Conference marvin::uk_music

    
    
    
    Hue & Cry are brothers Pat & Greg Kane from Coatbridge (about 10 miles 
    east of Glasgow).   Greg plays keyboards and writes the music, Pat
    sings (brilliantly) and writes the lyrics and melody.
    
    They're currently conducting a UK tour ('fraid I don't know any
    other dates than Glasgow SEC), but last year they did a tour of
    the 'provincial' Scottish towns - I went to the Kilmarnock gig in
    which they performed all of "Seduced & Abandoned" + a few others
    and were brilliant.
    
    The new album, Remote, has already been review in this notesfile,
    and is also excellent.   
    
    
    I'm very familiar with Labour of Love, but not quite sure of one
    or two words.  It goes along these lines...
    
    
    "You said, you recall about 7 years ago that you said,
     That you were so tough
     Now loving, loved the way you were puting me down in a
     totally new way,
     Down where, the bad old, sad old days
     But now, too much pain for too little gain,
     Now I feel like I'm gonna fight back, right now
    
    Gonna withdraw my labour of love,
    gonna strike for the right to get into your heart
    Withdraw my labour of love
    Gonna strike for the right to get into your cool heart
    Ain't gonna work for you no more".
    
    
    
    There's another verse, but I think you get the idea.
    
    
    Michael
    
    
    
    
     
    

    Kudos to da Kanes bruddas for their excellent LIVE performance of
    LOOKING FOR LINDA on TOTP last night.  Pat really does enjoy
    the old vocal improvisation lark, although to the backing singer's
    relief, he confines it to the verse(s).
    
    Whilst it's refreshing to see bands actually performing live on
    TV, this is nothing new to these boys - I caught various shows over
    the festive period (gulp!) where they were in similar mode.  I think
    the highlight has to be from "Halfway To Paradise" where they did
    their tragically underheard classic ORDINARY ANGEL - no band, just
    Greg on piano (acoustic?  Can't quite recall) and Pat singing. 
    An amazing performance.  I can also recount a recent spot on one
    of those Saturday morning kiddies shows where they (again) did LOOKING
    FOR LINDA, with Pat replacing the line "She spent thirty five pounds
    on one pack of ciggies" with "....on one track of Iggy's"!!!  Strange
    move - or maybe RAW POWER is a major influence 8*)
    
    Yes, a fine, fine band, and I think it's tragic that they're now
    classed in the quasi-soul bracket by the majority of the music press
    and the like.  OK, what they're doing is hardly earth-shatteringly
    new, but I for one lap up their modern, highly danceable sound.
    
    Recommended listening - SEDUCED AND ABANDONNED (July '87) and REMOTE
    (Dec. '88), Circa Records - available on LP, cassette and CD (the
    latter two formats have extra tracks from the vinyl versions). 
    
    Further commentary welcomed!!!
    
    Dougie_who's_gonna_withdraw_his_Labour_Of_Love_just_shortly  :-)

    
    I thought it was just the vocals that were live? 
    
    Richard. (I thought they were excellent).

    
    
    You're probably right Richard, but it's a *big* improvement and
    takes much confidence/talent on the part of the vocalist to carry
    it off on a show like that (e.g - who could forget Chris de Burgh's
    tragic rendition of "the lady in red").
    
    
    Besides, the live vocal is the best we'll ever get on TOTP when
    you consider the logistics of a working PA etc.
    
    If there's a better singer around than Pat Kane, then I'd like to
    hear him.
    
    
    Michael
    

    
       My 100% vote for him too!
      Think I'm in luuuuurve!!!!!
    
       ;-)
    
        Vicky
         
    

    
    I'm not a big fan, but Looking For Linda sounds very Level 42-ish to
    me.
    
    David.
    

    Re. -1 - you have seriously got to be kidding.  I'm all for 'every
    man to their own opinion', but how you can compare the nasal whining
    of Mark King to the sheer, delightful versatility of Pat Kane is
    beyond me.  Not only that - I don't even think that the overall
    sound of the record is close to Level 42's - although that may be
    because there no 'thwacking' bass on it!  ;-)

    re- last two.
    No wish to stir up trouble but when I first heard it I thought it
    WAS Level 42!!
         
    
    Tony (who has several level 42 albums and the last H & C album and
         is fed up with all of them)

    
             Sorry mateys, they're *far* superior to Level 42!! :-)
    
                       Vicky
    

    Vicky, re. -1, I couldn't agree more.  Indeed, as a Hue And Cry
    'fan' of close on two years' standing, I find it hard to accept
    that whilst Level 42's blatantly commercial pop-disco continues
    to sell singles a-plenty, H&C gems like I REFUSE, STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
    and ORDINARY ANGEL (yes, yet another plug!!!) have failed to maked
    the grade in Top 40 terms.  To be fair, it can't be put down to
    lack of airplay, as both Radio 1 and local stations give their stuff
    a pretty fair crack at the whip - maybe it's just that they're too
    classy for the Average Joe's ear....and that' a great shame.
    
    "I said 'A fine man',
     She said 'So arrogant,
     I will decide when I go, or I don't go'"

    I don't think any of us are arguing whether 42 are better than H&C
    or not ("a" is better than "b" is a pretty pointless debate anyhow) 
    - we merely said that to US the single "Looking for Linda"
    SOUNDS like level 42 (and I still think it does ;-))
    
    As far as singles sales go, however, if large sales mean you have
    a good product then The Sun is a better newspaper than the Times
    and Mills and Boon is better literature than Shakespeare!! Add
    to this the undoubted corruption in the charts game and it makes
    the whole thing meaningless.
    
    
    Tony 

    Interesting, isn't it, what makes one sound remind you of another.
    
    I mean, H&C's bass player uses a completely different sound and style
    to Mark King, and the overall instrumental productions are like chalk
    and cheese. I think it must be Mark King's ever-so-slightly flat,
    nasally voice that connects with thingy Kane's otherwise much more
    powerful vocals (better lyrics, too). 
    
    I don't think it's invalid to claim that H&C write better lyrics,
    or that thingy Kane is a better singer than King. Other than that, it
    gets a bit more tricky to compare the two.
    
    Richard.

    
    
    As an admirer of Level 42 (last two albums), and a Hue & Cry fanatic,
    I'm afraid I can't see *any* similarity between them - especially
    on "looking for Linda".
    
    For me, the Level 42 sound is mostly down to Mark King - vocals
    and bass.  Pat Kane's vocal is vastly superior and I can't hear
    any similarity in the bass lines.
    

    Also speaking as an amateur musician and having worked out songs
    by both bands on piano, the construction of chord sequences etc
    used by Hue and Cry are more clever and intricate than any level
    42 songs.
    
