Three Day Week

Back in February, I wrote about a really terrific 2-LP set curated by Pete Wiggs & Bob Stanley, two thirds of the band Saint Etienne, called "English Weather." The compilation featured many rare tracks showcasing the transition from British folk and psychedelia into prog as the 60's moved into the 70's. You can read about that set here.

The guys are at it again, with the just released and just as brilliantly curated, "Three Day Week: When The Lights Went Out: 1972-1975." As the liner notes explain:

"In 1973, Britain was still a nation of bogs; tens of thousands were housed in wartime pre-fabs. The bright new colours of the the post-war Festival of Britain seemed very distant as strikes, inflation and oil shortages laid Britain low. Three Day Week is the sound if agitation, gleeful irreverence, and a proto-punk sense of frustration."

Anyone who has ever made a mixtape knows the thrill and satisfaction of finding both the right songs and perfect sequencing, and to look at the songs and artists on this new set, one might not be so quick to dive in. Rare and deep cuts by Small Wonder, Stud Leather, Lieutenant Pigeon, Mungo Jerry, and Roly mingle with tracks by The Kinks, Hawkwind, Cockney Rebel and David Essex. But, like "English Weather," this set keeps you on your toes and it is another truly fabulous way of spending 90 minutes.


I posted three highlights, though I must stress, in the same way I do when I create a Weekend Mix, listening to individual tracks out of context may not pack the same punch. It sounds good altogether.

Full tracklist for "Three Day Week" is over here.