Perren Street Parade - Selling The Family Silver

Perren Street Parade

Selling The Family Silver
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

The story of Perren Street Parade bears repeating. It all started in the late ‘80s (86/87) when Perren Street Parade placed an ad in Melody Maker. Back then they were a four-piece band consisting of Claus Castenskiolds, Phil Shoenfelt, Pete West and Colin Read. They rehearsed, made a demo and even got the interest of Alan McGee from Creation Records. If you're unfamiliar with McGee the man is considered a near demi-god amongst music nerds and is often known for helping introduce shoegaze (My Bloody Valentine, Jesus and Mary Chain). Unfortunately, the band broke up and nothing came of it. No release, no gigs, no living like a rock star. Fast forward twenty-seven years and the two founding members Pete West and Colin Read get back together to record the Perren Street Parade's debut record entitled Selling The Family Silver.

The album contains thirteen tracks and after spending some time with the album I can see why Alan McGee may have been interested in them. They have a similar sound to Jesus and Mary Chain but in a number of ways feel brighter and more upbeat. In fact the energy that they put out has more in common with Primal Scream’s first album Screamadelica than anything I can think of that came out of McGee’s camp. Additionally you can make some comparisons to The Stone Roses.

One thing that needs to be mentioned is that this is a girthy album. Not only are there thirteen songs but also they contain no fillers. The majority of the songs eclipse the six-minute mark and it is a bit arduous to take in one sitting. That being said this album is worth the effort and time you will need to explore it. The album melds together well and has a flow. It’s consistent and doesn't veer too far off from the path it establishes. 

Amongst the thirteen tracks there were a couple that were highlights. The second track “Is There A Place Left In Your Heart For Me” is great track all around. It’s bright and feels like ray of sunshine when they combine guitars with a lead synth. The vocal line is memorable but so is the harmonica solo. 

“Runway” was another song that you won’t want to miss. The guitar riffs here were top notch and this song dripped with a shoegaze/dream pop flavor that wasn’t as apparent on some of the other songs. As the album progresses other songs that were highlights include “Never Again,” “Black Dog Days” and closer “Everything You Did.”

There were a couple of missteps on this album but not too many. It sure would have sucked to wait twenty-seven years and release a pile of rubbish but that’s not the case with Selling The Family Silver. In fact it’s quite the opposite.

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