Get Gone is a compilation album by the American new wave/power pop band The Speedies, released in 2006 by Wounded Bird Records. The album serves as a definitive collection of the band's entire recorded output from their active period between 1978 and 1981, bringing together their singles, EP tracks, and previously unreleased studio recordings.
Background
The Speedies were a New York City-based band formed in the late 1970s, known for their energetic live performances and catchy, pop-punk-inflected sound. Despite gaining a significant following in the local club scene and receiving critical acclaim, the band's official discography during their initial run was limited. They released a self-titled EP in 1978 and a handful of singles, most notably "Let Me Take Your Photo," which became a minor hit and MTV favorite. However, much of their material remained unreleased or difficult to access after their breakup in the early 1980s.
Content
Get Gone aims to rectify this by compiling all of The Speedies' studio recordings into one comprehensive package. The album features their well-known track "Let Me Take Your Photo," along with other fan favorites like "I Feel Like an Alien," "No Sweet Talking," and "The Kids Are Dying." It provides a complete overview of their sound, which blended the immediacy of punk rock with the melodic hooks of power pop and the nascent aesthetics of new wave.
Significance
The release of Get Gone was significant for fans and music historians alike, as it preserved the legacy of a cult band whose impact outsized their limited official releases. The compilation offered a chance for new generations to discover The Speedies' contributions to the late 1970s and early 1980s New York music scene, and for long-time fans to finally own a comprehensive collection of their work. It highlights the band's innovative approach to pop music and their role in the burgeoning new wave movement.
Track Listing (Selected)
While a full track listing would be extensive, key tracks on Get Gone include:
- "Let Me Take Your Photo"
- "I Feel Like an Alien"
- "No Sweet Talking"
- "The Kids Are Dying"
- "You Don't Wanna Know"
- "Man in the Magazine"
Personnel
- Joey Mediate – Vocals, Guitar
- John Penza – Bass, Vocals
- Lenny Cairo – Drums
- (Additional session musicians may be credited in the album liner notes)
Release History
- Year: 2006
- Label: Wounded Bird Records
- Format: CD