    
    Michael
    

    Hmm -- must be something. At least half a dozen people I know of
    have remarked on it. Perhaps they sound similar on a poorly tuned
    am radio, or on T.O.T.P. when the cat's being sick and the washer's
    on...
    
    Richard.

    Is anyone who's been following this topic into Hue And Cry sufficiently
    to want to know about songs which don't appear on either of their
    two albums?  There are quite a few all told - I'll post a listing
    if there is a demand, but otherwise I won't bore you all with the
    limited-appeal details  8-)

    Here's a vote for that!!
    
           Cheers
    
               Vicky
    

    
    
    	I've heard the first Hueie album once and can't say that i was
      very impressed, however, i did only listen to it once and that,
      probably, was not enough to get into it, but first impression was
      "yeah its ok but nothing spectacular".

    
    
    	Grub......

    
          It'll grow on you, believe me!
    
           Vicky
    

    
    Since reading this topic I've been listening to Looking for Linda
    very carefully to try and pick out why it sounds a bit like Level
    42. The only thing I can think of is that the drum rhythm (is it
    a drum machine or real drums?) is a bit like a Mark King bass guitar
    rhythm.
    
    Just to add my personal opinion, I really like Hue and Cry - I  
    listen to Seduced and Abandoned a lot - but Looking for Linda is the 
    only song of theirs that I don't particularly like.

    Alison

    
    That's interesting, 'cos I read some stuff by Mark King in which he
    said that his style emulates the interaction between kick and snare
    drums...
    
    Richard.

    
    
    re.20 -
    
    I agree Alison - although "looking for Linda" is a good song, it's
    by no means the best on the 'remote' album.
    
    
    
    Michael
    

    Michael, I have to disagree with you on this one.  After listening
    to REMOTE the first couple of times, I would've picked out LOOKING
    FOR LINDA as a future single.  It'll be interesting to see how the
    record company follows up the (relative) success of this one - will
    they re-release ORDINARY ANGEL, or go for something like LOVE'S
    INVISIBILITY, or a ballad e.g. the title track???  Time will tell.
    In the meantime, I see that the album is sitting in the Top 20 in
    the album charts, so maybe the lads will at last start to see a few 
    bob for their efforts.  :-)
    
    Re. a few back - Vicky, I haven't forgotten about the list of non-album
    stuff.  I'll try to get around to it later on this p.m. 

    It's really amazing, how, when you put a one line comment in, it stirs
    a real hornets nest.  Anyway, I'm glad that Tony (.8, .11) did agree.
    Oh yeh, I *wasn't* commenting on abilities or anything to do with
    merit, but, as has happend before, one or two jumped the gun. 
    
    Right, that's the end of that!!!! Hey, you, yes you ... I said that's
    the end :-)
    
    Great stuff!!
    
    David.
    

I REFUSE (Bitter Suite Mix)               -      12"
JOE AND JOSEPHINE                         -      'B' side                  *
TEMPTED (the Squeeze song?)               -      cassingle                 *
SHIPBUILDING (the Robt. Wyatt song?)      -          "                     *

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH (Ext. Mix)           -      12"
SEEN IT ALL                               -      'B' side
DANGEROUS WRECK                           -       "    "

LABOUR OF LOVE (Ext. Dance Mix)           -      12"
WIDE SCREEN                               -      'B' side
GOODBYE TO ME (diff. arrangement)         -       "    "

I REFUSE (Route 88 Mix)                   -      re-issue 12"
INDIFFERENCE                              -      'B' side
KISS (yep, the Prince number - live)      -       "    "
SOMETHING WARMER (live)                   -       "    "
JUST ONE WORD (live)                      -      cassingle
MAD TO NUTS (live)                        -          "
HISTORY CITY (live)                       -      CD EP
LABOUR OF LOVE (Superbad Mix)             -       "  "

ORDINARY ANGEL (Hoedown mix)              -      12"
HYMN TO HANDS                             -      'B' side
I AM JOHN'S HEART                         -       "    "
SPENDING YOU                              -      CD EP

UNDER NEON                                -      extra track on second CD/tape
FAMILY OF EYES                            -        "     "    "    "      "

LOOKING FOR LINDA (Slow Train Home Mix)   -      12"                      *
HE WON'T SMILE                            -      'B' side                 *
REMOTE (live)                             -      'B' side                 *

I have all of the above except those marked with an asterisk, but I'll attend 
that *soon*  8^)

Just one small item of trivia - SEEN IT ALL contains the lines :-

"Seduce me and abandon me"....and should have been on the first album in place
                              of maybe TRUTH or the other slow-ish one, whose
                              title has momentarily slipped my mind  :-(

    
    
    Just to correct your wee faux pas Doug,  "seduce me and abandon
    me" is from the song WIDE SCREEN.
    
    
    
    "I'm becoming loser friendly"
    
    
    Michael
    

    Hmm, I blew it Mick!!  All the more annoying for the fact that I
    *wasn't* out on the town last night  ;-)

    
    
    Can anyone tell me who the drummer is that plays with Hue & Cry,
    or more specifically played with them on the edition of FSD that
    was shown at Christmas time '87. I've never seen the guy before
    but I WAS impressed with his style and ability. I was watching the
    tape again last night and he certainly stood out in the company
    he was in that night i.e. Wet Wet Wet,Deacon Blue and EdwinCollins(sp?). 
    I also enjoyed the "pretentious piano vocal number"(his words not
    mine) :-) WIDE SCREEN.
    
    cheers
    Lindsay
    

    
    
    Can't remember his name at the moment Lindsay, but my brother-in-law
    is from Coatbridge and he knows the guy quite well.  I'll check
    tonight.
    
    I think he did most/all of the drumming on "Seduced & Abandoned"
    and he really impressed me that night too.
    
    
    Michael
    

    Re. earlier mention in this topic of H&C performing live on TV (whether
    it be only vocals or otherwise), a friend asked me at the week-end
    if I'd heard them on Radio One last Sat. (Feb. 11th) afternoon talking
    about, and playing tracks from, the REMOTE album - as is usual with
    these under-advertised things, I didn't catch this, but I'm keen
    to know if anyone in this conference did, because....at the very
    end of the programme, the DJ (Adrian Juste?) asked Pat and Greg
    (apparently they were the only two there) if they fancied 'playing
    something for the audience', to which the boys announced "another
    from our series of pretentious piano/vocal numbers", and launched
    into Kate Bush's THE MAN WITH THE CHILD IN HIS EYES!!  What a choice
    of songs to cover!!  
    
    *Please*, if you heard this, what was it like?  
    
    Dougie_who_saw_them_on_'Halfway To Paradise'_doing_ORDINARY ANGEL_in
          _similar_mode - brilliant!!!

    
    re. H&C broadcasts there was a live concert on Radio Clyde on Saturday
    night at 9 o'clock.
    
    Lindsay who_missed_it.
     

