Smokey - "Leather"

Photo by John van Hamersveld

Having been considered "too gay" back in the 70s and 80s, Proto-punk icon Smokey is finally getting a proper reissue later this month. I wrote about "How Far Will You Go...?" earlier, and now you can hear another track off How Far Will You Go?: The S&M Recordings 1973-81. "Leather" reminds me a lot of David Bowie's "Suffragette City" and Iggy Pop's The Idiot, which was produced by David Bowie. It has the same feel that Bowie, Iggy, and Lou Reed all have when they're showing their R&B influences. Considering the time and scenes Smokey was a part of, the sound makes perfect sense.

How Far Will You Go?: The S&M Recordings 1973-81 is due out June 23rd on Chapter Music. You can listen to "Leather" below. You can pre-order the album on Amazon. For more information on Smokey, head on over to their official Facebook page.