Go Go Go (This Is It) was there first single released in 1981. That it never came near to appearing in the UK chart at all is not really worthy of comment. Rip Rig & Panic were one of many bands who charted there own eccentric and belligerent musical course through the post punk era. Formed by Gareth Sager and Mark Springer, two former members of The Pop Group. They carried on through RR&P their unique cross fertilisation of dub, punk, funk, jazz, free improvisation - you name it. They were for a while in the early 1980's the definition of wild, exhilarating, boundary defying, uncontrolled music.
From the moment I first heard Go Go Go (This Is It) I absolutely loved it. It features an early appearance in her late teens of Nene Cherry on vocals. From its opening ascending nonsense chant, the drum rhythm and wailing saxophone, there is something eminently primal at work here. Into which Nene Cherry's vocals don't just interject but stab - free your soul. The lyrics mirror the music, with a series of statements and encouragements to live a life free of restrictions. Set against hard edged ejaculations of pop infused noise, an unrestrained eclectic joy. They are having the time of their lives. This is it. This is the sort of music you'd want to make forever.
Rip Rig & Panic, however, could not, and imploded after three albums. The first two, God and I Am Cold, are stuffed to overflowing with a dazzlingly diverse range of musical styles. Too many perhaps. It is surprising they lasted as long as they did. By the third album Attitude, it was clear the innovative fire was already burned out. It wasn't that the centre could not hold, there was no centre, nothing but a vague feeling for the infinite range of musical possibilities. Once it became moulded into a recognisable style it was RIP to RR&P.
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