    On Radio Clyde on Sat. night? - jeezus, I missed something similar
    last May.  I guess it's the price to pay for not following the local
    press (i.e. Daily Record) or radio station (Clyde) closely enough,
    but I really would loved to have heard this one!

    Just a quick note to let all you avid H&C fans in here know that
    once again, they'll be on tonight's TOTP doing live vocals (heard
    this on the radio on the way in this morning).  I assume that it
    won't just be a re-run of their performance a fortnight ago.

    
            YYYYYYYYIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
    
         Any good, this `Hue and Cry' band??!! :-) ;-)
    
       Vicky
    

    
    
    Yep Dougie, it was again live (not a re-run of 2 weeks ago) - you
    could tell 'cause his ad-libing was even more contrived! ;-)
    
    But I was disappointed that they relegated Dave Preston (backing
    vocalist) way to the rear of the stage, in the hope of convincing
    us that Greg (pianist) was doing the backing vocals (which BTW were
    not sung live).
    
    I hate to see that.
    
    Michael
    

    S'Funny you should say that.  I was watching it yesterday and I
    thought the pianist was the backing vocalist.
    
    Interesting.
    

    Michael, you and I are in synch here - I also felt that it was a
    bit 'off' to stick whatsisface at the back of the set, and to
    concentrate the cameras on Pat and Greg.  Changed days indeed since
    the 'feuding brothers' tag - at some stages last night, you'd've
    thought that they were bent shots the way they were looking at one
    another!
    
    Good to see that it was indeed a different (and lengthier) performance.
    Their new-found success is surely largely attributable to the fact
    that they've been prepared to do the whole PR bit via the likes
    of the radio and TV appearances mentioned earlier in this topic.
    
    Dougie_who'll_have_a_copy_of_the_Radio_Clyde_broadcast_just_shortly  8-)

    
    
>>   Dougie_who'll_have_a_copy_of_the_Radio_Clyde_broadcast_just_shortly  8-)

    
    Any chance of a copy/listen Doug?
    
    
    Michael
    
    

    Michael, I should have it within the next week or so - no problem
    in lending it to you for a listen/copy.
    
    Incidentally, re. my earlier listing of non-album stuff, I received
    the I REFUSE/JOE AND JOSEPHINE 7" through the post this a.m., and
    it comes with a free cassette EP feat. I REFUSE (extended, diff.
    from the 'route 88' mix) plus three live tracks recorded by Radio
    Clyde in 1987 - TEMPTED (the old Squeeze classic), SHIPBUILDING
    (the old Elvis Costello/Robert Wyatt classic) and a live version
    of the non-album goodie, DANGEROUS WRECK.  
    
    Another superb addition to the collection!

    The info. posted in .39 concerning the 'new' stuff that I received
    through the post yesterday is largely incorrect!  FWIW :-
    
    The freebie cassette included with the re-released I REFUSE single,
    is entitled "The Shuggie And Shout Tape", and the version of the
    lead track (I REFUSE), is a completely re-recorded one....slowed
    down a bit, and with additional strings.  Also, one or two minor
    lyrical changes.  I recall lying in bed one morning half-awake trying
    to figure out if the song I was listening to on the radio was the
    same one that I knew from the SEDUCED AND ABANDONNED album.  8-)
    
    The three other tracks on the cassette are 'live', but not from
    a concert as I first thought - they were recorded specially as a
    'session' for Radio Clyde.  Their interpretation of SHIPBUILDING
    is excellent, if less dramatic than Mr. Costello's, but I don't
    feel that their somewhat speeded-up version of TEMPTED works all
    that well.  DANGEROUS WRECK is a lovely song and deserves to be
    more widely heard.
    
    BTW, I the follow-up to the LOOKING FOR LINDA hit will be VIOLENTLY
    (YOUR WORDS HIT ME).  A surprise choice, but I suppose to they had
    to release a ballad as a single at some stage.  Prediction?  Minor
    hit.

    
    
    Yep Dougie, VIOLENTLY(YOUR WORDS HIT ME) I agree is a surprise choice.
    It's a lovely song, but LOOKING FOR LINDA is quite a laid-back song,
    so I would have thought one of the more up-tempo numbers from the
    album would have been a better choice - e.g. - SWEET INVISIBILITY
    or THE ONLY THING(MORE POWERFUL THAN THE BOSS).
    
    
    It begs the question - how much influence do the actual artists have
    when it comes to choosing single releases?

    Anybody know?
    
    Michael
    

    Inevitably, Hue & Cry will have a video released within the next
    few weeks - the title is WHIPPING UP A STORM, and judging by the
    price tag (#7.99), it must be a compilation of videos for their
    recent singles.  Hardly essential, but worth a viewing or two.  8-)

    
    
    In response (finally) to Lindsay's question from weeks ago, the
    drummer who played on the FSD session is called Tony McCracken.
    
    According to my brother-in-law, he was dropped from the line up
    for the second album, and is now doing session work in and around
    Glasgow.
    
    
    
    Michael
    

    As previously mentioned, the new Hue And Cry single, is VIOLENTLY
    (YOUR WORDS HIT ME), and it's out on Monday, May 1st.  Once again
    giving their 'fans' value-for-money, the 12"/CD single feature three
    previously unavailable tracks, one of which is a cover of Kate Bush's
    THE MAN WITH THE CHILD IN HIS EYES (!).  I don't yet know what the
    other two tracks are, but will input a.s.a.p.
    
    Also, whilst in Our Price last week-end, I spotted the WHIPPING
    UP A STORM video e.p. - tracks on it are (rather predictably), 
    I REFUSE (two versions!), LABOUR OF LOVE, STRENGTH TO STRENGTH,
    ORDINARY ANGEL and LOOKING FOR LINDA.  The last two tracks are included
    as 'bonus' items, as per a note on the front cover.  Still, at just
    eight quid, I may well invest.  

    
    
    Regretfully, I have to agree with you Dougie - VIOLENTLY etc will
    probably not chart - but who cares - it's a wonderful song from
    a wonderful album.
    
    BTW Dave Lee Travis played it and *raved* about it on his show last
    Sat or Sun.
    
    Can't wait to hear ol' Pat belting out THE MAN WITH THE CHILD IN
    HIS EYES.

    Keep the news coming!
    
    Michael
    

    
    
    Hue & Cry will be apprearing on WOGAN on Fri 7:00pm.
    
    I presume they will be performing/plugging their great new single
    VIOLENTLY (YOUR WORDS HIT ME), and knowing Pat Kane (ok, I don't
    actually know him but you know what I mean) he'll probably sing
    it live.
    
    
    If he does, it shouldn't be missed!
    
    
    Michael
    

    
     I agree!!
    

    
    
    
    ...wee Pat...miming!!!!   I couldn't believe it.  I've never seen
    him mime before.
    
