Turn to Red
Encyclopedia
Turn to Red, is the original version of Killing Joke
's debut EP, released in October 1979. It lacked the track "Almost Red", which would appear a month later on the 12" release. The 10" release is a collectable, not only for its music, but also for the 4 scarce "art cards" included with the disc in its clear plastic sleeve.
and Paul Ferguson
left Matt Stager Band to form Killing Joke
. They placed an advertisement in the music press which attracted guitarist Kevin "Geordie" Walker
and bassist Martin "Youth" Glover
. According to Coleman, their manifesto
was to "define the exquisite beauty of the atomic age
in terms of style, sound and form."
In late 1979, they began the Malicious Damage record label
with graphic artist Mike Coles as a way to press and sell their music. Along with the November EP, Almost Red
, Turn to Red came to the attention of legendary DJ John Peel
, who was keen to champion the band's urgent new sound of Reggae Dub and Punk. Killing Joke was received with extensive airplay. They quickly progressed this sound into something denser, more aggressive, and more akin to heavy metal, as heard on their first two albums, Killing Joke
(1980) and the more abrasive What's THIS For...!
(1981).
Side B:
Killing Joke
Killing Joke are an English post-punk band formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England; other sources report the band formed in early 1979.Related news articles: Founding members Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker have been the only constant members.A key influence on industrial rock,...
's debut EP, released in October 1979. It lacked the track "Almost Red", which would appear a month later on the 12" release. The 10" release is a collectable, not only for its music, but also for the 4 scarce "art cards" included with the disc in its clear plastic sleeve.
Production and release
In early 1979, Jaz ColemanJaz Coleman
Jeremy "Jaz" Coleman is a musician, composer, singer-songwriter and record producer. He is notable for his vocal contributions to rock band Killing Joke...
and Paul Ferguson
Paul Ferguson
Paul Ferguson is a rock drummer, best known for his work in the post-punk/industrial group, Killing Joke, and cult English punk band, Pink Parts. Ferguson was a founder member of Killing Joke, and was their drummer from 1978 to 1987, and was known as 'Big Paul Ferguson' during this period...
left Matt Stager Band to form Killing Joke
Killing Joke
Killing Joke are an English post-punk band formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England; other sources report the band formed in early 1979.Related news articles: Founding members Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker have been the only constant members.A key influence on industrial rock,...
. They placed an advertisement in the music press which attracted guitarist Kevin "Geordie" Walker
Geordie Walker
Kevin "Geordie" Walker is a rock musician, best known as the guitarist from the post-punk group Killing Joke.-Life and career:...
and bassist Martin "Youth" Glover
Martin Glover
Martin Glover, also known as Youth, is a record producer and a founding member and bassist of the UK band Killing Joke. He is a member of The Fireman along with Paul McCartney. Glover was born in Africa.-Early career:...
. According to Coleman, their manifesto
Manifesto
A manifesto is a public declaration of principles and intentions, often political in nature. Manifestos relating to religious belief are generally referred to as creeds. Manifestos may also be life stance-related.-Etymology:...
was to "define the exquisite beauty of the atomic age
Atomic Age
The Atomic Age, also known as the Atomic Era, is a phrase typically used to delineate the period of history following the detonation of the first nuclear bomb Trinity on July 16, 1945...
in terms of style, sound and form."
In late 1979, they began the Malicious Damage record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
with graphic artist Mike Coles as a way to press and sell their music. Along with the November EP, Almost Red
Almost Red
Almost Red is Killing Joke's second EP released in November 1979, one month after their Turn to Red EP. The album was originally sold at gigs on tour for their upcoming debut album, Killing Joke, to be released the following year in the UK...
, Turn to Red came to the attention of legendary DJ John Peel
John Peel
John Robert Parker Ravenscroft, OBE , known professionally as John Peel, was an English disc jockey, radio presenter, record producer and journalist. He was the longest-serving of the original BBC Radio 1 DJs, broadcasting regularly from 1967 until his death in 2004...
, who was keen to champion the band's urgent new sound of Reggae Dub and Punk. Killing Joke was received with extensive airplay. They quickly progressed this sound into something denser, more aggressive, and more akin to heavy metal, as heard on their first two albums, Killing Joke
Killing Joke (1980 album)
Killing Joke is the debut studio album of the London post-punk band Killing Joke. Released in August, 1980 worldwide under E'G Records, Killing Joke was self-produced and was considered an underground album. The album was recorded in early 1980, shortly after a small tour promoting the Almost Red EP...
(1980) and the more abrasive What's THIS For...!
What's THIS For...!
What's THIS For...! is the second studio album by Killing Joke. It was released in June 1981 on EG Music. A remastered version with three bonus tracks was released in 2005.- Recording :...
(1981).
Track listing
Side A:- "Turn to Red" (04:10)
- "Nervous SystemNervous System (song)Nervous System is Killing Joke's first single, released in December, 1979, shortly after the release of their Almost Red EP. Nervous System originally appeared on their debut EP, Turn to Red, and was released as a 7" single. Both 7" promo and non-promo singles were releasd under Island Records...
" (04:10)
Side B:
- "Are You Receiving" (04:50)
Personnel
- Jaz ColemanJaz ColemanJeremy "Jaz" Coleman is a musician, composer, singer-songwriter and record producer. He is notable for his vocal contributions to rock band Killing Joke...
- vocals, synthesizerSynthesizerA synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones... - Kevin "Geordie" WalkerGeordie WalkerKevin "Geordie" Walker is a rock musician, best known as the guitarist from the post-punk group Killing Joke.-Life and career:...
- guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with... - Martin "Youth" GloverMartin GloverMartin Glover, also known as Youth, is a record producer and a founding member and bassist of the UK band Killing Joke. He is a member of The Fireman along with Paul McCartney. Glover was born in Africa.-Early career:...
- bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - Paul FergusonPaul FergusonPaul Ferguson is a rock drummer, best known for his work in the post-punk/industrial group, Killing Joke, and cult English punk band, Pink Parts. Ferguson was a founder member of Killing Joke, and was their drummer from 1978 to 1987, and was known as 'Big Paul Ferguson' during this period...
- drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....