The Sound Of London Town by AD' 80: A Retro Gem That Still Kicks
Alright, let’s talk about The Sound Of London Town, the scrappy-but-smart debut from AD’ 80. Released in 1980 on Duck Records (a label as quirky as its name), this UK-born album is a glorious mess of Mod swagger, Power Pop hooks, and Punk attitude. It’s not perfect—heck, it doesn’t even try to be—but that’s kind of what makes it stick. With Brian Rydell belting out vocals like he's got something to prove, Neal Butler laying down basslines smoother than a London cabbie’s patter, and Step Hoyland pounding the drums with all the subtlety of a brick through a window, this record feels alive, raw, and real.
Now, onto the tracks. First up, we’ve got “Taxi Driver.” Man, this one grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The opening riff hits like a double espresso on an empty stomach—sharp, jittery, and impossible to ignore. Rydell’s vocals here are equal parts sneer and charm, like he’s telling you a story over pints at some smoky pub. The lyrics? They’re pure working-class poetry, painting pictures of late-night rides and fleeting encounters. You can almost smell the petrol fumes and hear the hum of city life. This isn’t just a song; it’s a vibe, man. And yeah, maybe I’m romanticizing it a bit, but damn if it doesn’t feel like stepping into another world for three minutes.
Then there’s the title track, “The Sound Of London Town.” If “Taxi Driver” is the heartbeat of the album, this one’s the soul. It’s bouncy, brash, and dripping with nostalgia for a London that probably never existed outside our imaginations. David Farrah’s rhythm guitar work is tight without being too polished, leaving just enough grit to keep things interesting. There’s a moment halfway through where the tempo shifts ever so slightly—it shouldn’t work, but it does, like finding a hidden alleyway you didn’t know was there. By the time the chorus kicks back in, you’re ready to grab your leather jacket and hit the streets, even if it’s just to walk around your own boring neighborhood.
Here’s the thing about The Sound Of London Town: it’s not groundbreaking. It won’t change your life or redefine genres. But sometimes, music doesn’t need to do any of that. Sometimes, it just needs to remind you how good it feels to turn the volume up and lose yourself in a beat. AD’ 80 might not have been aiming for immortality, but they nailed authenticity—and honestly? That’s way cooler.
So, next time you’re scrolling through Spotify looking for something new yet old-school, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “Taxi Driver” while stuck in traffic. Oh, and hey—if anyone knows what happened to these guys after ’80, hit me up. Bands like this deserve more than just a footnote in rock history.
