19 Mar 2025
Starting out in Camden in 1999, It’s A Sin was reborn in 2022 ,bringing an alternative, indie edge to the eighties night roster – proving not only that the decade’s tunes endure over 40 years later, but that they’re reaching new audiences. And that you don’t have to wear fancy dress to enjoy it!
To celebrate their first night at The Pioneer Club since September 2023, we asked some luminaries of the St Albans music scene to choose their favourite track from the decade of Electro, New Wave, Punk, SKA and cutting edge Pop.
It transpires that choosing just one track was not an easy thing to do. But thankfully, eventually, decisions were made – and The St Albans Times X It’s A Sin playlist is born.
The Smiths – Handsome Devil
Chosen by Grae J Wall (Vocals and guitarist, Skull Puppets)
Grae explained: “Back in the early ‘80s I was running an alternative night called ‘The Upstairs Room’ at The Adelaide in St Albans. I’d spin this every week, jump out from behind the decks and dance with my mates like a soul possessed!”
Strawberry Switchblade – Since Yesterday
Chosen by Colin Toms (Indie DJ, Mix 92.6)
Colin said: “It’s not just a great track, but Strawberry Switchblade had such amazing style. I still have friends who dress like them today!”
The Buggles – Video Killed The Radio Star
Chosen by Polly Hinksman (Vocals, The Metatrons)
Polly said: “Nowhere Girl by B Movie, Just Like Heaven by The Cure and everything by The Jesus And Mary Chain are up there, but Video Killed The Radio Star has been a mix tape favourite since I was young (and even though it was technically released in ‘79 it’s definitely an 80s tune!)”
Tears For Fears – Head Over Heals
Chosen by Eddie James (Assistant manager, Empire Records)
Eddie said: “This is the quintessential Tears For Fears song, in my opinion. Amazingly, I didn’t hear it until 2001 when it was featured in the film Donnie Darko. The cinematography of the scene, coupled with the beautiful synth chords, powerful vocals and unusual production (particularly the drum break in the middle) made me fall in love instantly. Still sounds fresh to this day.”
X Ray Spex – Oh Bondage, Up Yours!
Chosen by Daisy FC (Vocals, Dead The Will)
Daisy said: “I’ll always love this song because, despite the inappropriate lyrics, it was my favourite track to sing to with my Mum in the car when I was a toddler. Now I’m old enough to appreciate the track, and how inspiring Poly Styrene was as a front woman.”
The Birthday Party – Junkyard
Chosen by Ethan Roberts (Bassist, Goose)
Ethan said: “I think in terms of Nick Cave, The Birthday Party gets overlooked a lot. Junkyard is just visceral, noisy goodness and Nick’s vocals on it are raw as ****!”
Yazoo – Nobody’s Diary
Chosen by DJ Fita (In The House)
Fita said: “It’s an electronic 80s pop classic, a timeless banger that ticks every genre for me. Vince Clarke, Alison Moyet – what could go wrong?”
Ian Dury and The Blockheads – Reasons To Be Cheerful
Chosen by DJ Emboe (The Rocket)
Emboe said: “It’s a total classic – a perfect dancefloor tune. And I love the funky sax solo!”
New England – Kirsty MacColl
Chosen by Jon Prayer (Event Manager, The Pioneer)
Jon says: “Kirsty MacColl’s voice is amazing and I love the lyrics. It was great to hear a song that was originally written from a male perspective being sung by a woman.”
The Cure – The Lovecats
Chosen by DJ SarahC (Common People, It’s A Sin)
Sarah said: “You simply cannot have an alternative 80s playlist without The Cure. As a teen, it seemed as though half of St Albans wanted to be Robert Smith, and despite being released in 1983, this track was an early 90s indie disco staple. Their back catalogue is insane – as is the fact they are still releasing incredible music today.”
And because he launched It’s A Sin back in ‘99 and will be running the show on March 29th (and because he simply COULD NOT decide), It’s A Sin DJ Ed The Saint has special dispensation to choose three tracks:
The Specials – Man At C and A (Live)
Ed said: “It’s such an awesome version of the song. It shows the band at their live peak ripping through a track that, on the album, was a much less danceable affair. It’s cool as hell.”
The Beat – Too Nice To Talk To
“The Beat were an incredible band. Best known for ‘Mirror In The Bathroom’ of course, but the subtleties of tracks like this show how much more they were.”
Talking Heads – Once In A Lifetime
Ed added: “Almost impossible to pick my favourite Talking Heads track, but this one has stayed with me, lyrically and musically, since the first time I ever heard it. It’s a staggering piece of music.”
For all of the above and much, much more check out It’s A Sin, on Saturday March 29 at The Pioneer Club, Heathlands Drive.
Tickets can be bought in advance from ITSASINCLUB.CO.UK or at https://wegottickets.com/event/642833/