    
    
    Michael (still_shocked_and_stunned)
    
    

    Yes Michael, I have to agree that I was slightly taken aback that
    he mimed on the WOGAN slot - not only that, where on earth did he
    dig up that ridiculous suit from?!?  A frightening outfit!!!
    
    On the plus side, with VIOLENTLY entering the all-too-important
    chart this week at number 29 or so, there must be an excellent chance
    of them appearing on TOTP on Thurs.  Surely, a live vocal would
    be in order there.  
    
    BTW, on that live tape I have (which I'll lend you whenever I can
    remember to bring it in ;-) it gets announced as 'the best song
    we've written so far'.  Do you agree with their sentiments?
    
    Lastly, I've still not heard their version of THE MAN WITH THE CHILD
    IN HIS EYES, but I was speaking to some local H&C fans at the week-end,
    and I'm assured that it's absolutely ace!  I should have the CD
    EP featuring same within the next day or two (sad reflection on
    our local stores - I had to mail-order it from a shop in Leicester!).
    I'll let you know shortly what *I* think of it.

    
    
    
    ..what's going on?  Has the wee man lost his voice?  I blame TOTP,
    he probably *begged* them to let him sing live but they wouldn't
    let him!
    
    BTW, what about all that ridiculous clapping_along_with_the_record
    by those idiots to a ballad like that?
    
    Hanging's too good for them.  It's a good kick in the a*se they
    need.
    
    
    Michael
    

    
    I watched it and thought of you.
    
    God, it was bad!
    
    Mark

    

>>                             -< Are they produced by SAW? >-

  
    
    That really isn't funny, Mark.  
    
    Kick a man when he's down.  God, I don't know.  What's the world
    comimg to.
    
    Michael  

    
    Sorry.
    
    Don't get me wrong. I like Hue and Cry, but I found it really
    uncomfortable watching them on TOTP last night. It's sad that the
    producers (or whoever) of TOTP felt the need to put mindless clapping
    on (Spontaneous my ar*e!). Have they NO soul?
    
    Mark

    
          I'm *really* p....d off (`scuse me!) cos I bought `TIME OUT'
    yesterday evening on the way home, flicked through the gigs page,
    and discovered that `Hue and Cry' were playing at Hammersmith Odeon
    that very minute! AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGH!!!!!!! Why do I always discover
    things like that when it's too late? :-(
    
          Did anyone go? Any cahance of a review here please?
    
           Pretty please?
    
              Vicky
    

    
    
    
    Don't miss tonight's TOMMY SMITH SHOW.
    
    If you don't already know, Tommy Smith is a Scottish jaz saxophonist
    who is currently hosting a six-part series on BCC2.  Each show teams
    him up with a different artist or group.
    
    Tonight he's accompanied by Pat & Greg themselves.   It promises
    to be first class, and should feature some of those almost legendary
    'pretentious paino/vocal numbers' - with a wee bit of sax thrown
    in 'cause it's Tommy's show!
    
    I can almost hear some wayward ad-libing from wee Pat already!
    
    BBC2, 11:20.  Get that video cassette at the ready, Vicki.
    
    
    Michael
    

    
         Too late!!!
    
        I read your note on Monday lunchtime!! Life is against me!
    
           :-(
    
           Vicky
    

    Didn't miss much. Upbeat uninspired version of "Three foot blasts of
    FIre" (with so-so Tommy Smith solo) followed by a tune written by
    the boys and Smith that can only be described as average. A bit
    lacklustre -- but I liked the bit where Pat was seen reading his lyrics
    out of a filofax.
    
    Richard. 

    
    
    I don't know if this will be shown nationwide, but BBC Scotland
    tonight will feature Hue & Cry in concert tonight at 9:30.
    
    According to the trailer, the show consists mostly of the band in
    concert, but interspersed (sp?) with the odd interview.
    
    
    Not to be missed.
    
    
    Michael
    

    
          YYYYYYYEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAA!!
    
       Um, can anyone with a Radio Times confirm this for me? Otherwise,
    are there any `wee' souls who are prepared to video it?
    
           
    Desperate of Reading

    
    
    
    It's absolutely no prob to video Vicky, the problem maybe is getting
    the cassette to you.
    
    
    Anyway, I'll be taping it 'cause I'm going out tonight (yippeee),
    so we'll work someting out if it's not on in England.
    
    
    
    Michael
    

    Sorry Vicky, but I don't think it is being shown in England - I
    distinctly recall from the recent preview that it's a BBC Scotland
    production.  Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's
    only on up here, but as it's not mentioned in the NME's summary
    of progs. to look out for, I'd secure that video offer pronto!
    
    BTW Mr. Donnelly, from same preview the other night, my eagle eyes
    spotted that the tonight's concert is more of what was shown on that
    Tommy Smith thing a couple of weeks ago.  Fingers crossed for a
    couple of 'pretentious piano/vocal' numbers.  ;-)
    
    Finally, I'd just like to report that the latest CD EP is soooooo
    good - VIOLENTLY (with pedal steel) ; THE MAN WITH THE CHILD IN
    HIS EYES ; CALAMITY JOHN ; LOOKING FOR LINDA (slow train home mix).
    The Kate Bush cover is definately one of the best things they've
    ever done - Pat's vocal on this is sheer ecstasy.  

    
    
         Upset_of_Reading
    

    
    
    
    ...but it was great!
    
    
    The ones I can remember, LABOUR OF LOVE, SWEET INVISIBILITY, STRENGTH
    TO STRENGTH, VIOLENTLY, LOOKING FOR LINDA, DOLLAR WILLIAM.
    
    (Was that all Dougie?)

    
    Greg was struggling as usual to get in a word in for Pat during
    the short interviews.  Pat was giving it the usual socialist bit,
    and had a dig at Mick Hutnell (Simply Red) for slagging off Tory
    policies, then going off to live abroad to avoid UK tax payments.

    Only minus point was the sound quality.  Usually the BBC are second
    to none in this dept, but on Friday's show the general quality and
    mix were poor.
    
    
    Michael
    

    
    
          I'm so miffed.......severely irate.....feel like cutting my
    head off....gonna jump out of the window......bulgy eyed and red
    faced.........well angry......
    
    
    
     
    
    
    So glad you enjoyed it!
    
    
    Vicky
    

    
    
    I've still got it on VHS if you can figure out a way of me getting
    it to you.
    
    Do you know anyone who's visiting Ayr this week?
    
    
    Michael
    
    
    P.S. - the film CAL is on the same tape if you didn' see that either!
    8-)
    
   

    
         The only thing I can think of is bundling it up in millions
    of `jiffy' (!) bags and mailing it! I'll have a think...cheers...
    
        vIcky
    

    
    
         Did I say something wrong?
    
          vIcky
    

    
    
    You said you'd have a think.  I presumed you were still thinking.
    
