The Test Drive: Bradford – Thirty Years Of Shouting Quietly

Thirty years ago a young northern skinhead band named Bradford were very publically handed the baton by Morrissey to blaze a trail in English Indie music after the demise of The Smiths. Well renowned British producer Stephen Street immediately signed the band to his new label and the scene was set for the band, who in the words of Sounds music magazine in May 1988 were:

“Five guys with strict haircuts, their image conjures up short, sharp, shocks but their music tells a different story, creating intelligent and distinctive, finely crafted Pop songs. There are no jangly jaunts through well-trodden paths of predictability, the image, the name, the songs, the intelligence and the voice see that”

Alas, two things destroyed their chances: The collapse of Rough Trade, sending Stephen Street’s new label into ruin and the massive all covering avalanche in music that became known as ‘Madchester’. Bradford’s brand of sharp English Indie Pop was suddenly completely out of step with the times.

Thirty years later and the thawed avalanche reveals a distinctly northern row of chimney stacks belonging to the album ‘Shouting Quietly’ and it’s time for a reappraisal. Here it is in its original form containing 3 top twenty Indie singles, one being the renowned classic ‘Skin Storm’ which Morrissey also recorded and released in 1991.

This newly remastered re-release also contains ‘In Liverpool’, (Record Mirror’s ‘Single of the Week’) their first single for Stephen Street’s Foundation label, B sides, the eponymous ‘French’ mini album and some never before released material. Totalling 30 tracks on gatefold double CD containing extensive liner notes by Fergal Kinney (Louder Than War), lyrics and photos.

Stephen Street labeled the album a “lost classic” when approached about it in 2017 and it is with the greatest pleasure that A Turntable Friend Records bring to you this gem of an album once more.

‘Thirty Years Of Shouting Quietly’ will be released on February 9th.

LINKS:
http://www.aturntablefriendrecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/Bradford-16889326245
http://aturntablefriendrecords.limitedrun.com/products/607005-bradford-thirty-years-of-shouting-quietly
http://soundcloud.com/user-184628920/sets/bradford-thirty-years-of