Back in 1981, 23 Skidoo were a hot live ticket feeling their way towards a blend of infectious funk, post-punk and world music that translated to critical acclaim. The floodgates blew off their hinges when Skidoo’s second single detonated. The Cabaret Voltaire-produced Last Words/The Gospel Comes To New Guinea boasted a 10-minute B-side that came on like a pulsing festival explosion sharpened by all manner of timeless effects that almost qualifies it as proto-electronica.
The pivotal Seven Songs mini-album followed, with a blend of rhythm, clang, effects, snake-like bass and compelling grooves that made it 20 years ahead of its time. Though the album – and both 7” and 12” versions of Last Words – have all been reissued on CD since, LTM have cut them back to their rightful vinyl home. Disc One features the Seven Songs LP and the 7” version of New Words. Fans will, however, get most excited about Disc Two, which dusts down four tracks recorded for a September 1981 Peel Session – Macaw Gunger, View From Here, Four Note Bass and Retain Control – which have all been in the archive for far too long.
