Song #2: Trading Cards of Glory

The second song in our set list is our newest addition, “Trading Cards of Glory,” the title song from our 2012 compilation release (44x songs available on Bandcamp). It was one of the last songs composed by the Subs in our first incarnation (‘83 – 93), and it probably hasn’t been played more than once or twice ever. That said, it’s a fantastic song, and more relevant today than ever. It’s got a great guitar hook and the ever-increasing presence of Vernon with his sweet, David Bowie-esque background vocals – we are becoming quite Buzzcocky with our harmonies lately. The ending verse says it all:

“Now is the time for healing and feeling,

So let’s go down to the flea market.”

There’s a lot to unpack in this one, but we are commenting on the passage of time from the 1980s to present day. The only thing is, perhaps recent times have awakened a new energy that puts our reminiscing on hold. But even so, the relics of the past hold even more significance now. Possibly it is in the past where hope that things can be better can be found, and that we can help make it so. Or, perhaps the song looks forward to a future in which the conflagrations of our times are but embers and all of us can just relax and go down to the flea market. I honestly couldn’t tell you which angle the song is taking.