    
    Anyway Vicky, I don't think it's such a good idea to send a video
    cassette through either internal or external mail.  At least not
    one of mine.  The concert was good, but not *that* good.
    
    
    Michael
    
    

    
    
          OK, fairy nuff.
    
      vIcky
    

    Well, Vicky - you'll have another chance to see them on TV in concert.
    They're on next Monday's SOUNDS OF EDEN on BBC2 at around 11.15 p.m.
    This recording was made in April this year at the Eden Theatre in
    Inverness, and should feature (mainly) material from the REMOTE
    album.    

    
            YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
    
    
    
    
    
Not really exciting, is it?......well, is it?
    
    
    
    
    
Someone remind me to buy a blank video on Friday, please...
    
    
    vIcky
    

    
    
    Buy a blank video on Fri, Vicky.
    
    
    
    
    Michael
    

    
         Michael....what would I do without you? 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Get along *pretty* well, I have no doubt.
    
    
    vIcky
    
    
    
    
PS - Why do people keep calling me Vicky? The name's vIcky
    

                           

    
    
    
    I thought that 'vIcky' was just due to some finger trouble on your
    behalf vIcky (or have I stumbled upon its origin?)
    
    
    Is it pronounced the same as Vicky?

    
    Dying to know,
    Michael
    

    Can we keep the personal conversations in Mail, please?
    
    Thanks...

    
          Touchy!!!!
    
    
    
    
    
:-)
    

    
           Well, I watched the concert last night (yep, I actually
    remembered!) Brilliant! Pat Kane has *the* most amazing voice, and
    unlike the majority of music around today (eg - SA&W!) he is better
    live (as far as I'm concerned) than he is on a recording. An
    *excellent* concert! Well worth propping my eyelids open with
    matchsticks for! Also, he says things worth saying, unlike most
    of the `bimbo' musicians seen on TV recently. A superb singer, and
    an excellent live band (brass section too - no expense spared).
    I just felt sorry for the guy doing the backing vocals, who was
    really *dying* to be out there in the front too!
        Only bad thing to say is that he wore that peculiar suit again,
    and hasn't he got a funny hairline (like the little kid in The
    Munsters?)
    
      vIcky
    
     
         

    
    
    Yes vIcky, I've seen them live and on various TV live concerts and
    this was the best I've ever seen them.

    Wee Pat's vocal performance was one of the best I've seen by *any*
    live artist.   Their rendition of Kate Bush's MAN WITH THE CHILD..
    was superb.
    
    I found his new interpretation of his own lyrics in I REFUSE
    interesting - shouting the SNP's "can pay won't pay" slogan in
    reference to the poll tax.
    
    But you're right - that was a very dodgy suit!
    
    
    Michael
    

    
        Still, he can be forgiven if that's his only fault, unlike Kylie,
    Jason, Sinitta, London Boys, Rick Astley (where *is* he?), Madonna,
    ......I could go on....
    
    vIcky
    

    I don't suppose anyone caught the repeat of 'Halfway To Paradise'
    on C4 on Tues. night with Hue And Cry performing ORDINARY ANGEL
    asa live, 'pretentious, piano/vocal' number?  Probably not, but
    I'd just like to say that it was *brilliant* to see this again (as
    referred to in 303.30) - pure class!!
    
    Oh, and I heard on Radio One this a.m., that they're 'In Concert'
    at 9 p.m. tonight - recorded recently at Edinburgh Playhouse.  Get
    them C60s looked out!!

    Dougie, I caught some of Halfway to Paradise (for the first time
    ever - Mr Sinclair is a bit odd, isn't he?), but unfortunately sleep
    overtook me befor Hue and Cry came on. Can you remember the name
    of the first band who were on?
    
    Bob

    
       Didn't catch them on the repeat, but saw it the first time round
    I think. Funnily enough, I came in here to tell you lot they were
    on Radio 1 tonight. I've yet to find out whether I can record from
    the radio on my ghetto blaster (my stereo's given up the ghost I
    think). Will anyone else be recording it, just in case?...
    
        Catch ya later
    
     vIcky ...determined not to miss them this time.....
    

    
    
    Yep Dougie, I did catch the boys on video on Tues night (thanks
    for the reminder).  Brilliantly innovative rendition as usual, only
    disappointment was they only did the one song.
    
    Wonder how much they would charge to come and play my living room?
    
    
    Thanks also for the radio one tip tonight - hope I remember about
    it this time.
    
    
    Michael

    
       You're not going to believe this!...I remembered!! Taped it too,
    so if anyone wants a copy, just send me a tape...
    
    vIcky
    

    
    
    Wonders will never cease - I remembered too! 
    
    What made me really sick though is *that* was the concert at the
    Edinburgh Playhouse which I spent 3 days on the phone to the box
    office trying to get tickets for.  When I finally got thru' they
    were sold out. 8-(
    
    
    But great to hear it on the radio.
    
    Stand-outs for me:-   Man with the child..
    			  Strength to strength
    			  Ordinary Angel
    
    
    Michael
    

    
       The man has such a wonderful speaking voice too - mind you, I've
    always had a thing about a scottish accent....
    
    

    
    
    
    Just don't throw the 'R' away!
    
    
    
    
    Macmichael
    
    

    
     You lost me there, Hamish McDonnelly....
    

    
     Did I say something wrong?
    
         Does anyone want a recording of last Friday night's `IN CONCERT'
         Hue and Cry at the Edinburgh Playhouse?
    
    vIcky
    

    
    
    ...looks like there's only 3 of us in this conference with any taste,
    vIcky.  And I'm off on happy hols for 2 weeks!
    
    
    
    
    Bye bye.
    Michael
    

    
       Byeeee! Have a nice time!
    
    
    
    Do you know Hue and Cry are coming to a town near you while you're
    away?
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Only kiddin'! :-)
    
    Cheers 
    
    vIcky
    

    It's been a couple of months or so since anyone was in here (well,
    OK, myself, Michael or Vicky  ;^) ), so here's an update on current
    Shuggie And Shout activities :-
    
    o their latest single is a 'radical re-mix' of SWEET INVISIBILITY.
      Good news, and bad, depending on whether you buy vinyl or CDs -
      the 3" CD single and 12" single both have three tracks - THREE
      different re-mixes of SI!!  Annoyingly, the 7" *only* has a brand
      new track called GREENOCK TIME, or something like that.  Much
      as I like the band, I cannot be bothered with 7" vinyl, so I'm
      afraid the only way I'll get to hear this track is if I can get
      someone to tape it for me.
    
