Released in the early 1980s, amidst the vibrant post-punk music scene, "Famous Places - Sometimes / Bide Your Time" emerged as a 7-inch, 45RPM single vinyl record on the enigmatic Tango Records label. This unique release showcased a band pushing the boundaries of the genre, blending traditional elements with experimental soundscapes.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
Emerging from a period marked by disillusionment and social unrest, the post-punk movement challenged the conventions of mainstream music, embracing a DIY ethos and exploring unconventional sounds. "Famous Places - Sometimes / Bide Your Time" reflected this spirit, venturing into sonic territories that defied categorization. The A-side, "Sometimes," featured a raw, angular guitar sound, propulsive drumming, and vocals that oscillated between introspection and defiance. The B-side, "Bide Your Time," offered a more atmospheric and brooding experience, incorporating elements of dub and psychedelia.
Music Genre and Controversies
While firmly rooted in the post-punk aesthetic, "Famous Places - Sometimes / Bide Your Time" transcended genre boundaries, incorporating influences from various sources. The band's willingness to experiment with unconventional structures and instrumentation sparked debate among critics and fans alike. Some praised their adventurous spirit and innovative approach, while others questioned their departure from traditional post-punk sensibilities.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The production team behind "Famous Places - Sometimes / Bide Your Time" remains shrouded in mystery, as is often the case with independent releases from this era. The record's minimalist production aesthetic and lo-fi sound suggest that it was likely recorded in a modest studio or even a home setup, further emphasizing the DIY nature of the post-punk movement.
Music Genre: British Post-Punk Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "FAMOUS PLACES - Sometimes / Bide Your Time , Tango Records" was produced by: Famous Places This album was recorded at: Fairdeal Studios, 1986 Photography Ian Brown |
Record Label & Catalognr: Tango Records A3691 |
Media Format: 7" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record |
Year & Country: 1986 Made in UK |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: FAMOUS PLACES - Sometimes / Bide Your Time , Tango Records |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "FAMOUS PLACES - Sometimes / Bide Your Time , Tango Records" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "FAMOUS PLACES SOMETIMES / BIDE YOUR TIME , TANGO RECORDS" is:
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This is the front cover of a music release by the band “Famous Places.” It features a black-and-white photograph of four individuals at a train station, specifically the platform of “Clapham Junction,” as indicated by the station sign in the background. The band members are casually posed, with musical instrument cases beside them, suggesting they are a traveling or performing group.
Above the image is the band’s name, “Famous Places,” accompanied by an artistic design of a world map with interconnected lines, likely symbolizing global connections or travel.
At the bottom of the cover, the text highlights this release as a “Double ‘A’ side,” featuring the tracks “Sometimes” and “Bide Your Time.” The overall design carries a stark, minimalist aesthetic typical of post-punk or alternative band artwork, emphasizing themes of movement, time, and introspection.
This is the back sleeve of a release by the band “Famous Places.” It features a minimalist, black-and-white layout with individual portraits of the band members arranged in a grid format. Each member’s name and role in the band are labeled below their respective image.
Below the images, production details are listed. It mentions that the record was produced and arranged by Famous Places, recorded at Fairdeal Studios in September 1986, and released under Tango Records ©1986. Special thanks are extended to the monks of St. David’s Monastery, Isle of Elyses, for backing vocals on the track “Sometimes.”
The photography is credited to Ian Brown. Additional contact information for “Famous Places” is provided through Chicken Promotions, with an address in Isleworth, Middlesex, UK.
The sleeve maintains a clean and structured aesthetic, focusing on the band members’ roles and the production credits.
"Sometimes" Record Label Details: Description © Copyright ℗ Sound Copyright
The record label for this release by Famous Places is striking and clean, with a bright yellow background. At the top, the label features the text ‘Tango Records,’ indicating the record label. Below this, the band’s name, ‘Famous Places,’ is prominently displayed along with the familiar world map design featuring connecting lines, tying into the theme of global connectivity.
The track title ‘Sometimes’ is listed along with the songwriting credits: ‘Words by Livingstone/Derry’ and ‘Music by Livingstone.’ The label also notes that the record is a ‘Double “A” Side,’ emphasizing its dual-feature nature.
At the bottom of the label, there’s a stylized silhouette illustration of the band members, reinforcing the band’s visual identity. Production details mention the record was ‘Produced & Arranged by Famous Places ©1986.’
The layout is balanced, with clear text and bold visuals, matching the minimalist yet impactful aesthetic of the band’s overall design.
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