Logo #208: The Desperate Bicycles

Designed by Ingram Pinn for the 1977 "The Medium Was Tedium" 7". Their rallying cry "It was easy, it was cheap, go and do it" is the coda by which countless punk singles are pressed and careers are launched. That the Desperate Bicycles back catalog remains out-of-print is rather mystifying. Here's an essay explaining why they're as influential as the Sex Pistols. This is what was on the back of the record's sleeve: "The Desperate Bicycles were formed in March 1977 specifically for the purpose of recording and releasing a single on their own label. They booked a studio in Dalston for three hours and with a lot of courage and a little rehearsal they recorded "Smokescreen" and "Handlebars." It subsequently leapt at the throat. Three months later and The Desperate Bicycles were back in a studio to record their second single and this is the result. "No more time for spectating" they sing and who knows? They may be right. They'd really like to know why you haven't made your single yet. "It was easy, it was cheap, go and do it" (the complete cost of "Smokescreen" was £153). The medium may very well have been tedium but it's changing fast. So if you can understand, go and join a band. Now it's your turn..." Clumsy yet endearing, the Desperate Bicycles broke up in 1981 and have kept utterly silent since. Here is their recorded history as it stands now. It's still your turn. What are you doing sitting around reading this dopey blahg?