on tar beach

"By the end of side one, you're convinced singer Suzy May is a Shangri La, a Ronette or a Twinkle who has had her heart broken by a Bobby, a Johnny or a Joe," wrote Andy Hurt in his 5-star review of the Deadbeats' "On Tar Beach" in Sounds magazine.

Originally issued in 1985 on French independent label New Rose, the album was recorded at Jackson's, producer Vic Maile's studio. The band were fans of 50s rockabilly, 60s girl groups and 70s punk and had a policy of using vintage equipment and instruments, so Maile's all-valve desk was perfectly suited to their sound.

While it went largely unnoticed in the UK, "On Tar Beach" became New Rose's second biggest-seller (after the Cramps) and the Deadbeats travelled throughout France playing to sold-out crowds at venues such as the Rex in Paris, Chez Paulette in Toul and the Heartbreak Hotel in Sète.

This expanded version, with seven bonus tracks, marks the album's first UK release. Sleeve notes are by the band's guitarist, Tony Berrington.

track listing

1. FALL IN LOVE TONITE
2. CRAZY WHEN I HEAR THAT BEAT
3. NEW GIRL
4. BOBBY
5. DELILAH
6. DON'T TELL JOE
7. SEXY SADIE
8. WHEN YOU DANCE
9. SWAN LAKE
10. JOHNNY REB
11. CRAZY HOUND DOG
12. FALL IN LOVE TONITE
13. CRAZY WHEN I HEAR THAT BEAT
14. NEW GIRL
15. SUPERGRASS
16. DANGEROUS STRANGER
17. ON TAR BEACH
18. NEW GIRL