The Screaming Blue Messiahs – "Let’s Go Down To The Woods"
Overview
"Let’s Go Down To The Woods" is an early and emblematic track by The Screaming Blue Messiahs, a London-based power trio known for their explosive fusion of rhythm & blues, punk, and rockabilly. The song first appeared on their 1984 debut mini-album Good and Gone, produced by Vic Maile, and was a staple of their high-energy live sets12.
Musical Style and Sound
The Screaming Blue Messiahs’ sound is often described as “rockabilly from hell”—a raw, aggressive blend of R&B, punk, and American roots music, driven by Bill Carter’s feedback-laden Telecaster guitar, Chris Thompson’s propulsive bass, and Kenny Harris’s pounding drums132. "Let’s Go Down To The Woods" exemplifies this style: relentless, percussive, and urgent, with a primal energy that recalls the intensity of Dr. Feelgood and early Clash, but with a uniquely feral edge3.
Context and Reception
- The song was included in the band’s first John Peel session (broadcast August 1984), which helped propel them onto the UK indie scene and led to further BBC releases and critical acclaim1.
- Their debut EP, featuring "Let’s Go Down To The Woods," spent six months in the UK independent chart’s top twenty, signaling the band’s immediate impact and the enthusiastic response to their visceral sound12.
- Critics praised the band’s stripped-down, no-frills approach, and "Let’s Go Down To The Woods" was singled out for its “combat Clash crunch” and as a highlight of their live and recorded output3.
Live and Media Appearances
- The Messiahs performed "Let’s Go Down To The Woods And Pray" (an alternate title for the song) on The Old Grey Whistle Test in December 1984, further cementing its status as a signature track1.
- The song’s relentless drive and darkly humorous edge made it a standout in their sets and a favorite among post-punk and alternative fans.
Legacy
"Let’s Go Down To The Woods" remains a touchstone of the Screaming Blue Messiahs’ catalogue, capturing the band’s raw energy and their ability to fuse American musical obsessions with British post-punk grit. Its reputation endures as a cult classic among aficionados of 1980s alternative and post-punk music.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Screaming Blue Messiahs |
| Song | Let’s Go Down To The Woods |
| First Release | Good and Gone EP (1984) |
| Producer | Vic Maile |
| Genre | Post-punk, punk blues, rockabilly |
| Notable Live Performance | John Peel session (1984), Old Grey Whistle Test |
| Band Lineup | Bill Carter (vocals/guitar), Chris Thompson (bass), Kenny Harris (drums) |
| Legacy | Cult classic of 1980s post-punk/alternative scene |
Summary
"Let’s Go Down To The Woods" is a ferocious, rhythm-driven anthem that helped establish The Screaming Blue Messiahs as one of the most electrifying acts of the mid-1980s UK post-punk scene. Its relentless energy and primal sound continue to resonate with fans of alternative and post-punk music132.
