Cuban Heels

  • Cuban Heels
  • Work Our Way to Heaven (UK Cuba Libre/Virgin) 1981 

Cuban Heels formed when one of the first Glaswegian punk bands, Johnny and the Self Abusers, split apart — ironically on the late 1977 day Chiswick issued its one and only 45. Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill went off and started the Simple Minds, while the defunct band’s leader and namesake, John Milarky, set up shop as the Cuban Heels. On Work Our Way to Heaven, the quartet makes an impressive, ragged pop noise in a style that recalls both XTC and the Skids. Despite a somber back cover pic, this is infectious, quirky music; witty and wily.

[Ira Robbins]