The Swinging Laurels

about

In 1980 John Barrow and Gaz Birtles founded The Swinging Laurels. Gaz had been previously fronting a Ska/Rock band in Leicester, United Kingdom, The Newmatics, where John would make regular guest appearances on sax. It was during this period that Gaz and John decided to experiment with an old Elka organ Drum machine and a Roland SH1 Mono synth. John went out and bought an AKAI 1/4" 2-track Reel to Reel tape recorder and they experimented with writing and recording sax and synth tracks. At this point in time they were mostly instrumental tracks. This relationship soon developed into a serious project and a name for the duo was needed. Whilst taking photo's in a local cemetery Gaz was trying to think of a name for the band and as he passed a wind blown Laurel bush he thought SWINGING LAURELS!! Crap, but true!!! Gaz and John tried to seduce The Newmatics with their new found direction and name but they were having non of it. So, with the help of Newmatics' drummer and songwriter, Nic Murphy, they started recording at the 8-track "Woodbine Street Studios" in Leamington Spa, and recorded Swing the Cat, and Peace of Mind under the experienced guidance of producer Johnny Rivers. It was during this session that Johnny bought out his newly acquired gadget, The Clap Trap and suggested putting it on the tracks. Especially Peace of Mind. This was a sonic revelation to the band then. Synthetic claps over a live drum beat! When the finished track was later played at a club in Leicester the

top songs

albums

IN THEIR OWN TIME

Greatest Bits Volume 1

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Favourite Shirts

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7" Single

Rodeo

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Revenge of Make Your Own Mahem!

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The Unknown Beauty Of The 80's

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Revenge Of Make Your Own Mayhem! • Evan "Funk" Davies/2009 Wfmu Marathon

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Cheap Tricks In A Box: Dining Out Records 1979-1982

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Rare 80's MP3

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Cheap Tricks In A Box (Dining Out Records 1979-1982)

Peace Of Mind

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