The Spikes - Colour In A Black Forest & Six Sharp Cuts (1990)

Here's one of my better budget finds. Ignore the horrible cover - I did, but I'm glad I took the time to flip it over and read the credits and see what it was really all about. Based out of Adelaide, Australia, The Spikes were often compared to Scientists, Gang Of Four, Green on Red and Warsaw-era Joy Division They were one of many bands fronted by Aussie indie legend Ian Kist. Before The Spikes, List played bass and guitar for the Dagoes, then the UV's after the demise of the Spikes. Originally named the Falling Spikes they started playing live as the Spikes in June of 1983. The first Spikes record was recorded in September of 1983, when they went in the studio and recorded three tracks. Two of these became the single "She’s Melting b/w The Theme From Acid Beach", while the third, a Nomads-like cover of The Sparkles garage classic "Ain’t No Friend Of Mine" was held back until their mini-lp. By February of 1984 they were ready for a bigger recording session, and the result was the first Greasy Pop mini-lp, 6 Sharp Cuts. The front cover was a photo of the Adelaide skyline during a fireworks display. When the LP came out in America, Big Time redesigned it and came up with a putrid green and pink patterned mess. The Spikes eventually fizzled and List tried out for several bands, including The Waterboys before continuing on with The UV's.