236. Alternative Ulster - Henry Cluney: Inside The Song

Henry Cluney, founding member and guitarist of Stiff Little Fingers and currently with XSLF, joins Fender Jackson for a deep dive into “Alternative Ulster”.

Together they listen through the recording and explore Henry's recollections of how the song was written, arranged and recorded - from its instantly recognisable guitar intro and droning open D string to the bass, drums, vocals and production.

Henry recalls the beginnings of Stiff Little Fingers, working with Jake Burns, Ali McMordie and Brian Faloon, manager Gordon Ogilvie, and the circumstances that led to “Alternative Ulster” being recorded.

The conversation also goes beyond the song itself: punk in Belfast during the Troubles, Island Records, The Undertones, songwriting, the changing relationships within Stiff Little Fingers and Henry’s reflections on the band today.

Part interview, part musical analysis, this is an attempt to understand not simply the story behind “Alternative Ulster”, but why the record sounds the way it does - and why, nearly five decades later, that opening remains instantly recognisable.

Part interview, part musical analysis, this is an attempt to understand not simply the story behind “Alternative Ulster”, but why the record sounds the way it does - and why, nearly five decades later, that opening remains instantly recognisable.

Relevant Links

https://www.facebook.com/XSLFBELFASTNORTHENIRELAND/

Editor’s Note: During the conversation, Henry Cluney discusses his recollection of the writing of “Alternative Ulster” and Gordon Ogilvie’s contribution to the lyrics. The original 1978 Rough Trade release credits the song to “Fingers/Ogilvie”. Jake Burns has subsequently said publicly that he wrote the song largely himself, with Gordon Ogilvie contributing one line. These differing accounts are noted here for context.

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