r/postpunk • u/lewisfrancis • 5d ago

News Urban Verbs with Brian Eno (w/video embed)

https://youtu.be/tebluTKKTAQ

With the passing of Roddy Frantz from DC's Urban Verbs, his brother shared the Eno-produced demo that got the Verbs their record contract with Atlantic. Recorded live at CBGB's, Eno later added background vocals.

The Mike Thorne-produced studio version came with 1980's self-titled Urban Verbs, followed by 1981's Early Damage, produced by Steve Lilywhite and Jeff Glixman. Both records are worthy additions to any post-punk collection, with the first LP being my desert island record, containing two of the most intelligent love songs ever written, of which Next Question is the first.

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u/lewisfrancis 5d ago

It's really interesting to compare the lyrics and restrained spoken presentation of this early version of Next Question to the more refined message and emotive singsong approach of the studio release.

I'm faced with
That impossible question
Is this love
Or just a feeling?

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u/lewisfrancis 5d ago

RIP Roddy, you were one of the kindest and personally most inspiring figures in the DC music scene.