Originally compiled by Steve Barker for his influential BBC Radio Lancashire programme "On The Wire," Bugs On The Wire is a fascinating snapshot of the mid-1980s underground music scene. Spanning electronic, rock, reggae, and world music, this compilation brings together an eclectic mix of tracks — many of them unreleased or specially recorded — with nods to legends like Adrian Sherwood's On-U Sound imprint and connections to Mark E. Smith and Beggars Banquet. The front cover teases it best: "Just when you thought it was safe to turn your radio on... weird tales from—."
This 2025 Record Store Day reissue of Bugs On The Wire has been lovingly recovered and remastered by Jethro R. Binks and Max Barker, with original and revised artwork by Steve "Jah Coozy" Hardstaff and extensive new liner notes by Steve Barker. The tracks were originally cut by the legendary Kevin Metcalfe at Townhouse, London, and the rear cover pays tribute to icons Blind Willie Johnson, Albert Ayler, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and Adrian Sherwood — giving a sense of the deep musical reverence woven throughout this release.
- Handling Time Note: ** Please allow an additional 4-5 business days for this item's shipment. **
- Format: Vinyl
- Label: Leghorn Records
- Genre: Electronic, Rock, Reggae
- Release Date: 04/12/2025
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TRACKS
A1. Ravi Shankar / On The Wire (Theme)
A2. I Walked With A (Live) Bugs Bunny Bendy Toy
A3. Wings
A4. Scratch On The Wire
A5. Please Give Me Something
A6. Black And Strange
B1. The Need To Live
B2. What's That?
B3. Tall Dark Stranger
B4. Ed's Original Funky Diner
B5. Brujo Magic
B6. Forget It All
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