Bim – Romance (UK 12″)

BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1981

Obscure New Wave Classic!

“Romance” is a 1981 New Wave single by U.K. band Bim. The band released several singles in the early 80s and one album titled Boobams Out! on Swerve Records. After the band fell into obscurity Lead vocalist Cameron McVey went on to work with such musicians as Massive Attack, Portishead, All Saints, Sugababes, Mutya Keisha Siobhan and his wife Neneh Cherry.

McVey was also the second half of the duo Morgan/McVey who released one single in 1986 titled Looking Good Diving, widh was produced by Stock Aitkin Waterman. The song was re-worked for Neneh Cherry and titled Buffalo Stance.

The photo on the front cover is lead vocalist Cameron McVey.

SIDE A:
Romance (Extended Version) 7:57

SIDE B:
Gift Of Time 6:17

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Swerve Records – SKID 002 T
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1981
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop

CREDITS:
Arranged By – Bim (tracks: B)
Producer – Jeff Dexter (tracks: A), Laurie Latham
Remix – Laurie Latham (tracks: B)

NOTES:

Bim Are:
Cameron McVey: Vocals
Steve Street: Bass and Percussion
Brian Wren: Drums and Percussion
Andy Harley: Keyboards
Bobby Henr: Guitars

Find the 12″ on DISCOGS

EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon 2M Bronze
Isolation: Auralex Acoustics ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck 
Phono Pre-amp:
Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Preamp
Tube:
Tung-Sol 12AX7ECC803-S Gold Electron Tube
Soundcard:
ESI Juli@
Record Cleaning:
VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans:
Brother MFC-6490CW Professional Series Scanner

SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

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Dana
Dana
March 14, 2017 8:56 am

Wow! A real gem. Thanks for diggin’ up & posting.

Not only did McVey go on to work with (and marry) Neneh Cherry, his original song “Looking Good Diving with the Wild Bunch” (as part of the duo Morgan-McVey) would subsequently become Cherry’s hit “Buffalo Stance.”

Bim’s Stephen Street would go on to produce two of the biggest UK acts of their eras – The Smiths (and Morrisey) and Blur.

AND Bim’s single “Blind Lead The Blind” was produced by Mick Jones of The Clash.

Quite a history for an unknown band.

John
John
March 12, 2017 12:40 pm

Very catchy tune Paul, reminds me a bit of Duran Duran’s Electric Barbarella.
The 80’s sure had the best tracks, and it’s great that you post the full length versions and not edited cuts, that appear on many expanded editions, these days.
I use to have many 12″ singles, but replaced them with CD’s (big mistake).
Have you got Max Q – Sometimes (Land Of Oz Mix), released in 1989.

Paul
Paul
March 10, 2017 6:18 pm

Never heard of these guys, but what an amazing single! Many thanks.

wolfie
wolfie
March 10, 2017 2:23 pm

OH MY GOD! Wolfie just wee wee’d a little lol xx

Jeff
Jeff
March 10, 2017 2:11 pm

I have to add another comment Paul (which you know I very much like to do!): Because of all these new songs and such, it so reminds me of the days when, back in the early 1980’s, a radio station from Philadelphia, called i92 “The Rock of the 80″s” was very much the east coast’s answer to KROQ out in California. I was so exposed to all this new and exciting stuff I never heard of before and, because of them, certain songs became my ultimate favorites. You do that for me now and that’s why I’m forever in your… Read more »

Omar
Omar
March 10, 2017 1:31 pm

Never heard of them Paul , but I quite like it. Love the way you put out some obscure stuff that we’ve perhaps not even heard of and end up loving it. Can u post more things like Bourgie Bourgie, Seona Dancing and Of course Private Lives. Thanks a million.

John
John
Reply to  Omar
March 13, 2017 5:21 am

Seona Dancing, their singer was Ricky Gervais, who is more well known as a comedian,especially his character David Brent. Ricky’s latest film Life on the Road, proves he’s still a good singer, and great on guitar.

Seona Dancing Discography:

More to Lose” b/w “You’re on My Side” (7″, 12″)1983.
Bitter Heart” b/w “Tell Her” (7″, 12″)1983.

Richard the Big Bunny
March 10, 2017 12:10 pm

Fantastic! I’ve never heard this … but I like it.

THAT BASS.

[*wiggles his retro bunny stuff*]

I’ve met Booga Bear (Cameron McVey) … and I didn’t even recognise him on this cover!

Yoof, eh?

😉

Daniel
Daniel
March 10, 2017 11:51 am

Thanks Paul, you’re amazing! This is another great discovery for me. There has been a lot of it lately. Keep on bringing these great rarities. Have a great weekend.

Jeff
Jeff
March 10, 2017 11:27 am

Not sure I know this one Paul, but I can’t tell you enough how much I’m excited about it. You really have the knack for getting hold of the best New Wave classics!! This has been a banner week for me Paul. Thanks again for this thrilling dedication you have for spotting and presenting some of the best music ever recorded. I love that we share the same musical sensibilities!

You have a fantastic weekend!!!

Jeff

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  DjPaulT
March 13, 2017 5:16 am

I can’t begin to tell you how much I LOVE THIS SONG!! This is my kind of music….DEFINITELY!!! You have the best tastes Paul and I’m so excited that I have a new favorite track!!

Jeff