31 years ago today...

[Scouser]

Would make a great movie that.

I think there is a film version of Awaydays but I've never seen it...

[Voodoo Billy]

Yes, I've read the book but haven't seen the film as yet, that one's set in the same era, great book . His "Outlaws" is a good read as well (bit close to the bone), I think the film "Crew" was based on it though I may be wrong. Stars are Stars would make a fantastic film, something on the lines of Corbijn's Control but obviously with a superior soundtrack. Any casting ideas, anyone?

[withahip]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVEOxSN8ILc[/youtube]

[Lancashire Fusileer]

From the age of about 14 to when I left to go to college at 18 I think I went to Probe every Saturday. .

Ey up Scouser, have you seen the Steve Jacuzzi book yet?

[Mr. Brian]

From the age of about 14 to when I left to go to college at 18 I think I went to Probe every Saturday.

That is an age of exploration. You were very restrained however. I think I went to probe everyday.

[DivaDiana77]

The Bunnymen played their first gig at Eric's 31 years ago today. That's hard to believe actually. What happened to that Echo fella anyway?

It was also on this day in 1983 that Bill Drummond insisted that the Bunnymen break up on their 5th anniversary. That would have meant no Ocean Rain of course and the Bunnymen would have likely never been heard of at all in the US.

Silly rabbit, they had been heard of. I found a Cashbox book that has chart positions for all albums (Albums, not singles) and was pleasantly surprised to see how well they did especially compared to other British groups at the time and other post-punk bands. Better than you think. I'll post it someday.

[DivaDiana77]

Well, Scouser, you can always go back for a "moment" whenever you want. Lucky you. I remember being too young for most of the stuff I was into. I'm quite glad I didn't know half of what I do now, LOL. Say, your gang was right for being into the Bunnies, but TE--yikes. ;) then again, maybe I'm wrong since Everybody wants to shag them. ;) You might want to publish your memoir of the time. I know I would get a kick out of it. Call it "Too Young for Eric's"

Its funny, I was in town this morning and walked past the site where Eric's once stood. If I'd have known I'd have stopped and had a "moment".

When I was at secondary school all anyone ever talked about was the Bunnymen, the Teardrops and Wah. The Bunnymen in particular were our Beatles. We all had elder brothers, sisters, cousins etc who were old enough to get into Erics (I was 12 in 79) and we felt cursed we couldnt witness it first hand. By the time we were old enough to go they were playing proper venues.

The Bunnymen were massive in my peer group in Liverpool 80 - 84 (as were the Teardrops until the split). Whilst the rest of the country went mad for The Jam I can remember starting school in 79 and instead of winckle pickers and parkas all the 5th and 6th form lads had long coats and Mac hairdo's. Then it was combats. Then back to long coats again.

When I look at the cover of HUH it transports me back to our old front room and my Dad's old "stereo". It was never off and neither was Porcupine. I bought Porcupine from Crown Records in Crosby on the day it came out and bunked off school to go home and listen to it with two of my mates. We played it back to back all afternoon. At first none of us liked side 2 but by the time it came for my mates to go home for their tea we all loved it.

Those were the days!

[Scouser]

Well, Scouser, you can always go back for a "moment" whenever you want. Lucky you. I remember being too young for most of the stuff I was into. I'm quite glad I didn't know half of what I do now, LOL. Say, your gang was right for being into the Bunnies, but TE--yikes. ;) then again, maybe I'm wrong since Everybody wants to shag them. ;) You might want to publish your memoir of the time. I know I would get a kick out of it. Call it "Too Young for Eric's"

Teardrop Explodes were (are) fantastic. OK, they were poppier than the Bunnymen but in many ways thats quite a brave thing to do as you are there to be shot at. Cope is a really interesting character with a great sense of humour, I have alot of respect for him whereas Mac is constantly plummeting in my estimation.

When asked if the Teardrops would ever get back together Cope replied - "Would you go back to having your Mother wiping your arse?" (Mac take note)

Kilimanjaro may have been abit patchy but I think Wilder really stands the test of time.

[fat cherry]

never 'got' the teardrops, mainly because copes voice really got/gets on my nerves, so never listened much. he is quite an interesting bloke though, particularly the way projects himself these days - the way he's defined himself and his self marketing is somthing anyone who wants to take control of their own business (for want of a better word) could learn from. but underneath it all i cant help thinking he's just an annoying twat.

[Scouser]

I dont entirely disagree Chezza. Cope does have an annoying twatness about him, but its often offset by his wit and intellegence. Mac is also an annoying twat which is pretty much not offset by anything (except Will).

[Lancashire Fusileer]

doubtless you all read the 5 part interview we did with the Archdrude...

The day Mac makes an LP as good and as searingly honest as Jehovakill or Fried, or Rome Wasn't Burnt In a Day... well, then we can compare. At present Cope's streets ahead.

Oi Scouser, you got the Steve Jacuzzi book yet?

[Scouser]

No, I havent read the Steve Jacuzzi book yet.

I agree about Cope vs Mac solo output. Fried, Peggy Suicide, Jehovahkill are expansive and daring. Candleland, Mysterio, Slideling are just...shit (The Fountrain is essentially solo Mac and that plumbs new depths of banality). Mac hasnt produced anything fit to lick the boots of Reynard The Fox.

But, as I have said elsewhere, you have to blame the fans for that. Whilst they keep nodding and smiling and eulogising the complete wank Mac is phoning in, plodding all over the country to see the same set and then posting on BOF its "awesome" what is the guy going to do? Keep churning out the same old shit thats what.

I'd take Cope solo any day of the week.

[Dave Smith]

Well.....(deep breath)...obviously Copey solo is better than Mac solo.But Copey hasnt fitted in Electrafixion and the Bunnymen as well has he?Copey has also relied heavily upon other musicians -Donald Ross Skinner for one.Copey is now so drug addled that he cant complete 15 minute gigs.A real shame because some of his stuff is the work of a (twisted) genius.Early Teardrops,Reynard etc..etc..but there you have at.Thats people from Polesworth for you.

[black francis]

Alright I'm sufficiently intrigued. Where do I start in the Julian Cope canon?

[Scouser]

From the beginning...

World Shut Your Mouth (like the Teardrops but more robust)
Fried (work of genius)
Saint Julian (rock and roll baby)
This Nations Saving Grace (er...skip this one but has a couple of great tracks)
Peggy Suicide (space rock baby)
Jehovahkill (even further out there)

Then there is the rest...probably only for the hardcore until you get to Black Sheep which is a real return to form. Even his obtuse space operas have their moments of brilliance. But the first half dozen albums or so are ace.