My theme song:
Tubthumping by Chumbawamba.
Chumbawamba was probably one of the most left-field bands to ever get accused of being sell-outs for the album that included this single, and from interviews with some of the members years later, it’s obvious that they did not give a toss. As for the single itself, as one member described it, “We wanted to make a very English album and the song is about the resilience of ordinary people.”
Enjoy!
Don’t forget to tip your DJs. And remember what Emma Goldman said: “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.”
Or, from the film V for Vendetta: “A revolution without dancing is not a revolution worth having.”
Same goes with reform. And whatever you do, whenever you get knocked down, get up again.
Thanks for giving me an education about Chumbawamba’s punkish early albums.
Loved this band:
With bonus Tony Wilson.
Very pleasantly surprised to find the movie “24 Hour Party People” online. It’s really terrific:
A friend of mine went to the UK one summer in the mid-1980s and crashed with Chumba, The Apostles, and some other bands during his stay. We were both listening to shitloads of vinyl when he got back stateside. Made a point of special ordering Chumba’s stuff practically immediately. Pictures of Starving Children Sell Records was a fitting critique at the time.
I have 24 Hour Party People bookmarked for later. Have a bunch of deadlines all coming up at around the same time. Crazy busy week.
I think you’ll enjoy the movie’s history of the Manchester scene.
The English Beat
The Specials
Fishbone
Fishbone is a fun band to see in action live. Still having memories of seeing them perform live enough years ago that some of younger commenters and lurkers weren’t even born: priceless.
Saw them six times. All small venues except for the first Lollapalooza show. Great everytime.
One more. Truly great band.
Really love the dancing from that frontman for Fishbone.
That first album from the Beat- damn, that was great stuff. This one made it onto the U.S. version; it’s a raver that doesn’t have time for a tasty break from Saxa, but I like it anyway: