New York Tri-State area was, surprisingly, not a local band. In fact, APB hailed from across the pond in Scotland. While most alternative bands of the'80s used chiming guitars and/or icy synths to get their points across, APB were an anomaly, as it was funk bass that led the charge (quite comparable to Gang of Four -- minus the political lyrics). In fact, their early work served as a blueprint for what the Red Hot Chili Peppers would follow on their first few releases. Formed in Aberdeen, Scotland, APB were comprised of singer/bassist Iain Slater , guitarist Glenn Roberts , and drummer George Cheyne , with a pair of percussionists added over the years ( Nick Jones from 1982-1983 and Mikey Craighead taking Jones 'spot from 1984-1989).

The group initially caused a buzz in Europe, which lead to several sessions for BBC Radio 1 between 1981 and 1984 (the John Peel Sessiontwice, and the David Jensen Sessionand Peter Powell Sessiononce apiece). Several singles were issued as well, which served as the basis for APB 's debut full-length, Something to Believe In , in 1985. New York radio soon embraced these singles (namely"Palace Filled with Love,""Rainy Day,""One Day,""What Kind of Girl?,"and especially the infectious"Shoot You Down"), which led to several U. S. tours -- including spots over the years opening for both the Clash and James Brown . Additionally, APB headlined their own New York gigs (including a performance at the famous venue the Ritz).

In 1986 a sophomore effort, Cure for the Blues , was released, as well as a four-song EP, Missing You Already , later that same year. The group would continue to perform sporadically for the remainder of the'80s, but would not issue any more new recordings. Interest in APB increased by the early 21st century, thanks to the emergence of countless new wave revival acts, which led to a double-disc reissue of their debut in 2005, Something to Believe In: 20th Anniversary Edition , as well as a compilation of their early radio sessions, The Radio 1 Sessions , a year later.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Java Jane's Good Stuff

APB: One Favorite Alternative Band