      BTW, this single has not charted, but I guess two hits out of
      four from the album isn't too bad.  Still think they should've
      released THE MAN WITH THE CHILD IN HIS EYES as a single, as opposed
      to putting it on the 'B' side of VIOLENTLY.
    
    o Speaking of VIOLENTLY, I have recently heard the *superb* accapella
      mix, which I believe is only available on the second 12" release.
      Also, apparently, apart from the "with pedal steel" version which
      I have on a 3" CD, there is a "rolling gently" mix, also released
      on CD.  Mind boggling, or what!?!
    
    o An autumn tour of the U.K. was recently announced, including one
      date at Glasgow's SECC - November 26th.  When they announced this
      date, the Daily Record let it be known that the first 100 or so
      buying their tickets from Virgin, would get 'a surprise treat'.
    
      Well, this treat turned out to be a free ticket for a performance
      on a riverboat on the Clyde, by the much-touted 'pretentious
      piano-vocal' duo, *and* the whole thing was to be recorded for
      a live album!  Great, but....
    
      In last week's music press, it was announced that this soon-to-be-
      in-the-shops live set, will only be available with future purchases
      of REMOTE!!  Despicable, yes?  This is a similar marketing ploy
      to that used by Deacon Blue last year (to boost sales of RAINTOWN),
      where they issued a limited edition with a free album of 'b' sides
      etc.
    
      I strongly disagree with this tactic, but having said that, I
      *must* have this live set, so - anyone willing to buy the REMOTE
      album from me?  Knock-down price, of course.  9^)
    
    o Lastly, for all you local H&C fanatics (well OK...Mick!), Radio
      Clyde are broadcasting an hour-long concert tomorrow night starting
      at 7 p.m. - I've no idea where it was recorded, but who knows,
      maybe it'll be the piano-vocal riverboat gig!!  8*)
    
    Dougie_the_only_thing_more_powerful_than_the_boss

    Is the REMOTE you have on CD, cos if it was I might be persuasded to 
    take it off your hands
    
    Stuart.

    
    
    I must say Dougie, I do prefer the new mix of SWEET INVISIBILITY
    to the album version.  The main difference (on one hearing) seems
    to be the piano track, which I've always felt was a bit harsh sounding
    on the album, and is now much more soft and subtle.
    
    Still won't chart though, but who cares.
    
    Actually, I do come to think of it.  The amount of utter cr*p around
    at the moment is really worrying.  
    
    I was thinking at this point of throwing a tirade of abuse at the last 
    effort from Depeche Mode as an example - but I won't bother.

    
    Michael
    

    
    I bought the 12" of `Sweet Invisibility' for 89p (!!) in
    Ashby-de-la-Zouch (sp?) on Saturday, and I have to admit I found
    it quite boring, but I dare say it'll grow on me - still, what a
    bargain huh?

    Re. a few back (my 'news' about the forthcoming "piano/vocal" album
    only being available with future purchases of the REMOTE album).
    
    Apparently, this is now *not* the case, and THE BITTER SUITE will
    be released in its own right around mid-Nov.  *BUT*, what is happening
    is that copies of REMOTE will be given away with initial copies
    of the new set.  Sounds kinda Irish to me, as I'd've thought that
    most 'fans' would already have bought REMOTE.  8-)

    
       Unfortunateleeeee I haven't (should I have admitted to that?)
    However, it's `cos I've been waiting for someone to buy it for me!!
    

    Havent had a stab yet in this note, always like to support the local
    boys.
    
    H & C have quielty set about positioning themselves as one of the most
    respected UK bands consistently turning out records far superior to 
    anyone else cutting vinyl at this time
    
    Having just read thriugh the note I could not believe the comparison
    drawn between them and Level 42. I have always admired 42's musical 
    approach to "redbricked shoeboxed" suburban funk but they are just
    not in the Kane Brothers class.
    
    I have always admired the production work of Biondillilo ( I think
    thats his name) and anon, does anyone know of any other material that
    he produces? The sound created by him on Remote is for me a landmark in
    production quality. The New York horns used, well regarded to be the
    best in the world were brilliant. The trumpet solo on Violently takes
    trumpets in pop music to a height never achieved there but oft in jazz.
    A great deal of the band were the Blues Brothers band which were
    probably the last time I heard as good brass in popular music.
    
    Seems to be the fave pursuit of Glasgow bands these days to travel to
    the Big Apple for the musicians and producers to be found there. Love
    and Money using Gary Katz being another superb production.
    
    I did not think the Sounds of Eden concert gave the sound of the Hue
    and Cry band any justice, Tommy Smith did not live up to his well
    earned reputation. The brass sounded flat and didnt have the kick that
    flies at you from the vinyl. The aforementioned trumpet solo was also a
    feeble attempt at what had been recorded in New York.
    
    Garbled enough, I bought my ticket for them at the Tin Shack so get
    wise, capitalise and see you there champ. 
    
    Nick. 

    
    
    If you remember the interview on the Sounds of Eden thing Nick,
    Greg & Pat were trying very hard to convince us that their current
    horn section (Tommy Smith in particular) could better the arrangements 
    they produced in NY for the album.

    Think they were maybe trying to convince themselves.  You mentioned
    the trumpet solo in VIOLENTLY, but for me the giveaway was GUY ON
    THE WALL, which was really lacking the quality of horns and brass which
    feature on the album.  It was actually a bit of a rabble.
    
    Still having said that, can't wait till Nov 26 at the SECC, and
    the release of the 'pretentious piano/vocal' album.
    
    
    Michael
    

    Welcome back, Mick!  You've got tickets for the 26th?  Well done.
    As usual, I waited too long, and, of course, it's now sold-out.
    However, I'm pretty sure that Trash will have tickets for the 27th,
    so I must remember to get down there within the next couple of days
    or so.
    
    Yep, the BITTER SUITE album is keenly-awaited around these parts.
    It's gonna be *very* interesting - I read somewhere last week-end
    that Pat wrote to some church chief or other to find out who wrote
    the words to a HYMN that they've recorded a version of for the album
    (so that they could give due credits on the sleeve)!!
    
    Dougie_who_hasn't_heard_the_SWEET_INVISIBILITY_re-mixes_yet  :8)       

    Glad to see a resurgence of interest here. My ticket is for the 27th
    and there were not too many left from the book mine came from.
    
    More general garb ;
    
    Have you seen the "Borderline" church just across the Bridge next to
    MFI.  At the moment it is being refitted to a Bistro/Bar downstairs and
    a theatre upstairs. The Borderline staged the Glasvegas show and used a
    Hue and Cry song ( their own arrangement ). At the last performance a
    band member turned up and asked to play along. Word on the street is
    that theatre might guest Hue and Cry for a piano and vocals night by
    Glasgows very own Bros. Dont get too exited lads. The theatre is
    nearing completion. Sounds like a great venue.
    
    Tucking into a kebab one Saturday night I saw Pat Kane on After Dark,
    that Channel 4 programmed that is only screened to give "Saturday Night
    Sorry Heids" a good excuse to barff the kebab back up there and then.
    Saves you from scraping of the back of your ears on Sunday morning coz 
    if you dont barff it before you hit the scratcher you sure as hell will
    whenyou're in it. 
    
