TV’s on the blink

One of the most unsung records to come out of the first wave of U.K. punk was the Adverts’ Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts. This classic album was released a little late out of the punk gate, at the beginning of ’78, but captured the frenetic energy of their stints at the famous Roxy Club and the 100 Club. But while punk rock quickly became a fashion statement and a musical cliché, the Adverts had a secret weapon in TV Smith’s clever and twisted barbs. Although the media tended to focus on the punk pin-up quality of bassist (and at the time, TV Smith’s wife) Gaye Advert, it was the Adverts’ music that hinted at post-punk, which was still two years away, with Smith asserting himself as the first punk rock poet, that really set them apart from the gobbing safety-pin set.

Released this week on DVD is TV Smith and the Bored Teenagers (WDF/MVD), revisiting the Crossing… record from a show at the 100 Club on April 5, 2007. With the musical backing of Spain’s los Quattros (renamed the Bored Teenagers for the night), TV Smith may be greying at the temples but is full of piss and vinegar during expert stabs at “One Chord Wonders,” “Bored Teenagers” and of course their classic “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes.” Amazingly enough, the Bored Teenagers do a smash-up job—not only are they tighter than a chicken’s bum in a hailstorm but they’re able to capture the discombobulation of the songs threatening to leave the rails, which was the Adverts’ signature sound. The bonus material actually threatens the main attraction in intensity, with TV Smith performing some of his later work at a small pub, with eyes shut tight while delivering his razor-sharp lines through clenched teeth.

The DVD is one thing, but this punk rock icon (no doubt a title he wears rather uncomfortably) is coming to town playing two shows this week. Capping off Suoni per il Popolo this year is Smith playing at la Sala Rossa this Tuesday, along with local post-punks the O Voids and punk rock’s current great white hope, Jay Reatard. If you miss Smith at Sala, you can also run down to catch another set at Katacombes the same night.

In further punk rock retiree news, don’t miss the return of the Subhumans (the U.K. ones) with the Business, Ripcordz,

la Gachette and two other guests at Foufounes Électriques (natch) on Sunday. To complete your punk rock week, the one show that you cannot miss is the return of one of the greatest live bands of all fucking time, Nomeansno, who will completely liquefy la Sala Rossa on Friday with young bucks the American Devices and current buzz-around-town Grand Trine.

On (slightly) less of a punk rock tip, don’t miss Japan’s Zoobombs and guests on Saturday at Divan Orange, Magik Markers with Mouthus, Cousins of Reggae and Disguises on Sunday, again at Divan Orange, and Six Organs of Admittance with Chris Corsano at la Sala Rossa on Monday.

“ALL MY HEROES DIED WHILE THEY WERE STILL ALIVE…” JONATHAN.CUMMINS@GMAIL.COM