The Three Johns

Leeds, England's The Three Johns formed in 1982 and released a few singles before releasing the LP "Atom Drum Bop" (1984, Abstract Records). Their music can be described as an accessible version of post-punk with big sounding guitars and hard, repetitive dance beats. If that sounds like that other Leeds band it's not by accident. Jon Langford (who was also recording with and continues to record with the Mekons) admits they went for "that Gang of Four sound" and even programmed the forth member, a drum machine called "Hugo", to "do that Gang of Four beat". They recorded a few more LPs before Langford decided to commit to the Mekons full-time in 1990.

The Three Johns were:
Jon Langford - guitar
John Hyatt - vocals
John Brennan - bass
Hugo the drum machine.

You can find a reissued concert CD here.

Go to the download page to get The Three Johns- "Atom Drum Bop"

The Reds

Philadelphia's The Reds debuted in 1979 on A&M records. They released a self-titled LP and a 10" vinyl EP (remember those?) both produced by David Kershenbaum (Joe Jackson, Duran Duran). The EP contained a scortching cover of The Doors
"Break On Through" but The Reds never managed that feat commercially and their stay with A&M ended. Next came two independent LPs, "Stronger Silence" and "Fatal Slide." 1984 found them as a duo after the drummer and bassist left. They landed on Sire Records with Mike Thorne (Soft Cell, Nina Hagen, Wire, Blur) producing. The album "Shake Appeal" led the band to work with film /TV director/producer, Michael Mann. Mann hired them to score the film "Manhunter" as well as using their music in "Band Of The Hand" and episodes of "Miami Vice". The 90's saw the release of "Cry Tomorrow (1992, Tarock Music) once again produced by Mike Thorne. The CD was remastered and rereleased in 1999.

The Reds were:
Rick Shaffer - Guitar, Vocals
Bruce Cohen - Keyboards,
Tommy Geddes - Drums,
Jim Peters - Bass

You can find out more about the Reds at The Stereo Society

You can find The Reds "Cry Tomorrow" CD here.

Go to the download page to get The Reds - "Whatcha Doin' To Me"