Description
Peter Blegvad – King Strut – 7 Inch Red Vinyl Record
Released in 1990, King Strut is a single by Peter Blegvad, a highly original and idiosyncratic figure in the world of art rock and avant-pop. Known for his surreal lyricism, deadpan wit, and literary flair, Blegvad delivers a record that feels like a cross between a short story collection and an eccentric rock album — hence the “other stories” in the title. This was his third solo album and marked a return to recording after a period focused on writing, drawing (notably his Leviathan comic strip), and collaborating with others.
Blegvad is an American-born, UK-based musician and writer who gained prominence as a member of Slapp Happy, the art-pop group that merged with Henry Cow in the 1970s. He’s collaborated with avant-garde legends like John Greaves, Dagmar Krause, and Robert Wyatt, and has always approached songwriting with a mix of intellectual play, dadaist humor, and literary depth. Blegvad’s work exists on a unique axis of art rock, folk, cabaret, and surrealism.
King Strut and Other Stories sits at the intersection of avant-pop, folk-rock, and spoken word, with a strong sense of narrative and theatricality. Each track feels like its own little world — sometimes whimsical, sometimes disquieting — populated by odd characters, twisted fables, and philosophical reflections. The instrumentation is eclectic but accessible, weaving guitar-based melodies with occasional brass, keys, and unexpected textures.
The album’s production is polished compared to his earlier, rawer efforts (The Naked Shakespeare, Knights Like This), but it still retains a strong sense of intimacy and eccentricity. His voice is calm and deliberate, almost like he’s telling a bedtime story — except these tales are often absurd, eerie, or comically tragic.
Blegvad’s lyrics are full of allusions — literary, philosophical, and personal. There’s a meta-textual quality to his work, as he often references storytelling itself, the nature of language, and the act of meaning-making. Listeners might draw connections to the writings of Italo Calvino, Donald Barthelme, or even James Joyce, though Blegvad wraps these references in concise and clever packaging.
While King Strut didn’t chart or break through commercially, it has remained an important part of his discography and a favorite for those drawn to intelligent, off-kilter songwriting. Blegvad’s fanbase is small but passionate, and the album helped solidify his role as a cult figure in art-pop, appreciated by listeners of Robert Wyatt, Brian Eno, Kevin Ayers, and other fringe visionaries.
NEW, never played.
RED Vinyl
Singles Only Label 1992
Track Listing
King Strut
Shirt And Comb
