{"product_id":"the-soft-boys-portland-arms-nov-78-uk-bootleg-cassette-vg","title":"The Soft Boys - Portland Arms Nov '78 UK bootleg cassette VG+","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE SOFT BOYS - LIVE AT PORTLAND ARMS, CAMBRIDGE, NOV '78\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eA delightfully bizarre and essential entry in the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"50\"\u003eSoft Boys\u003c\/b\u003e canon, this cassette captures a performance that was \"odd, even for Hitchcock.\" Recorded on \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"150\"\u003eNovember 1, 1978\u003c\/b\u003e (though some archives debate the date as January '79), at the intimate Portland Arms in Cambridge, the gig famously eschewed the band's usual psychedelic-punk roar for a completely \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"348\"\u003eacoustic and a cappella\u003c\/b\u003e format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eIn a move that defied the aggressive trends of 1978, Hitchcock and company delivered a set heavy on obscure 1950s covers and lush vocal harmonies, punctuated by Robyn’s signature stream-of-consciousness banter. This recording features the only known performance of \"The Duke of Squeeze\" and rare, harmony-drenched versions of tracks like \"Sandra's Having Her Brain Out\" and \"Give Me A Spanner, Ralph.\" Originally available only as a mail-order cassette via a flyer in the \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"472\"\u003eInvisible Hits\u003c\/i\u003e LP, it has since become a sought-after piece of Cambridge music history, showcasing the band’s technical versatility and their refusal to be pinned down by the punk label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eBootleg cassette of The Soft Boys' live performance at Portland Arms in Cambridge, UK on November 1, 1978.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSee photos for condition; guaranteed to play VG+ or better.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CS5 Vinyl and Memorabilia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47139614687363,"sku":null,"price":4.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/3553\/6003\/files\/IMG_0190.jpg?v=1778455466","url":"https:\/\/cs5music.com\/products\/the-soft-boys-portland-arms-nov-78-uk-bootleg-cassette-vg","provider":"CS5 Vinyl and Memorabilia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}