WAS's Awesome New Wave Song Of The Week #25: Bruce Woolley and The Camera Club - Clean Clean

For our milestone twenty-fifth entry of “Awesome New Wave Song of The Week” we’re going to go to a true New Wave original and largely hidden talent who has been at many key moments in New Wave history …. 

Someone who gave Thomas Dolby one of his first jobs as a keyboardist.  Someone who co-wrote and  produced Dollar’s best song “Hand Held in Black & White”.  Co-designer of The Buggles.  Muse of Grace Jones when she made “Slave to the Rhythm”.  Occasional backup vocalist for The Pet Shop Boys.  Someone who not only performed - but co-wrote - the hit “Video Killed The Radio Star” !   

He was even peripherally involved with Paul Lekakis of “Boom Boom Boom (Let’s Go Back To My Room)” fame … Hey, nobody's perfect!   

I speak of none other than Bruce Woolley !

In 1979 Bruce Woolley and The Camera Club released their only album, “English Garden” and on it were the original versions of two classic new wave songs later covered by The Buggles: “Video Killed The Radio Star” and ”Clean, Clean”.   Upon its release it got fairly good reviews, but many listeners were puzzled by the strange new sounds and concepts being introduced so far ahead of their time … hey, it wasn't even the 80s yet!

The Buggles’ version of “Video” garnered the #162 spot on Marc’s Top 200.  BW&TCC's superb original is a great rendition of the song - a less produced, studio-fied sound. (although I’m willing to bet that the Buggles’ added production and addition of the “oh-a-oh-a” vocals is what made it such a hit later on) 

But this week the Awesome honor goes to “Clean, Clean” - I always loved the manic sound and Clockwork Orange stylings of the tune.  It’s more similar to The Buggles' version and rocks out with brilliant guitar and the always recognizable master strokes of Mr. Dolby on synths.

BW&TCC never made another album but between “Video” and how many insanely popular songs he’s written for others I don't think he’s hurting for cash flow!

-WAS

P.S. Here's the original “Video Killed The Radio Star".