Description
Life Begins at Thirty is the sole album by the British new wave combo Rev Counta & the Speedoze, released on Duff Records in 1980. Also released in the US by StarSong Records. (According to a note featured in the Gospel section of the April 25, 1981 issue of Record World magazine, “In May, Star Song Records will release four albums featuring Christian “new wave” and British rock sounds. Selling under the name Star Song Special Products, the titles are No Sham, the Bill Mason Band; Charge of the Light Brigade, Ishmael; Life Begins at Thirty, Rev. Counta & the Speedoze; and The Alternative, Giant – killer.“) The band features Rev. Counta on lead vocals and guitar (a.k.a. Ian “Ishamel” Smale, formerly of Ishmael United), Luigi on keyboards, guitar, and vocals, Piggy Malone on bass and vocals (a.k.a. Laurie Mellor, the mastermind behind the multi-artist compilation Shots in the Dark ), and Dave “Jimmy” Bickley on drums.
It’s that Ishmael guy again under yet another nom de plume, this time with another irresistible platter of UK goon wave, ska and retropunk – and so much bounce and energy you just might have to glue it to your turntable! This is my personal favorite of all his assorted projects with a sound similar to but slightly leaner than Ishmael United. Mystify your mind with titles like «Hell Ain’t For Heroes», «Dr. Heckle And Mr. Snide», «2 Years On A Camel» and «Marmite Sandwiches», all accompanied profusely with what has got to be the chintziest sounding organ ever – glorious! Eventually got released in the US on the then-visionary StarSong label. [Ken Scott, The Archivist]
Kingsway Music 1995 CD Re-issue of Ishmael United + Rev Counta And The Speedoze
A welcome re-release that nails together in CD format the Ishmael United album ‘If You Can’t Shout Saved‘ LP and the Rev Counta And The Speedoze ‘Life Begins At Thirty’ LP from the early 80s. Pleased to report that these veteran tracks are still in good shape, as always illustrating the elusive skill of writing and performing simple songs which are strong on communication and defiant memorability. This was the punk rock era of course, fast and furious and highly enjoyable. Recording quality was a bit rough (they reckon it was deliberate!) and funnily enough some of Ishmael’s vocals of those days make me think of how Peter Sellers might have attempted a micky-take. Strange comment I know, but that’s what I have to report. Flaws galore, but good old stuff, reminiscent of a time and a valid slice of UK CCM nostalgia. Shame about the truly appalling packaging. [Tony May, Cross Rhythms, August 1995]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/ishmael-double-edition-ishmael-united-life-begins-at/1201341036)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “All Mixed Up”
A2. “Love So Great”
A3. “Motex”
A4. “Hell Ain’t For Heroes”
A5. “For What We’re About To Receive”
A6. “Dr Heckle & Mr Snide”
A7. “Marksman”
Side Two
B1. “No Coincidence”
B2. “2 Years On A Camel (Full Of Eastern Promise)”
B3. “Every Circus Needs A Strongman”
B4. “Marmite Sandwiches”
B5. “Ferguson’s Mule”
B6. “Miss Us”
Note: Re-issued by Kingsway in 1995 as a part of the CD Ishmael Double Edition: If You Can’t Shout Saved/Life Begins At 30.
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