Concrete
Bulletproof Invisible
Concrete
Bulletproof Invisible, (CBI),
was the name of one of the numerous Glen Matlock post-Pistols projects. Along
with Glen, the other band members were all former members of the group Doll by
Doll; vocalist Jackie Leven, guitarist Joe Shaw and drummer Dave McIntosh.
Doll
by Doll released four albums in the early 80's, making the covers of all the
music papers before splitting in 1985. Following the split Leven was unable to
sing for two years after an accident, whereas Shaw played in The Pretty Things,
and McIntosh with The Test Department and The Hit List. CBI formed because all
the band members lived close to each other and shared the same local hostelry.
They first played together in a benefit at the Camden Palace for the dependents
of the late Gary Holton.
Encouraging
chance remarks by Robbie Coltrane, who also played his part at the benefit, motivated
the four to take themselves seriously as a new unit. The one and only UK release
on the RadioActive label in 1988 was 'Big Tears' / 'Braid on my Shoulder' (the
12" version also features 'Good Thing'). The lead track, 'Big Tears' was written
by Glen, 'Braid on my Shoulder' was written by Jackie Leven, and 'Good Thing'
by Joe Shaw. The group were augmented on record by James Hallawell on keyboards
and Mike Spencer on harp. The tracks were produced by Glen and Dave Goodman. The
band played in locations as diverse as Scandinavia and Oban in Scotland, but never
toured properly.
'Big
Tears' was the only CBI release, although an American version of the 12" on
Dimension Records also included an extra track 'Love Kills' which the band recorded
for the film "Sid & Nancy". The track was not used in the film. Leven said it
was too well played, and told Wavelength magazine that there 'might be a bit more
hanging around from that time, but not much'. The rear sleeve of the US 12" actually
included Glen's then home address as a point of contact!
Since
CBI Dave McIntosh has worked with Glen again (he was the original drummer
in Glen's 90's group, The Mavericks) and James Hallawell appeared on The Philistines
album with Glen as well as Glen's solo album. 'Big Tears' was covered by Chelsea's
Gene October on his solo album 'Life and Struggle'. Leven has released several
solo albums in the 1990's, including 'Night Lilies' on the Cooking Vinyl label
in 1998.
Text
by Jim Henderson
CBI
DISCOGRAPHY