Title - 'Version'
Artist - The Members
For those not in the know, The Members are a British punk band that originated in Camberley, England.
In the UK, they are best known for their single 'The Sound of the Suburbs', reaching #12 in 1979, and in Australia, 'Radio' which reached #5 in 1982.
Now released via Cleopatra Records comes the brand new 2019 release from the British punk legends, Version.
On Version, The Members play the hits of Buzzcocks, The Lurkers, The Ramones, Johnny Thunders, The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, Grandmaster Flash, Dillinger and many others with each track reflecting the many and varied influences of the band (aka punk to pop to reggae and dub).
1. 'When You Were Mine'
2. 'Does Your Mother Know'
3. 'Boys Keep Swinging'
4. 'What Do I Get?'
5. 'Sheena Is a Punk Rocker'
6. 'Shadow'
7. 'On Broadway'
8. 'Chinese Rocks'
9. 'Police in Helicopter'
10. 'Soul Rebel'
11. 'Night Nurse'
12. 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've?) / Under Mi Sleng Teng'
13. 'Cokane in My Brain / White Lines'
14. 'Waiting For My Man'
With all the 14 tracks arranged and performed with an intense artistry all their own, they kick off with the brilliant duo of Prince's 'When You Were Mine' and a gently distorted version 'Does Your Mother Know' (yes, ABBA!), before a quite stunning rendition of David Bowie's 'Boys Keep Swinging' (even sounding like him!) is brought forth.
Next up is 'What Do I Get?' (Buzzcocks) which is backed by a blistering 'Sheena Is a Punk Rocker' (Ramones), before we then get a more contemporary track in the form of The Lurkers' 'Shadow,' followed by continued smooth vocal roll (albeit in the style of The Kinks!) for 'On Broadway.'
Showcasing perfectly how apt at performing both old school and new school The Members - JC Carroll, guitar/keys/vocals; Chris Payne, bass/ guitar/vocals; Nick Cash, drums/percussion; and Calle Engelmarc, guitars/vocals - still are today that's backed by a more than decent stab at the classic Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers cut 'Chinese Rocks,' the genius that was John Holt on 'Police in Helicopter,' and then the beloved Bob Marley track 'Soul Rebel.'
Their version of reggae artist phenom Gregory Isaacs' 'Night Nurse' is a most definite stand out cut here, and is backed by a rather interesting, foot off the pedal version of their old mates the Buzzcocks' 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've?) / Under Mi Sleng Teng.'
Jamaican musician Dillinger's 'Cokane in My Brain' is then blended sweetly with Grandmaster Flash's infamous 1983 chart-topper 'White Lines,' with the album rounding out with a righteous nod to the Velvet Underground (and Lou Reed, in particular) on 'Waiting For My Man.'
Version is available on both CD as well as a special limited edition (only 200 made) vinyl pressing!
Official CD Purchase Link
Official Vinyl LP Purchase Link
www.TheMembers.co.uk
www.CleopatraRecords.com