#alternative_music
#Peel_session
An experimental British rock group from the town of Solihull near Birmingham in the West Midlands. Formed in the early Seventies by brothers Nikki Sudden and Epic Soundtracks, they were joined by Phones Sportsman (David Barrington) and bassist Jowe Head. The lineup was later bolstored by guitarist Richard "Biggles" Earl and John Cockrill. Although they emerged during the punk era and their music reflected the rough and ready garage rock then in vogue, it also included elements of Krautrock and the avant garde, created in the DIY spirit of the age.
After several years of making home recordings, the group were inspired by Buzzcocks self-released 'Spiral Scratch EP' to book into a studio and record debut single 'Read About Seymour' in September 1977. Issued on their own Rather label, it was later reissued by Rough Trade. Debut LP "A Trip To Marineville" was issued in 1979. The Maps issued one more album before disbanding in 1980.
Most band members went on to have solo careers. Jowe Head subsequently enjoyed a long stint as a member of Television Personalities.
THREE Peel sessions. Second session released on "Whatever Happens Next" LP, Rough Trade ROUGH21 (1981).
1. Recorded 1978-10-16. Broadcast 27 October 1978. Repeated 20 November 1978.
Read About Seymour / Harmony In Your Bathroom / Full Moon In My Pocket - Blam - Full Moon / International Recue / Another Song
2. Recorded 1979-05-15. Broadcast 22 May 1979. Repeated 21 June 1979.
Bandits / Vertical Slum - Forest Fire / Armadillo / Midget Submarines
3. Recorded 1980-03-18. Broadcast 01 April 1980. Repeated 08 May 1980.
Big Empty Field / Bleep And Booster Come Round For Tea - Secret Island / (Let's) Buy A Bridge / The Helicopter Spies - A Raincoat's Room
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