(I’ve already written quite extensively on Dublin’s late 1970s/early 1980s Punk & New Wave scene. See The Sense of Ireland (1980), Dave Fanning & The Sportman’s Inn, Classic Dublin Punk/New Wave Singles (The search continues…), Dublin Punk & New Wave Venues (1976-84), The Blades; Revelations (Of 45s) & The Blades Are Sharp, The Atrix, The Spies, & D.C. Nien.)
Just For Kicks was a pivotal 12 track, black vinyl LP compilation, released by Kick records in December 1979, showcasing the very best of unsigned, new wave Dublin bands. U2songs have a considerable bit of information on the compilation here.
Kick Records, based out of 24 Upr. Fitzwilliam Street, was run by former UCDSU president Charlie McNally. He passed away in 2020.
It is a highly rare and coveted collectors item due to its limited pressing, the inclusion of U2 and for the fact that The Edge played bass on the Teen Commandments’ track “Something’s Better than Nothing”. Thus becoming the earliest recorded collaboration by a member of U2 with another act.
The executive producer was Charlie McNally, the recording engineer was Johnny Byrne, the record was ‘assisted by’ Paul Thomas and Master Production was by Windmill Studios. The cover was designed by Martin Devane, the record was pressed by Carlton Productions and printed by Massey Bros. Ltd. Dave Fanning (RTÉ Radio 2) supplied the sleeve notes.
This is the first time any of the songs below have been uploaded online. Enjoy.
Side One:
1. U2 – Stories for Boys (U2, Copyright control)
2. Berlin – Stop Stop (Devon, Kick/Foxrock Music)
3. D.C. Nien – Reptile (D.C. Nien, Kick/Foxrock Music)
4. Rocky De Valera & the Gravediggers – Lady Loves to Rock’n’Roll (Rocky, Kick/Foxrock Music)
(Unfortunately this song was scratched on my copy. If anyone could go to the trouble of uploading this song, I’d be extremely grateful)
5. The Resistors – Service With a Smile (McStay, Break Publishing)
6. Sacre Bleu – Mademoiselle Goodnight (AK/Doyle, Raglan Music)
Side Two:
1. The Atrix – Treasure on the Wasteland (The Atrix, Endofearth Songs)
2. New Versions – Tango of Nerves (Byrne/Kiang, Kick/Foxrock Music)
3. Teen Commandments – Something’s Better Than Nothing (Byrne, Kick/Foxrock Music)
4. Zebra – Silent Partners (Deana McCormack, Manuscript)
5. Jaroc – Midnight Charmer (Morgan/McFarlane, Kick/Foxrock Music)
6. Square Meal – Love Attack (Baily/Belton, Darkfox Music)
Thanks a million, keep up the good work!!!
Excellent! Thanks a million. Any chance you could post a scan of the reverse side of the album cover, I’m interested in reading the sleeve notes?
Hi F.S.,
I tried to scan both sides of the LP but my scanner is too small.
Fortunately, someone has already scanned the cover side here.
The only other details that I haven’t included in the post are Dave Fanning’s message and the long list of thanks to people involved in the production of the record. I’ll do my best to write them up this evening.
Hi Jay. I just checked irishrock.org and found at least some of the liner notes transcribed here: http://irishrock.org/comps/justforkicks.html
Sometime I must load up the video of Dave Moloney’s 50th birthday party where U2’s accountant played with the Vipers!
Well done loading this up.
Thought the Edge played the solo on that track, must check with Dave.
How much is this meant ot be worth – i have a “worn” copy!
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by U2log.com and Jo D., Fanning Sessions. Fanning Sessions said: Excellent! jaycarax over at the Come Here To Me! blog has just posted rare 1979 compilation 'Just For Kicks' http://bit.ly/9jeki1 […]
ok one or two good punky tracks on that lp but glad i didnt buy it at the time.jaroc,square meal,u2 have zilch to do with the music i grew up listening to.there was a later lp with a band called the practical householders-great punk track-on it.have it somewhere,some other good punk bands on it.and who could call sacre bleu punk jaysus.but well done for downloading it.
That version of Stories For Boys is so reminiscent to the early videos of U2 performing that song…thanks for sharing! The other songs, too, are wonderfully informative about the kind of music at the time, which I up till now knew very little about. I love especially that specific sort of drumming style and changing song rhythm present in so many of the songs…
If You like these Tracks then here is another one from ‘Zebra’ recorded in 1979 it is called ‘Repression’. This was released as a 2 Track 12″ EP and even after 32 Years it still sounds as good Today. Zebra were Ireland’s original Reggae Band.
Enjoy: