The Killermeters – still clocking up the miles T

MY piece about old radio shows prompted a message from Michael Mullinger.

“Listened to all the old radio comedy but must correct you about Raise A Laugh. It was Ray’s A Laugh and starred Ted Ray.”

Quite right, too but, in my defence, it was a long time ago.

The programme started in 1949 and ran until 1961, as a situation comedy and later as partly a variety show.

Kitty Bluett played his wife and other stars making regular appearances early in their careers were Peter Sellers and Kenneth Connor.

It was one of those classic radio comedies families listened to on Sunday lunchtimes as grandma cooked the roast dinner with plenty of Yorkshire puddings as starters.

They all had memorable characters like Mona Lott, Colonel Chinstrap and Sophie Tuckshop. And everyone had a HE first band I interviewed as rock journalist for the Examiner in 1977 was The Killermeters.

We met at noon for a quick chat in The Albert in town and were still there when the pub closed at three.

It can be fair to say we bonded and the band even became our removal men (they got a deal on big white vans) when Maria and I moved to Honley. I still wonder what the neighbours thought as a rock band unloaded my record collection of box after box of LPs.

They started punk but swiftly switched to the mod revival unleashed by The Jam that suited Vic Szczesnowicz, on bass, vocals, elegance and songwriting, much better.

He and lead guitarist Mick Moore have been the constants in differing line-ups over the years and, while they had recording success, they never made it as big as their talent deserved.

I still have copies of their first singles, Cardiac Arrest, Twisted Wheel and SX225, that have become collector’s items. Their longevity lives on, they remain in demand, continue to gig and have released a new album.

The Killermeters on Confidential Records shows how they have matured after 40 years in the music business without losing the excitement catchphrase: Al Read would say “Right, monkey,” the dour Mrs Mopp in ITMA would ask “Can I do you now, sir?” and end with “It’s being so cheerful that keeps me going.” Little Jim in The Goons inevitably said “E’s fallen in the water.”

Each one was 30 minutes of light hearted fun in the years of post-war struggle.

Some of the shows are being re-broadcast on BBC Radio Extra on BBC iPlayer, although to tune in you need a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

They include Harry Worth, The Navy Lark, Marriage Lines and Round The Horne.

By coincidence, a 1949 edition of Ray’s A Laugh will be broadcast at noon this Sunday on BBC Radio Extra for anyone who wants to tune in for a dose of nostalgia.

I can smell the Bisto gravy from here. that was always their bedrock.

Vic, the Northern Godfather of Mod, and Mick are now joined by Aussie Martin (guitars, vocals, harmonica and dulcima), Steve Dutton (percussion and sound engineer) and Claire Helm (vocals).

The album was made in Steve’s recording studio in Dewsbury, which they also use for rehearsals. Mick’s daughter, Jenny O’Sullivan, plays cello on one track.

Steve says: “We’ve definitely moved the Meters’ sound forward. We’ve added backing vocals, dulcimer, Hammond organ and even a cello on some tracks. But while this album has a fuller sound, I think we’ve still been faithful to what The Killermeters have always been about.”

Vic says: “Working with Claire has been a revelation. I wanted some extra vocals on some tracks but Claire came in, did her own thing harmonising over my vocals and contributed in ways which we hadn’t thought of. It’s developed our sound, making it richer, fuller and warmer and really enhances the experience.”

I may be biased, but I love the CD: great songs, great sound. As Vic says, an eclectic album.

I’m also an Oasis fan and I’ve been playing the Meters back to back with Liam Gallagher’s As You Were. Turn on, tune in, drop out, as the man used to say.

The Killermeters will be supporting Big Country at the Picturedrome, Holmfirth on March 3 if you want the chance to see them live.

You can hear an acoustic version of one of the tracks, High Life, on the band’s Facebook page, and to discover more about these Huddersfield legends log onto their website www.thekillermeters.co.uk where the album, is available both in vinyl and as a CD.

It’s also available from Vinyl Tap in Huddersfield.