“Medussa”: A Glimpse into Sweet’s Heavier Side and Uncharted Territory
Just uttering the name Sweet conjures up vivid images of glittering jumpsuits, soaring harmonies, and a sound that defined an era. They were the undisputed kings of Glam Rock, masters of the catchy hook and the stadium-filling anthem. But beneath the polished veneer of hits like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run” lay a deeper, more complex band, one that was constantly pushing the boundaries of their sound. Today, we delve into one of their lesser-known, yet incredibly significant, tracks: “Medussa.”
Originally released in 1974 on their seminal album Desolation Boulevard in the UK, “Medussa” showcases a different facet of Sweet – a heavier, more progressive, and undeniably edgier side that often surprised those who only knew their pop singles. Curiously, this track was omitted from the initial US version of Desolation Boulevard, a decision by Capitol Records that perhaps reflected their desire to focus solely on the band’s more overtly commercial output across the Atlantic. However, it later found its way to American shores as the B-side to their explosive 1976 single “Action.” As a B-side, “Medussa” didn’t receive its own chart position, but its presence on the flip side of a major hit meant it certainly got heard by a dedicated audience, deepening the experience for those who spun the vinyl.
The story behind “Medussa” is rooted in Sweet‘s artistic evolution. By 1974, the band – Brian Connolly on vocals, Andy Scott on guitar, Steve Priest on bass, and Mick Tucker on drums – weren’t content to simply churn out pop hits crafted by external songwriters Chinn and Chapman. They were formidable musicians and songwriters in their own right, and Desolation Boulevard was their emphatic statement of intent. “Medussa” is a prime example of their collective songwriting prowess, credited to all four band members. It represented their desire to move beyond the confines of bubblegum glam and explore a more hard-rocking, almost proto-metal sound. This was the sound that would truly define their later career, especially as their relationship with Chinn and Chapman began to fray.
Lyrically, “Medussa” is an intriguing departure for Sweet. Unlike their often celebratory or rebellious pop lyrics, “Medussa” delves into darker, more mythological territory. The song draws inspiration from the Greek myth of Medusa, the Gorgon with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn men to stone. It paints a picture of a seductive yet dangerous figure, a temptress who holds immense power over those who dare to approach her. The lyrics evoke a sense of allure and dread, of being drawn inexorably towards something beautiful but ultimately destructive. This thematic depth was a clear signal that Sweet was maturing, willing to explore more complex narratives beyond teenage angst and good-time revelry.
For those of us who grew up with Sweet, hearing “Medussa” for the first time, often tucked away on the B-side of a beloved single or discovered much later on a reissued album, was a revelation. It revealed the raw power and musical sophistication that lay beneath the glitter. It was a testament to Andy Scott‘s blistering guitar work, Steve Priest‘s thundering bass lines, Mick Tucker‘s intricate drumming, and Brian Connolly‘s surprisingly versatile vocals, moving from his signature glam delivery to something more menacing and dramatic. This wasn’t just a band playing simple pop; this was a group of serious musicians flexing their creative muscles, hinting at the depth and longevity that would follow their initial burst of fame.
“Medussa” stands as a powerful reminder that the true artistry of Sweet extended far beyond their hit singles. It’s a track that rewards repeat listens, revealing new layers of instrumentation and vocal nuance with each spin. It speaks to the band’s ambition, their willingness to experiment, and their undeniable talent as a cohesive unit. For older fans, it conjures memories of discovering a hidden gem, a piece of the Sweet puzzle that showcased their true rock and roll heart. It’s a track that, even today, continues to turn heads – not into stone, but certainly towards the lasting legacy of a truly iconic band.