***Originating on the Isle of Wight in 1978, the band that would eventually emerge as Cassie began initially appearing under the more denim-and-dog-collar monikers of High Voltage and Black Dog. A key moment in the nascent group's history came in late 1978 when Debbie Barker joined the group as lead vocalist and immediately formed a tight songwriting partnership with guitarist Nigel Hayes. Before long, fans of the group now known as Flirt, were calling out for the band’s own punky/pop material, rather than their staple of covers, and singing along with them at their numerous local gigs. Several demo and recording sessions occurred between early 1980 and 1983 all of which remained unreleased until now. Despite local radio airplay and gigging, it was not until Flirt caught the attention of former Black Sabbath co-manager and producer Wilf Pine in 1981 that they group would issue what would be their first and only single. Under Pine’s management and with the new name of Cassie, the group re-recorded new versions of ‘Change My Image’ and ‘Will You’ for a single release on A.K.A. Records in 1982. Despite the record’s strength, A.K.A.’s untenable financial situation resulted in almost zero promotion for Cassie’s single. Cassie continued to gig and record for a few more years before ultimately disbanding with its members joining other bands. A tragic moment in the band’s history occurred in 2002 with the passing of original songwriter and guitar, Nigel Hayles. Thankfully, his great talents are now showcased...
LP $20.85
07/30/2021
***Formed on the Isle of Wight in 1978 the four-piece of Nigel Hayles-Guitar, Debbie Barker - Lead Vocals, Eric Biggs-Bass and Hugh Kim Lewis on drums was originally known as FLIRT before changing their name to CASSIE in 1979; likely as a nod to BLONDIE whose songs the group favored along with the likes of THE PRETENDERS, RAMONES and EDDIE & THE HOT RODS. Despite recording demos for WILF PINE, the former mobbed-up co-manager for BLACK SABBATH, major label deals were not forthcoming. Thus CASSIE issued their only single of two Barker penned, Pine-produced tracks, ‘Change My Image,’ backed-with ‘Will You’ on A.K.A. Records in 1982. ‘Change My Image’ is a bratty bubblegum-punk paean to future sell-out success (‘Gonna kick off my jeans and start smoking fancy cigarettes!’) while the furious guitar riffing on ‘Will You’ fortunately for today’s listeners finds CASSIE about three years out of step with the prevailing New Pop styles of 1982. Instantly obscure upon issue, CASSIE’s only record became instantly hard to find. The band would continue to perform releasing only one other track on a regional compilation before finally breaking up in 1985.
7" $11.00
07/16/2021