BUFF MEDWAYS – FIRE
(DAMAGED GOODS)
Occasionally you will
annoyingly miss a song upon released when really you should be savvy enough to
know of its existence due, if nothing else, to a knowledge and familiarity of
the author in question. It slays me to concede
that I have only just discovered this record.
Even more worrying is that I once saw the Buff Medways supporting
Mudhoney and it is quite possible that they may have performed this song that
evening.
The song in question “Fire”
is indeed a cover of the Hendrix classic and as to be expected with any group
that Billy Childish leads the version is very raw and in a classic garage
style.
For those that might
consider Childish’s playing to be basic and one dimensional here is a prime
example of just how that perception is so flawed. In taking on “Fire” the band choose to take their sound from the
garage to the wilds and an outdoor plane.
This is a big song that demands a big sound and displays a whirlwind of
fury whenever anyone attempts. At the
risk of sounding a fool, in many ways this version improves on the Hendrix
original bringing a punk edge to proceedings and a new meaning with it.
On the reverse is
another Hendrix cover in the form of “Manic Depression”. The first time I ever heard this song was
watching David Addison in Moonlighting smash up his company car. As a result for me it has always been a song
of high temper and emotion. And the
version here is no less extraordinary as Childish appropriates voice to
suitable frustration as the band lurches through a highly energised version of
the song executing more treble than feedback.
It’s a no brainer that Childish selected this song.
The Buff Medways be a
band more versatile outfit than mass reputation allow.
Thesaurus moment:
experienced.
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