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Brinsley Swartz

Brinsley Schwarz were a 1970s English pub rock band, named after their guitarist Brinsley Schwarz. With Nick Lowe on bass and vocals, keyboardist Bob Andrews and drummer Billy Rankin. They were later augmented by Ian Gomm on guitar and vocals.

I got hold of a live album of theirs around 1976 or 1977 and oved it, it had a number of moderate hits on it which are detailed below. Again never saw the band live but they were influential on my musical tastes and also on other bands coming out of the Pub circuit during this period.

In no particular order, these are my favourite Brinsley Swartz tracks, first up are 'Hooked on Love' & 'Surrender to the Rhythm' from the Old Grey Whistle Test, on BBC2. I actually remember seeing them play on thi sprogram - assume this is the film of that session


The other clip I have here is 'What's so funny about Peace, Love and Understanding', this song was recorded by a number of other groups and you'll find them elsewhere on this collection in due course.



Elvis Costello was a roadie in the early days of the band and Nick Lowe went on to have a solo career whilst Brinsley Swartz & Bob Andrews went on to join Graham Parker & the Rumour.

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