TV21 were from Edinburgh, Scotland and were only around
long enough to issue this classic long player "A Thin Red Line" and a
few singles before disappearing into the distance. The last thing I remember
hearing about them was that were appearing as a support group to the Rolling
Stones on their "Tattoo You" tour dates in Scotland. TV21 issued a single
in early 1982 "All Join Hands" then simply disappeared. I thought
they were a group with immense promise and a glowing future. At the time of the
release of "A Thin Red Line" TV21 were hot property in the UK music
press, I remember them having a full colour cover feature in Melody Maker and
their album was greeted with glowing reviews. "A Thin Red Line" was
issued in November of 1981, a year where one great album was released every
month. From the likes of The Undertones, The Comsat Angels, Teardrop Explodes,
The Passions, The Sound, Echo & The Bunnymen, Wah! and even U2’s debut album
Boy.
Enough Now! Back to why you’re here, the fabulous music
of TV21. I was initially attracted to the group because they were described as
a cross between The Jam and Teardrop Explodes (two of my favourite groups at
the time) and looking back I would say that is a pretty accurate comparison. In
reality the group clearly had a sound of their own which was more than clearly
demonstrated on this flawless debut album. The opening number "Waiting For
The Drop" hits you immediately with its Joy Division-ish bass line and
Teardrop Explodes style horn section. While I do think the Teardrop Explodes
comparison is just, although TV21 had a more aggressive sound, highlighted by Norman
Rodger's gruff vocals.