THE DIAGRAM BROTHERS John Peel Session 27th January 1981

I always remember Manchester’s post punk pop combo THE DIAGRAM BROTHERS as being labelled as, the UK’s answer to DEVO... I suppose there was suggestion of process music, well processed voice.  The mechanical, methodical vocals; “I get out of bed, I put my slippers on, I go to the bathroom, I have a poo, I wash my hands, opps!! I flush the toilet…” kind of thing, with little allusion of poetry, but more than a hint of sarcasm & (dark) humour..

Their inaugural gig was apparently a disastrous affair for the John Peel Roadshow at Manchester University in early 1980, where sound went from Norman Collier–esque embarrassment to the bang of “That’s your lot Ladies & Gentlemen”… Still. The great man saw merit in what they were doing & offered them a session from which came the mighty “We Are All Animals.”  A song about a cat, a fish & a budgie…

Personally, I think this session they sound more like XTC than DEVO.. They did eventually release an album by the end of 1981 “Some Marvels of Modern Science” which was heralded with tumultuous indifference, & with various members time at college coming to end, the decision was made dissolve the DIAGRAMS.  ANDY DIAGRAM swapped his bass for a trumpet & contributed to many bands from the North West; THE FLORISTS, THE PALE FOUNTAINS, DISCLOCATION DANCE, JAMES to name but…. Err four!  

• mp3: “THE DIAGRAM BROTHERS John Peel Session 27th January 1981”

1. I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today By Being A Right Git
2. My Bad Chest Feels Much Better Now
3. Postal Bargains
4. Those Men In White Coats

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