The Story of My Blues
My Wah! Revelation, Before I Even Heard It
There are certain songs that burrow their way into your soul before you even fully understand them. For me, one of those tracks is the epic, two-part journey that is “The Story of the Blues” by the enigmatic Liverpool band, Wah!
My introduction to Wah! was a classic tale of late-night radio discovery, the kind that so many music lovers of my generation owe to the legendary John Peel on Radio One. It must have been sometime in the early 80s, the airwaves crackling with that unique Peel magic, when “Somesay”, from their debut album, “Nah! Poo! The art of bluff,” crackled through the tiny speaker of tiny radio. I was instantly hooked by their raw energy, Pete Wylie’s distinctive vocals, and that unmistakable Liverpool edge. I rushed out and bought the album, devouring every track. To me it was a chaotic, brilliant, and utterly original sound.
Then came “The Story of the Blues.” I remember seeing the 12″ single in HMV Coventry, and even without the gloriously promising title, the incredible artwork (if you remember it!), I had to buy it, even though I hadn’t heard it. Based on my love for “Nah! Poo!” I had a feeling this would be something special. (I’ve no doubt this contributed to the self-delusion that I was at the forefront of musical discovery and should be recognised as such!)
But even my own hugely high expectations were destroyed by the magnificence of what I heard when I finally got that vinyl spinning. “The Story of the Blues” wasn’t just a song; it was an experience. The song was delivered in two parts, first the powerful, anthemic core of the song, full of Wylie’s passionate delivery and the band’s signature sound, followed by the second part that truly blew my young mind.
There it was, “The Story of the Blues (Part Two),” and it wasn’t just a continuation of the music. Instead, Pete Wylie himself stepped out from behind the microphone to deliver this incredible spoken word piece. It was like a late-night philosophical chat, full of wry observations and what felt like genuinely valuable advice about life, love, and, of course, the blues. He wasn’t just singing; he was sharing his precious wisdom, and he was sharing it with me! I vowed to not just heed this advice, but to live my life by it!! I would hope for the best, cos that’s the best i could hope for..
The funny thing is, even before I fully grasped the musical nuances of Part One or absorbed all the spoken gems of Part Two, I was captivated. I loved the idea of this song, this sprawling, ambitious piece that dared to be more than just a three-minute pop hit. And it challenged me: When they tell the Story of the Blues, what will they say about me? I had to rise to that challenge. I had to do something.
“The Story of the Blues” was indeed a significant moment for Wah! It was released in 1982 and became their biggest hit, reaching number 3 in the UK Singles Chart. This was a testament to the song’s unique appeal and the band’s growing popularity. I tried to imagine how unbelievably brilliant the album would be, when it came out, if this was just one of the songs…but all we can do is imagine, as there was no album for another two years and the flash of brilliance that sparked a change my life was just that.
“The Story of the Blues” remains a truly unique track. It’s a perfect example of the adventurous spirit of 80s pop, a willingness to experiment and push boundaries. And for me, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the anticipation and the sheer unexpectedness of a piece of art can be just as powerful as the art itself. I loved “The Story of the Blues” before I even fully heard it, and that love has only deepened over the years. It’s a story, a song, and a piece of valuable life advice all rolled into one brilliant 12″ single.
What are some songs that surprised you with their structure or delivery? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!