2) A British rock band from Liverpool in the mid 70's. They released two albums, Rush and Back to Thunder.
Strife were formed by Paul Ellson in 1969 with Peter Trotman on guitar, Peter Hobbs on bass , and Ellson on drums. Within a few gigs, Gordon Rowley had replaced Hobbs on bass and also became chief vocalist. Around that time, Graham Kin also joined on keyboards and vocals, leaving within a year to return to studies.
Soon (1971), the band were joined by John Reid, ex The Klubbs, on guitar and vocals. They recorded a demo - 'Preparation' c/w 'Jerafter' as a four peice but soon after, Peter Trotman left the band and they were joined by singer Paddy Breen also ex The Klubbs. Breen's sojourn, however, was short-lived.
In '72, John Reid was badly injured whilst Stock Car racing. Peter Trotman stepped in temporarily but, at a Liverpool Club, Gordon Rowley was electrocuted and almost died on stage, being resuscitated by medics from the stunned audience.
Back together again, the 3 piece record "Magic of the Dawn" a demo recording organised by soul singer Edwin Starr who had seen the band at the Mardi Gras club in Liverpool. (Whist gigging nationally, Strife also often played local, Merseyside venues, sometimes playing Liverpool's Cavern Club, two or even three nights in a week.)
In 1973 Strife went to Los Angeles, they had an invitation to contact Mal Evans, Apple executive and former Beatles road manager. They had met Mal on a film set, 'Little Malcolm'. Although their act was considered too wild and attention-grabbing for the film's club scenes (some audience members spontaneously jumped on the tables, thus spoiling the shots) it's possible that the band may be seen as extras (has anyone out there checked?). Mal Evans was working in L.A. with John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. However, the media frenzy at this get-together was so intense that, a few hours prior to the arranged meeting, the ex-Beatles and their entourage had left the city for a secret destination where they could continue their work in peace. No-one, including Strife, were told of the departure or the destination.
As the band walked away from the abandoned meeting place, a pink Cadillac did a U-turn and pulled alongside. It was Edwin Starr. Through Starr they soon met up with R.Dean Taylor and recorded a demo album, both in L.A. and in San Francisco, with Taylor as producer. One of these songs, 'Better Man than I' turned up on the album 'Rush'. These sessions also resulted in the acetate 'Worry', believed to be now owned by renown Liverpool DJ, Billy Butler. Whist on a second trip to the US that year, Strife were offered a deal by the William Morris Agency to replace Grand Funk Railroad on their roster. For some reason, the band were unimpressed and returned to the UK to tour; gigs included the last night of the original Cavern Club.
Strife signed with Chrysalis Records in the UK in '74 and recorded 'Rush'. It was released in early '75 with a strong appearance in the Virgin chart (at the time, the main barometer of UK rock music). As the album was released, Strife toured with Ginger Baker led outfit, The Baker Gurvitz Army. Shortly after this tour, they were joined by guitarist Vic Pappaleo but, despite Vic being an amazing guitarist, the format didn't work out. Strife continued as a three piece, working solidly and increasing their fan-base. However, despite the band's popularity, Chrysalis, whilst going through a corporate identity crisis, refused to release any further material - yet they held Strife to their contract. Regardless of the legal situation, Strife were determined to keep recording and recorded the EP 'School', releasing it on their own label, Outlaw. (Their agent, Paul King was later to take the name 'Outlaw' for his highly successful concert promotions company). After Strife eased out of the Chrysalis contract, 'School' was quickly picked up and released by EMI .
During this mid-70s period the gigging figures showed that Strife were the most in-demand rock band in Britain. No band was safe from being blown offstage. Procol Harum paid Strife off, Judas Priest pulled out, The Average White Band turned plain nasty and Slade's manager, Chas. Chandler, gave instructions that his band should never have to appear with Strife again. Moving from support, from '73 onwards, the band headlined in major venues as well as famous rock clubs such as the London's Marquee and Frankfurt's Zoom.
