On this day in 1984, Strawberry Switchblade recorded their first BBC radio session for Janice Long, with their 5-piece indie guitar line-up, a few months before they decided to go for electro arrangements instead

(forgive the quality, taped off the radio at the time!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPFSJDaZ9pA

#80sindie #indiepop #strawberryswitchblade #80smusic #1980smusic #80s #1980s #bbcradio

Strawberry Switchblade in the studio during the recording of their album, mid 1984. As befits a practical, work-focused day they are underdressed by their standards (though still flamboyant by anyone else's).

With them are producer David Motion (left), and the late Michael Parker (guitarist with Jungr & Parker and Julian Clary's backing band!) who was the partner of Jill's friend Marg.

#strawberryswitchblade #80s #music #80smusic #1980s #1980smusic #recording #indie #indiepop #80sindie

New Trees and Flowers cover version just dropped! Madeline Goldstein did this beautiful rendition with Faith-era Cure vibes (and authentic sartorial choices) on 30 October at the Empty Bottle in Chicago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s85YrO8A2Fw

#strawberryswitchblade #treesandflowers #madelinegoldstein #indie #coverversion #80sindie #indiepop

Strawberry Switchblade, in the latter part of the band's existence, around 1986. Although it's a monochrome photo, they were wearing uncharacteristically colourful stuff this day.

(📸©️Peter McArthur, used with permission)

#strawberryswitchblade #1980s #80s #1980smusic #80sMusic #80sstyle #indiepop #80sindie #80sindiepop #music

Strawberry Switchblade, 1984/5. The person in their 1980s body warmer unintentionally serves to highlight the dramatic pizzazz of the band's aesthetic.

#strawberryswitchblade #80sMusic #80s #music #1980s #1980smusic #popstars #polkadots #indie #indiepop #80sindie #80sindiepop

Strawberry Switchblade on stage, late 1983/early 1984 [📸Kenji Kubo].

After debut single Trees & Flowers was an indie success in summer 1983 they put together a touring band.

Simon Booth (aka Emmerson) from Working Week played guitar, with drummer Roy Dodds & bassist John Cook. 🧵

#strawberryswitchblade #80s #music #80smusic #1980s #1980smusic #indie #indiepop #80sindie

Three fabulous previously unseen photos of Strawberry Switchblade live at Brockwell Park, London, 4 August 1984. It was a free gig put on by Greater London Council featuring an ececletic mix inc the Damned, the Fall, Benjamin Zephaniah & Spear of Destiny. Photographer unknown.

#strawberryswitchblade #80s #1980s #80smusic #1980smusic #goth #indie #indiepop #80sindie

Remembering John Peel on his birthday. Strawberry Switchblade were among the innumerable bands he promoted, giving them a session in October 1982 before they were signed (and which led to their getting a recording contract). Here's Little River. 🧵
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG_Tj81jY60

#johnpeel #johnpeelsessions #peelsessions #keepitpeel #keepingitpeel #strawberryswitchblade #indie #indiepop #80sindie #80smusic #1980smusic #music

Continuing our week celebrating the 42nd anniversary of the release of Strawberry Switchblade's debut single Trees & Flowers. The single was issued on 7", & also on 12" with an instrumental version of Trees & Flowers as the bonus track. So where's the extended version from? 🧵

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxOUWEpi6hw

#strawberryswitchblade #80s #music #80sMusic #indiepop #indie #indiemusic #80sindie