East Kilbride, 1985, two brothers, Jim and William Reid form the Jesus and Mary Chain. Their influence on music is now so widespread that it's almost impossible to imagine them not existing, punk had the energy and antagonism that forms part of their sound, but it's the dense sonic wall of violence on their early singles that redefined the sound of British indie for the late 80s/early 90s.
They may have started out as a band of black-clad amped up LSD
taking outsiders, but nothing symbolises their insidious movement
towards the mainstream than 'Just Like Honey', worming its way into
adverts and movies.
Those Phil Spector drums destroyed by wailing feedback and deadpan
atonal vocals, first single 'Upside Down' was a radical, nihilistic
jolt, but it's in the ambiguous emotional depth of 'Just Like
Honey' that ensures the band's continued reputation, so it's about
time their disocgraphy is getting the deluxe remaster treatment,
especially as even though first album Psychocandy may be their
best, every subsequent release saw the brothers Reid experimenting
with new sounds and ideas. Such as on the underrated 'Stoned and
Dethroned' that features the beautiful duet 'Sometimes Always'.