    Any way I digress. On the program he adamantly stated that the only 
    reason why he was in music was to use it as a vehicle top get in to 
    politics. His Nationlist tendencies are very well publicised.
    
    Sounds a bit like large scale manipulation and  use of the public for   
    his own political ends
    
    If he politicizes as well as he croons then its Pat Kane for Prime
    Minister for me. I would hate to think of him giving up treading the
    boards for swinging the mace.
    
    Nick.

    re.101
    >>    Tucking into a kebab one Saturday night I saw Pat Kane on After Dark,
    >> that Channel 4 programmed that is only screened to give "Saturday Night
    >>Sorry Heids" a good excuse to barff the kebab back up there and then.
    >>Saves you from scraping of the back of your ears on Sunday morning coz 
    >>if you dont barff it before you hit the scratcher you sure as hell will
    >>whenyou're in it. 
      
    Surely this isn't *our* Nick Shields?!  He doesn't talk like that.
    Someone must've knocked him on the head and taken his keyboard.
    
    >>   On the program he adamantly stated that the only 
    >>reason why he was in music was to use it as a vehicle top get in to 
    >>politics. His Nationlist tendencies are very well publicised....
    >>If he politicizes as well as he croons then its Pat Kane for Prime
    >>Minister for me.                                                
      
    Ahh, this sounds like the NS we all know and love.  He must've
    overpowered the intruder.
  

    After visiting glorious Caledonia and exposing yourself to our culture
    and would have thought you would understand.
    
    All great Celtic art figures use he powers of alcohol as a release and for
    inspiration during their great moments of triumph. Figeure which spring
    to mind are Dylan Thomas, Billy Connolly....
    
    ......thats the theory anyway, still waiting for the inspiration.
    
    It's like the last time myself and Mike discussed the effect of The
    Nightfly on Scotland's post renaissance - pre liberated society. This
    was conducted from the bottom of a Punch Barrel somewhere in darkest
    Kincaidston.
    
    Nick.

    
    
    Is *that* what you were talking about Nick - my (hazy) recollection
    is we were struggling to list the tracks on The Nightfly, and then
    sing them above the din of the hi-fi.
    
    
    The punch was good though.

    
    
    Michael
    

    
    
    
    	HUE & CRY  -  SECC, GLASGOW, 20th Jan 1990
        ------------------------------------------
    
    This was the re-run of the postponed show when wee Pat lost his
    voice.   It was well worth the return journey to Glasgow.  In fact
    Pat Kane informed us that an extra 3� thousand people were there
    on Sat.
    
    Anyway, they were absolutely brilliant.  Highlight of the show was
    when the Kane bros disappeared from the stage and re-appeared on
    a small circular stage right at the back of the hall - in the thick
    of the crowd.  Armed only with a piano and microphone, they charmed
    the audience with some piano/vocal renditions of "The Man with the
    Child in his eyes", "Truth", "Mother Glasgow" and a few more.
    
    They closed the show with the most perfect "Labour of Love"
    I've heard them do, and a final piano/vocal version of "Remote".

    
    All in all, a great night.

    
    Michael
    

    Another member of the "Hue & Cry fan club" here - received the
    "Bitter Suite" cd for Christamas.  Brilliant.  The more I play it the
    more I like it.  Any news of a tour in the near future ?
    
    Cheers,
    Dave

    
    
    I'm not sure Dave, but they've either just finished a British tour,
    or just about to.
    
    I'll try to find out if they still have any dates to do in England
    (where are you?)

    
    
    Michael
    

    I live in Reading, work in Basingstoke, so I suppose London will be the
    best bet for me to see them.
    
    Cheers
    Dave

    
    
    This note's been quiet for far too long.  Anyone would think the boys
    haven't been doing anything for the last 14 months!! :-)
    
    Well, the new album is due for release on June 10th.   And I for one
    have my CD birthday token at the ready!   If the new single is anything
    to go by (and I've only heard it once and can't remember what it's
    called), it promises to be along the lines of Seduced & Abandoned
    rather than Remote.
    
    Only two weeks to go!
    
    
    
    Michael
    

    My Salt Heart and it should be in the top 3.
    
    Unfortunately the chart is, as usual, predominantly rubbish.
    
    Mark

>>  My Salt Heart and it should be in the top 3.
    
    'Should' being the operative word, Mark - despite (or maybe *because of*) 
    heavy airplay on less-than-marvellous Radio One, the Kane brothers have
    managed another flop single, and if reviews in the music press are
    accurate, the new "Stars Crash Down" album could be heading for the
    same fate ... the latest 'Select' and 'Q' both slated it quite badly.
    
    Also, the other week, following a rush of blood to the head, I
    foolishly hired the "Bitter Suite" video - WARNING!  Steer well clear.
    One of the worst 'performance' videos I've ever had the misfortune to
    view, the lowlight being an absolutely dreadful 'piano/vocal' version
    of that old chestnut 'Labour Of Love' ...  seriously woeful.
    
    Whatever happened to the band who gave us the marvellous "Seduced And
    Abandonned" album as their debut (now available at mid-price - plug,
    plug!!)?

    
    
    Would the person how has hijacked Dougie Robb's account give it back to
    him please!    Dougie couldn't write such slander about Pat 'n' Greg -
    even if he did think the new album's a bummer.
    
    The release date was yesterday, and I for one am going into town at
    lunchtime today (if I can cadge a lift!) to buy it.   If I remember,
    Q Mag gave "Remote" a dodgy review - and a dodgy album it certainly was
    not.
    
    At least give the lads the benefit of the doubt until you've heard it
    through, Doug - they deserve it on their past record.
    
    
    Michael
    

    
    So did you get the album then Michael? If so, how is it?
    
    Hope it's at least above average and that they can turn it on at the
    Glasgow concert hall in July. (I'm looking forward to the venue more
    than the artist, I think).
    
    
    	John.

    
    
    I still haven't made it into town this week John, but I'll get it
    tomorrow.
    
    You're are a very lucky man to get your hands on a ticket for one of
    the Royal Concert hall nights.   I'm on holiday that week (in England -
    it wasn't my idea! ;-)) but I tried to get one anyway without success.
    
    The acoustics at the new concert hall are supposed to be second to none
    so it should be a memorable night.  Even if the new songs aren't up to
    scratch, I would expect a few 'pretentious piano/vocal numbers' like
    The Man With The Child... Remote....Wide Screen etc.
    
    Enjoy it (spit!)
    
    
    Michael
    

    Well, Michael - did you pick up the new album yet?  If so, howzabout a
    quick review?
    
