Daily Record

29 July 1983

Just a Bit Dotty…
by Billy Sloan

When Strawberry Switchblade walk down the street, kids whistle the theme tune from The Addams Family… and it’s easy to see why.

In their outrageous polka-dot costumes, thick black eye make-up and tangled hair-dos, they are, if nothing else, different.

The Glasgow duo – Jill Bryson and Rose McDowall – have just released a great debut single, Trees and Flowers, and their music has already impressed some of their fellow artistes.

For Mark Bedford and ‘Woody’ Woodgate of Madness, Aztec Camera’s Roddy Frame and Nicky Holland of the Fun Boy Three, all volunteered to play on the song.

‘They all asked if they could come into the studio and play on the single,’ said Jill.

‘Mark and “Woody” were very keen to work with us, while Nicky played oboe and Roddy added some guitar.’

But understandably, it’s not just their music which has been attracting a lot of attention. The girls’ crazy polka-dot look causes a sensation wherever they go.

‘We wear them all the time, because polka dots look good and match with anything,’ explained Jill.

‘I’ve been stopped in the street by curious passers-by and told by one man that I looked like death.’

Rose has also had her share of bizarre experiences.

‘Children whistle The Addams Family and call me Mrs Munster,’ she said.

‘I love both programmes, so I take it as a compliment.’

We’re grateful to the generous people at Zounds Abound for finding us this article. They do such a brilliant job of trawling vintage newspapers for music articles that people want to read today. They’re raising funds and awareness for Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of their son Noah. You can read about Noah, the care the Trust enabled him to have, and make a donation here.