400 BLOWS
	Formed in Croydon, London, in 1981, this influential band combined funk, reggae, African music and disco, as well as experimenting with with samples and loops, and could be considered as forerunners of the industrial rock and dance genres. Alongside Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire, with a sound that has been described as 'avant-funk', they spent little time worrying about rock song structure or melody. Their name was taken from a 1959 film by Truffaut, and should not be confused with two more recent U.S. bands based in New York & California who have obviously rented the same videos. Their first single 'Beat the Devil' was similar in style to Cabaret Voltaire, and caught the attention of Illuminated Records.  The debut album caused controversy with the title 'If I Kissed Her, I'd Have To Kill Her First' leading to claims of misogyny.  The response from leading member Edward Beer only made matters worse; 'Oh, maybe sexually I like them, but I don't like having them around that much. They just get on my nerves'. A minor hit followed with 'Movin', an updated version of the Brass Construction song, which also featured new recruit, Lee, who added female vocals to the track. By the late 80's and early 90's, the emergence of Acid House saw 400 Blows heading in a more dance orientated direction, and releasing singles like  'Champion' on Warrior Records. Band member Anthony Thorpe would later find solo success under the guise of the Moody Boyz, as well as performing remixing duties for the K.L.F. One song that may have reached a wider audience is "Black and White Mix Up," a 1983 track that features remix work from the dub-obsessed Mad Professor, which was featured on an Andy Weatherall compilation of mid-'80s underground alternative dance, titled 'Nine O'Clock Drop'. IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE 400 BLOWS:  Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire, A Certain Ratio, The KLF, Gaye Bykers On Acid, The Shamen.
		A brief Discography: 'If I Kissed Her I'd Have to Kill Her' (1985) 'The Good Clean English Fist' (1985) 'Look'   (1986) 'Yesterday, Today. Tomorrow, Forever' - Compilation (1986) 'New Lords On the Block' (1989) All of the above are albums only: I will post more info if and when I can find it, but if anyone wants to help me out . . . email: retropalace@yahoo.com
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