    I'm holding off for now, especially after reading the review in last
    week's 'Scotland On Sunday'.  :^(
    
    Oh, and FWIW, there would appear to be two versions of the "My Salt
    Heart" CD single available, featuring (I *think*) a total of six
    non-album tracks, including a coupla Stevie Wonder cover versions.
    
    - Dougie

    
    
    I went in *again* on Sat, Dougie.....and they told me (yet again) it
    would be in this week.   Haven't made it into town this week, but I'll
    pick it up this Sat....I hope!
    
    
    Michael
    

    Spit at me as I walk by with my concert hall tickets pinned to my
    forehead, the were on sale "down at Up" and had a fair pawful left when
    I bought them ( that was about six weeks ago though ).
    
    As for the impending release I have complete faith in the boys. One of
    the highlights of the re-scheduled SECC concerts was "Statement of
    Intent" which they said would be on the next album all those many moons
    ago. 
    
    As for reviews Q have never had much success in the past, Remote was
    not to my horror one of theur top 50 albums of 1989 which still leaves
    a bad taste in my mouth and they didnt even give Jordan: The comeback
    5 stars. I was reliably informed however that Cosmopolitan gave it a 
    good review, I'm sure Pat 'n Greg will like yourselves, sleep easy now.
    
    Blowin' my life away until the 17th...
    
    Nick

    
    
    Well I finally got my paws on it at the week-end, and my verdict on two
    plays so far is.....a quality album.
    
    There are few songs which will stick in your mind after one or two
    plays, but most of them are good, substantial songs which will grow on
    the listener.   Although I still believe that Pat Kane's voice would
    carry the most ordinary songs.
    
    An unexpected but very welcome bonus was the guest vocals of Eddi Reader 
    (ex-Fairground Attraction) on two tracks.  I've always maintained that Kane
    and Reader were the best male and female vocalists around in the UK today,
    and to hear them perform in harmony makes the album worth a purchase in 
    itself.  They really do make Ricky and Lorraine sound like a third-rate 
    club act.
    
    And speaking of Deacon Blue, Jim Prime (IMHO the only real talent in
    the band) is credited with playing Accordian on one track.
    
    Only complaint so far is the brothers' over-indulgent cover notes and
    credits.   You get the impression Greg (who has sole production credit)
    is desparate to let the world know how many instuments he can play.
    He's credited on various tracks with playing piano/keyborads, drums,
    bass, sax, guitar, 808 programming (whatever the hell that is), and
    backing vocals.
    
    
    But I'm looking forward to playing it over and over again in the
    coming weeks and getting really familiar with the songs.
    
    Enjoy the Royal Concert Hall, Nick - and I'll keep my fingers crossed
    for you that Eddi Reader makes a guest appearance!
    
    
    Michael
    

    Fair shout Mick,
    
    I played the album all weekend trying to get "into" it. It's not as
    immeadiatly accessible as Remote was but perseverance will surely pay
    off.
    
    With Greg in charge he seems desperate to keep the session fees down
    by as you say playing all the instruments. A complete departure from
    their last album where they constructed songs which allowed the top
    seesions musos in the world to wander into the album and blow their
    lungs out. With Calum (Blue Nile) Malcolm twiddling the knobs the
    recording has that minimilast clinical sound that The Blue Nile until
    now monopilised.
    
    Pats wurdz are also not as accessible as the previuos slab. Quirky and
    non-rhyming lyrics again will take some work to come round to.
    
    As for the guests Ewan Vernal's bass stands out for me, the wee quiet man
    at the back of Deacon Blue will be seen more in the future as their 
    musical strength.
    
    It's an album that will please the converted but I do not feel it will
    attract any new fans.
    
    Hopefully the less funky approach will not dampen down their energetic
    live performance.
    
    Listening on,
    
    Nick.           
    

    It should have been a smokey little bar, half way through your fifth
    packet of Gauliose and squeezing the last few drops from a cheap bottle
    of brandy.
    
    The beat was down and the mood was defintely black. A quick montage of
    the stronger songs from Remote to get the show on the road and then head
    long into the new album. Like the album, no where to be seen were the
    Nigel Clarks or Tommy Smiths of this world. Testament to the strength
    of the Remote songs they were carried brilliantly through the stripped
    down set up. 
    
    After 5 songs Pat revealed that his sullen manner was not for effect
    to add to the sombre mood of the songs but as he put it from "having a
    backstage fight" with his brother. "Who would be Pat kane's brother"
    retorted the piano man. That part of the hype goes on.
    
    A few waves of paranoia swept over Pat feeling he was getting a
    hammering from certain quarters over the subject matter of his songs.
    We'll gee you hauners Pat. I would be paranoid if no one took a swipe
    at my material if I had the same stage he had, and what a stage it was.
    The concet hall has to be the best venue I have seen a band in.
    Comfortable bars & cafes, glass glasses, intimate atmosphere with
    excellent facilities. As for the acoustics, when you are standing in
    front of a 20,000 watt PA they all sound the same to me.
    
    Just as we were sliding into a melacholic haze of laid back jazzy
    interpretations of the slower numbers from the new album a familiar bass
    line kicked us all to life. Devottess of this band's bass line and
    lyrical qualities gave away this tune straight away, "you will never
    guess this one" Pat says, wrong Pat, then followed a superb funky
    version of Abba's The Name of the Game. 
    
    We then kicked of into a few "concept-theatrical" pieces with links
    between songs from West Side Story, classical pieces and the odd piece
    of poetry. A well rehearsed stage set for waht appear to be a band
    which on paper appeard to the next stage up from the garage. Davey
    Preston, ex-backup singer from Seduce & Abandoned on lead guitar, and
    only one keyboard player. 
    
    To finsh with the excellent hoe down new single, the long term lovers of
    pain, motorcycle injuries and a big bluesy finish.
    
    For the encore a new arrangment of the only song (almost) all night
    from seduced and abandoned, Labour of Love and a quick Roooooolling
    Home.
    
    He seemed humbled and grateful to play for us last night, we were to be
    able to listen to him. A new style, less of the Earth, Wind & Fire,
    more of the Stan Getz. His voice was as soulful as ever.
    
    Will you be able to say you saw them at the concert hall in the wet
    summer of 91..............

    
    
    
    That's all very well Nick.....but did you LIKE it? ;-)
    
    
    Sorry, couldn't resist a wee dig at your 'comprehensive' review.  It
    sounds a great night and I'm still green that I missed it.
    
    Anyone catch them embarrass Deacon Blue on Wogan on Fri night?  Ricky
    and Co mimed their way (badly) through their latest dirge, and then on
    came the Kane Bros and friends to play and sing live an excellent cover 
    of a Tom Waitt's song, which amazingly freatured Greg not on piano but
    backing vocal.  And looking like it really was his voice this time!
    
    
    
    Michael
    

    any reviews of their latest waxing before I venture into the fray ot is
    there a later not ?
    
    Nick