On New Year's Eve 1977, Paul Ellson left the band to be replaced by David Williams, his former drum roadie. With Williams in the driving seat, the album 'Back to Thunder' was recorded and released on the Gull label. By now though, Punk dominated the scene and, within a year or so, following an illness' of Gordon Rowley, the band split.
3) Dungeon synth. https://strifeofficial.bandcamp.com/
Face
Strife Lyrics
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I beat myself down in this frustration.
In unreal aspiration- never allowing progression to begin- sights set so far ahead.
Missing the start I fall once more.
I must try one step at a time.
Facing this path alone, I will begin again.
I will begin again.
Obstacles come from within!
Take the time to catch your breath.
Face the path alone and begin again...Begin again.
Never let yourself go astray!
Making a change will take some time.
But you've got the time, you've got the time.
Face the path alone- Begin again!
Face what is there- what is there.
I must realize what is there, face, confront and never give in.
I must try one day at a time.
Facing the path alone, I won't let it win.
The lyrics of Strife's song "Face" deal with the theme of self-improvement and the journey toward personal growth. The singer in the song acknowledges their imperfections and how it has held them back, "Imperfection seems to have gotten the best of me." They recognize their tendency to set unrealistically high expectations for themselves, and how it has prevented them from making progress, "In unreal aspiration- never allowing progression to begin- sights set so far ahead."
Despite the challenges, the singer is determined to begin again, one step at a time, even if it means facing the path alone. They urge themselves to confront and face the obstacles within, to make a change and never give in. The lyrics emphasize the importance of taking time to catch your breath and not letting yourself go astray. "Making a change will take some time. But you've got the time, you've got the time."
The repetition of the phrase "Begin again!" drives home the message of persistence and perseverance in the face of setbacks. The song's powerful message speaks to anyone who has struggled with self-doubt and the pressure to achieve unrealistic goals. It reminds listeners that change is possible, but it takes time, patience, and the willingness to confront and overcome one's inner obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Imperfection seems to have gotten the best of me.
I feel overwhelmed and defeated by my flaws and mistakes.
I beat myself down in this frustration.
I criticize and blame myself, adding to my feelings of frustration.
In unreal aspiration- never allowing progression to begin- sights set so far ahead.
I have unrealistic goals and am not making progress because I haven't taken the first steps.
Missing the start I fall once more.
I keep failing because I'm not starting from the beginning and taking it step by step.
I must try one step at a time.
I need to take things slowly and approach my goals one step at a time.
Facing this path alone, I will begin again.
I am willing to start over and face my challenges alone, without relying on others.
Obstacles come from within!
My biggest obstacles are my own doubts and insecurities.
Sometimes so strong you must wait.
In some cases, my obstacles are too overwhelming and I need to take a break and regroup.
Take the time to catch your breath.
I need to take care of myself and rest when I am feeling overwhelmed.
Face the path alone and begin again...Begin again.
I am determined to face my challenges solo and restart my journey towards my goals.
Never let yourself go astray!
I must stay focused on my goals and not let distractions lead me off track.
Making a change will take some time.
I need to be patient with myself and give myself time to make progress.
But you've got the time, you've got the time.
I have the time and the ability to make the changes I need to achieve my goals.
Face the path alone- Begin again!
I am ready to face my challenges on my own and start fresh towards my goals.
Face what is there- what is there.
I need to confront my challenges and acknowledge what I am up against.
I must realize what is there, face, confront and never give in.
I need to accept the obstacles I am facing, confront them head on, and not give up in the face of adversity.
I must try one day at a time.
I need to approach my challenges with a daily focus and take it one day at a time.
Facing the path alone, I won't let it win.
I am determined to face my challenges alone and not let them defeat me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANDREW KLINE, CHAD PETERSON, RICK RODNEY, SIDNEY NIESEN, TODD TURNHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alessandro Righi
Never let yourself go astray! HxC
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