Get a Buzz, Cock!
Buzzcocks : 45 : 'Promises' : United Artists : UP 36471
17 November 1978 (UK issue)
Possibly Malcolm Garrett's finest work for Buzzcocks? Certainly my favourite sleeve and label design, which always reminds me of the blackcurrant flavoured Chewits of my youth (remember that monster eating Barrow-in-Furness bus station?).
'Promises' c/w 'Lipstick' could also be seen as Buzzcocks one shot at a true double A-side 45 (until the triangles and circles of 'Parts 1-3', that is). As far as I know it was never marketed as such, but promotional videos were made for both tracks - that for 'Lipstick' was filmed as they recorded in the studio. Both tracks are definitely worthy of single status - the infectious 'How could you ever let me down' refrain of 'Promises' is rivalled by the brilliant word-play of 'Does the lipstick on your lips stick on my face?'. And how's about this for another bit of synergy - both sides are exactly 2:35 long. Weird, eh?
Fans would also have noticed a familiar ring to Shelley's lead guitar line on 'Lipstick', which had been the main hook to Magazine's debut 45 'Shot By Both Sides' (released January 1978). Shelley had writing credits for both songs, so it wasn't plagiarism - he came to a gentleman's agreement with Howard Devoto who, he said, always played 'Boredom' in Magazine's live shows anyway! But by re-using the riff, Shelley was borrowing the musical clout of one of New Wave's landmark songs, which must have had some influence on propelling this 45 to #20 in the UK charts.
Buzzcocks : 45 : 'Promises' : United Artists : UP 36471
17 November 1978 (UK issue)
Possibly Malcolm Garrett's finest work for Buzzcocks? Certainly my favourite sleeve and label design, which always reminds me of the blackcurrant flavoured Chewits of my youth (remember that monster eating Barrow-in-Furness bus station?).
'Promises' c/w 'Lipstick' could also be seen as Buzzcocks one shot at a true double A-side 45 (until the triangles and circles of 'Parts 1-3', that is). As far as I know it was never marketed as such, but promotional videos were made for both tracks - that for 'Lipstick' was filmed as they recorded in the studio. Both tracks are definitely worthy of single status - the infectious 'How could you ever let me down' refrain of 'Promises' is rivalled by the brilliant word-play of 'Does the lipstick on your lips stick on my face?'. And how's about this for another bit of synergy - both sides are exactly 2:35 long. Weird, eh?
Fans would also have noticed a familiar ring to Shelley's lead guitar line on 'Lipstick', which had been the main hook to Magazine's debut 45 'Shot By Both Sides' (released January 1978). Shelley had writing credits for both songs, so it wasn't plagiarism - he came to a gentleman's agreement with Howard Devoto who, he said, always played 'Boredom' in Magazine's live shows anyway! But by re-using the riff, Shelley was borrowing the musical clout of one of New Wave's landmark songs, which must have had some influence on propelling this 45 to #20 in the UK charts.