DISCOGRAPHY

Pete Jones' contribution to recorded works over the years has been legendary, under-stated, under-rated, and under-paid. What a sucker! Nonetheless, here is a listing of the complete works of Pete Jones. All views expressed here are purely personal and are not meant to upset anyone. (But if they do.................)

BOGART- "Reebaneeba" b/w "Welcome to the show" SECRET records

• Pete played bass and sang backing harmonies on what is arguably one of the worst records ever released. One wishes there had been a severe vinyl shortage when this song was released back in 1977. Luckily, most copies ended up in a skip when the ex-manager had a clearout of his garage and were duly dispatched to the local dump. Now a rarity, if you ever find a copy, burn it.

BRIAN BRAIN- "They've got me in a bottle" b/w "I get pain" SECRET records

• This was the first somewhat unremarkable release from Brian Brain which featured Pete Jones playing bass and co-producing, and can only be defined as absolute tosh! Using studio time allegedly "borrowed" from Cliff Richard, it is the result of a couple of very late night sessions when self indulgence ruled. Only the bass solo saved the track from total anonymity. Also now a rarity, if you do come across a copy, immerse in boiling water and make an ashtray out of it. This first Atkins release was an early indication of his remarkable talent for his voice sounding shite.

BRIAN BRAIN- "Unexpected Noises" SECRET records

• This first Brian Brain album was truly a milestone. It encapsulated all that was Brian Brain. To say that it bordered on the mediocre would be a gross exaggeration. There were some unquestionably awful tracks on this album, including "They've got me in a bottle", "Asthma game" "Jet boats up the Ganges" and the title track "Unexpected noises" If you ever get a chance to listen to this album, make sure you are sitting down first because you will fall over laughing if you don't. As a wag from the music press stated at the time "This is the worst band I have ever heard in my life" Jones played on several of these tracks and would give him nightmares for years afterwards.

BRIAN BRAIN-"Another million miles" b/w "Personality counts"

• By this time Atkins starts to almost get the hang of it and manages to record a half decent tune with the help of Jones input. The pumping bass line lifts the song along, totally ruined by the naff vocals and even worse production. The song describes the PiL U.S. tour of 1980 on which Atkins played. I believe the title actually suggests a safe distance to be whenever this record is played. Co-written by Jones but not credited for.

  Personality Counts on the B side immortalises such great lyrics as "I like to see it when they bend down low, it turns me on it really makes me go. I like to be there when they undress at night, Oh god I love it Oh what a sight!" Indeed...what more can I say. Atkins' stab at Northern tongue in cheek humour.s had sod all to do with this track.

BRIAN BRAIN- "Culture" EP SECRET records

• This 4 track EP is quite good if you can get your hands on a copy. Brian Brains version of PiL's "Careering" is interestingly different, as is the cover of Gang of Fours' "Tourist" The other two throwaway Brain tracks were co-written by Jones and he played bass/sang/co-produced all four tracks.

BRIAN BRAIN- "Jive Jive" b/w "Hello to the working classes"SECRET records

• Atkins' attempt at producing a dance floor classic falls flatter than a dead dog in the middle of interstate 109. A lack lustre production only rescued once again by Jones' bass playing and middle eight solo. Co-written by Jones. There was a low budget video release to go with this track shot in New York which is a real rarity but worth a peep if you get the chance. It cleverly illustrates how you should avoid drinking on an empty head. (At the time this was OK because theirs was full of shit.)

BRIAN BRAIN-"Funky zoo" b/w "Flies" SECRET records

• Why Brian Brain thought they were good at producing pseudo dance tracks I'll never know, what on earth did they think they were doing? Great bass playing by Jones though, and really is the backbone of the track. A 12 inch vinyl version was released which was great because most of the vocals were removed. Brass section on this record was the ex Q-tips trio and did a "one taker" for 30 quid. "Flies" was a childlike ditty about.....Flies. Jesus!!!!

PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED-"Commercial Zone"

• Pete Jones' only studio release with PiL. Commercial Zone was the product of 8 months recording in Park South studios New York. Arguably, the last real "PiL" album with some dark themes and haunting overtones. A collaboration between Lydon/Levene/Jones/Atkins, mostly recorded at dead of night using various stimuli. An underrated album to which Jones' contribution was largely unrecognised. "Mad Max" was the first track that Jones recorded with PiL literally as soon as he stepped off the plane. (Look out for the full story in Johnny Tales). "Love song" a much better version than the over produced heap of shite that finally reached the shops. "Young Brits" a Jones/Atkins/Lydon composition which became "Solitaire" on TIWYW. "Blue Water" a dark shark infested track with every 3rd bar in 5/4 and which  included the immortal lines- "I'd give an arm, I'd give a leg, You chewed my guts, but not my 'ead"- Brilliant! "Miller High Life" was a late night Jones/Atkins effort with some clever gating effects and 4 bass parts by Jones.

OBOOPS-"Industrial Piss"

• The only release until 1998 by Jones since leaving PiL. A cacophony of sound served up on a rich palette only available by audition. This release was written/produced/engineered by Jones and all musical input except some sampling by Jones. He has only released copies of this four track EP to selected applicants who have met the stiff selection criteria. The 4 track E.P. includes "Put pegs in your hair", "Big ", "Get some clothes on, you're naked" and the title track "Industrial Piss". The limited availability of this EP makes it extremely rare.

OBOOPS-"Drum bang drum" b/w "Crash bang crash"

• 400 copy limited edition only, presented in a wooden box. Available by auditioned mail only. 

PETE JONES-"Twisted" 

• Much acclaimed 7 track EP released on Pete's own Jabberjab Art and Media UK label in 2001. Pete again did all the donkey work. This EP contains a cover of PiL's "Blue Water"

PETE JONES-"Neurotechnic"

• Another 4 track EP released on JAM UK. 2005. A dark trip around the confines of Jones' head.

Jabberjab-5/5/05

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