R.I.P. Ari Up (17 January 1962 – 20 October 2010) of punk-reggae pioneers The Slits.
Here's their out-of-print John Peel Sessions album which is a 10 track compilation of their sessions from 1977-1981 (with Neneh Cherry as backing vocalist on the three cuts from the 1981 session).
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I remember hearing "Typical Girls" for the first time on a New Music special on punk that was broadcast 'round about 1988. The song just completely blew my mind. It was such an original and invigorating way of combining various strands of music into a crackling catchy whole. It's funny listening to it now I can dissect the pieces from whence it came much more readily but this takes nothing away from it's greatness. And make no mistake "Typical Girls" is a Great Song.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Ari.
They don't make 'em like her any more. A genuine free spirit.
ReplyDeleteSaw The Slits supporting The Clash at Cardiff Top Rank in '78. It changed my life, that gig.
Extremely sad news.
Fuck, I hate cancer.
ReplyDeleteI think I the first song I heard by the Slits was 'Grapevine' or 'Typical Girls'. I was hooked by the vocal harmonies juxtaposed with the discordant music. Not to mention that 'risque' purple cover of Cut...
Love 'Vindictive' on the Peel Session - "You find your place, I'll find mine!"
the Slits had a truly unique style,not another xerox punk band, i see them live in 81 at the time of their second album,the record was boring but on stage the songs were all another story,full of warmth...and yes,Ari was beautiful...
ReplyDeleteHi Jeffen
ReplyDeleteThanks for this.The Slits were certainly hyped back in the day(especially the NME) and initially I was not impressed.Slowly the debut album started to grow on me.Definitely DIY.Other bands that took me awhile to appreciate were Pere Ubu and The Pop Group.
Ari Up RIP.
Doug
Incredibly sad news. I was a bit of fan back in the late 70's. Loved 'Typical Girls' in particular. Ari was also a fine contributor to New Age Steppers.
ReplyDeleteThe Slits were a great band and extremely innovative.
RIP, Ari.
Thanks Jeffen. These rocknroll Peel versions of Cut songs are great. Still prefer the reggae originals, but they really stretched with these.
ReplyDeleteWish I'd seen 'em at some point. RIP Ari. What a spirit.
Sarest
Sad news about Ari Up. Thanks for posting this one. Been looking for it. If anyone is interested I've posted two Slits live shows on my blog: http://noiseaddiction.blogspot.com/2010/10/slits-erics-liverpool-10-77-alexander.html
ReplyDeleteI used to be into the whole faster is better trip-till I heard the Slits. Heard it through the Grapevine, Typical Boys, and how about the "Punk Rock Movie"? I could watch that footage for days. She was beautiful and I'm glad I saw 'em here in Los Angeles, she even signed a picture for me...Archie
ReplyDeleteOne and all
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great feedback!
thanx to Ari Up for the music (and thatnx for sharing it)
ReplyDeleteI hope that marvin gaye heard their version of grapevine. berry gordy also.
ReplyDelete