Mumm-Ra call it a day

On the 17th of March Mumm-Ra announced they are splitting up and calling it a day. A Favorite on the board I frequent I started to listen to this band about 18 months ago. We saw them at SXSW 2007 both at the NME party and at their official showcase. This is a band I took to my heart and loved. We also bumped into Noo at the Pigeon Detectives gig, having a hilarious conversation where he swore that both computers and Radio 1 had ruined his life, in a drunken haze of course, hilarious when you consider he uses that as a lyric.
We also had the chance to see them at The Great Escape 2007 again loving every second. Their album which came out at the same time was amazing and the extra demo tracks astoundingly good.
But I want to know who will have custody of Matthew The Duck?
Why this music languishes undiscovered while crap from reality shows makes big money astounds and saddens me.
Mumm-Ra, Tommy B, Noo and Matthew The Duck I will miss you more than i thought possible.
Mumm-Ra - Starlight

Back to the 80s

regressing
The Regeneration tour has just been announced. I think despite the fact it is completely dated and just embarrassing I will end up going. Yes the bands have no cred but Dare and The Lexicon Of Love are still amazing albums even now.

The Human League Open Your Heart


ABC The Look Of Love


A Flock Of Seagulls Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)


Belinda Carlisle Heaven Is A Place On Earth

Bands calling it a day

I found the news that Milburn called it a day extremely sad.
As far as I know Milburn never made it to the US, I know they never made it to SXSW or Boston. A down to earth bunch of guys from Sheffield they made infectious indie pop that could sink into your brain and refuse to move.
Two albums that were never truly appreciated but remain stuck on play in my playlist.
Milburn - Cheshire Cat Smile

This came shortly after the rumour that Battle called it a day. Yes it is a a 'rumour' but the truth seems so very transparent behind it. Jason, I eagerly await your solo album.
I don't think I will ever stop appreciating the pop brilliance of Tendency, whose hooks make my heart soar and my feet twitch. Tim and Toby, thank you for signing this band and bringing them over to SXSW so we could see them. Double thanks for helping us get in to the Great Escape gig for our last ever chance to see them perform.
Battle - Tendency

Carbon/silicon TT The Bears April 5th 2008

A sleeper in regards ticket sales, by the time of the gig everyone knew what was happening and were hyped.
The support band Scarce put on a decent show for an audience who tolerated them, though they were certainly a treat compared to some recent support bands i Have suffered.
After a long time of the sound guy/guitar tech fussing on stage the stage finally passed muster and Carbon/Silicon appeared - through a back door rather than the normal back room.
Mick Jones and Tony James had a great time, Mick just kept grinning, it was infectious. These were two guys back where they wanted to be, playing wonderful guitars to a malleable audience in a small intimate club. They just seemed so happy to be up there jamming. They are both extremely old now, balding and wearing suits and loafers rather tan punk outfits but just a wonderful thing to see.
I thought I was attuned to the British accent but lost a lot of what Mick said between songs but he did try to converse with the audience.
Both 'What the F*ck' and Why Do Men Fight the last two songs turned into two long fun fests. Truly a gig you were happy to be at.