Archive release

The Medium Was Tedium / Don't Back The Front

The Desperate Bicycles · 1977 · Vinyl-7-Inch · GB · RR2

Recorded in SLIGHTLY STEREO. Both tracks were pressed on the A and B sides, as it was cheaper that way. B side label is plain white. From the back sleeve: "The Desperate Bicycles were formed in March 1977 specifically for the purpose of recording and releasing a single on their own label. They booked a studio in Dalston for three hours and with a lot of courage and a little rehearsal they recorded 'Smokescreen' and 'Handlebars' It subsequently leapt at the throat. Three months later and The Desperate Bicycles were back in a studio to record their second single and this is the result. "No more time for spectating" they sing and who knows? they may be right. They'd really like to know why you haven't made your single yet. "It was easy, it was cheap, go and do it" (the complete cost of "Smokescreen" was £153) The medium may very well have been tedium but it's changing fast. So if you can understand, go and join a band. Now it's your turn.............." The names listed on the back are of those people who had shown an early interest in the group, prompted by an airing on the John Peel show (BBC Radio 1). Published by Office Music ℗ 1977 Refill Records Original pressing of 1000 copies, with subsequent pressing of 2500 copies.