The 80's reformation bandwagon has another member (or should that be rider?). Hot on the heels of The Pale Fountains get together comes the Wild Swans reunion (line up unconfirmed but likely to be only Paul Simpson I reckon). We have been promised a tour and "new material".
I have alot of respect for Paul Simpson's work (well, maybe not Space Flower) but some things are better left in the past. The early Swans material was up there with the Bunnymen for me (Revolutionary Spirit was drummed on and produced by one Mr De Freitas) and Bill Drummond still maintains it was the best thing ever released on Zoo (despite being in mono).
But a reformation in 2008? I'm not sure. I'll still go and buy the album of course...but the 80's nostalgia bandwagon is starting to reek of desperation. A big part of me is starting to think that of The Crucial Three only Cope has any credibility left. Wylie has reformed Wah! more times than Mac and Will have reformed the Bunnymen. You wouldnt see Cope getting back with Gary Dwyer and David Balfe to play Kilimanjaro from start to finish.
I though Paul Simpson was the same. He's been writing and recording electronica under the Skyray banner for a number of years and more conventional numbers under his own name. Why hitch up The Wild Swans along for the ride other than for cash? Would any more people actually go to the gigs? The likes of me would have gone anyway even if billed as a solo gig (abit like Paul Buchanen of The Blue Nile - when he tours a Nile gig in all but name).
I dont know why the Liverpool post punkers dont just pool their resources and do a Here and Now of their own - Bunnymen, Wah!, Pale Fountains, Wild Swans et al sharing the cost of the PA. Much more profitable.
Actually...that sounds like a great gig...somebody should suggest it. Bet Mac would want top billing.