Hicks From The Sticks

Hicks From The Sticks was a landmark northern new wave / post-punk compilation LP issued by Rockburgh Records (catalogue ROC 111) in April 1980. The album was conceived and compiled by music journalist Nigel Burnham, who wanted to showcase emerging independent bands from the North of England at a time when punk and post-punk scenes outside London were flourishing.

Rather than focusing on one city, the LP gathered together important underground acts from across northern England—capturing the DIY spirit of the period and giving exposure to bands appearing on small independent labels and John Peel playlists. It became one of the key regional compilations of the era, alongside collections such as *Bouquet of Steel*, *Logical Steps* and Liverpool’s *Street To Street*.

The album featured 16 tracks spanning experimental electronics, angular post-punk, art rock and new wave, including several acts who later became influential cult names. Sheffield was strongly represented through bands including Clock DVA and I’m So Hollow. John Peel gave the compilation significant radio support in 1980, broadcasting numerous tracks from the LP, helping establish it as an important document of northern independent music. The record was later reissued in 1985 under the title *Future Shock, introducing the material to a wider audience.

Side One
1. Airkraft – Move In Rhythm
2. Expelaires – Sympathy (Don’t Be Taken In)
3. Clock DVA – You’re Without Sound
4. Music For Pleasure – The Human Factor
5. Nightmares In Wax – Shangri-La
6. Ada Wilson & Keeping Dark – Head In The Clouds
7. Modern Eon – Choreography
8. Medium Medium – Them Or Me

Side Two
9. Radio 5 – True Colours
10. They Must Be Russians – Where Have I Seen You
11. Section 25 – After-Image
12. Art Failure – Gimmick
13. I’m So Hollow – I Don’t Know
14. Wah! Heat – Hey Disco Joe
15. Stranger Than Fiction – Immortal In Mirrors
16. The Distributors – TV Me