Swedish Trudy article translation by Rosie

"What you mean to me, It's so obvious"

I have received several questions about different styles of indie music, and it has been suggested that there are many obscure singles out there which are now practically unknown and unheard. I have been asked whether I agree?

I do, broadly agree, and I feel it would be great to create and display a complete discology of that music which has practically disappeared, making it available to all. This would have a broad appeal, not least if solely due to the old coloured vinyl that was used – a real sight for sore eyes!

Many of the records which we are talking about were scratched to pieces by enthusiasts, and before we knew it they were out of print. And I have had enough of sharing all my gems only to find some hardcore indie-fascist waiting round the corner to criticise. And when it does become fashionable again, I’m going to be even less likely to share my precious records themselves!

So I have decided to start an exhaustive series of these singles. This is easily going to take several months – I plan to include everything, and ultimately to make it accessible on the web. I shall unearth those forgotten singles which have been overlooked by SoulSeek, I shall defend my collection, my finest pop singles bought long ago and far away.

I bought many indie singles, especially during the 80’s. Coincidentally, I have been trying to reorganise my record collection recently, and have listened to many to see which ones come up to scratch and even if any could still fill a real indie dance floor!

My first eighties discovery is the Trudy’s “Countdown to Love”, which came out in 1989 on Planet Miron Records. A superb psychedelic cover, and an eat-your-heart-out Blondie pop single – an absolute must for your pop collection.

The Trudy have a footnote in pop history, and when I try to find any information about them on the net these days – ploughing through fanzines and newspaper articles written ten or more years ago – I can’t find anything modern about them. I am well and truly stumped.

I don’t have the time or energy to find the six members with front(wo)man and singer Melissa J Heathcote. The have disappeared into nothingness, like 95% of all the bands I was familiar with at the time. And I’m not so sure if, fifteen years on, I would be that pleased to make the acquaintance of Sara-Flatmates, This Poison-Derek, Wolfhounds-Dave and all the others. But if someone out there does have an email addresses of this, or any other 80’s band, please send it to me. Likewise, if you have any more Trudy music I’d like to get my hands on it.

The Trudy had an address in Kingston, Surrey , and it would be interesting to see if any of their other tunes are in “Countdown to Love”’s league. The chorus is pure Blondie-class and proves that the Trudy took their style direct from Debbie Harry. I can think of a million bands which did the same. But the result is a perfect pop song, with fast background drumming and strong vocals right to the end, finishing as suddenly and perfectly as the Undertones “You’ve Got My Number”.

If you have any sympathy with my position, and give a damn about what I’m trying to do, firstly please try to get hold of this single and secondly get it on the net so everyone can hear it. Let us pop snobs keep something for ourselves, and everyone will gain!

Terry Ericsson 25/02/04
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Original article can be found here