them while my mates saw them live every other week
surely "while my mates took turn on bass and drums every other week"?
(actually, the early days were probably the most stable the line-up's ever been. hey ho.)
― grimly fiendish, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:01 (sixteen years ago) link
Is the first ever use of Classic or Dud on ILX?
― Matt DC, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:05 (sixteen years ago) link
I thought it was the Beatles one.
― everything, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:06 (sixteen years ago) link
IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WEDDING PRESENT.
GEDGE IS GOD.
etc.
― grimly fiendish, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:06 (sixteen years ago) link
Anyone else going to see one of the George Best anniversary gigs?
― DavidM, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:25 (sixteen years ago) link
Watusi is a really good album.
"Classics or Duds"
bit like seeing a picture of The Goons w/ Michael Bentine.
― Mark G, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:28 (sixteen years ago) link
i didn't think i'd be able to make the glasgow one, but now it looks like i might. need to actually make a decision.
― grimly fiendish, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:31 (sixteen years ago) link
anyway: when did you drop the "s"?
― grimly fiendish, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:32 (sixteen years ago) link
I never had a 's', it's always been Grout.
― Mark G, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:32 (sixteen years ago) link
Not Orange Juice? Blue Boy, Felicity etc are the clear templates for the Weddoes first couple of years. "Tommy" sounds like some kind of grim version of OJ to me.
― everything, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:35 (sixteen years ago) link
Josef K another obvious precursor.
― Colonel Poo, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:37 (sixteen years ago) link
Not to mention the Lost Pandas
― Mark G, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:41 (sixteen years ago) link
i wasn't being entirely serious.
― grimly fiendish, Thursday, 13 September 2007 15:48 (sixteen years ago) link
(although gedge is god.)
_Seamonsters_ still remains the best through and through thing they ever did, but I'm obsessed enough to get things like the American-only compilation of singles and tracks and things from 1989 to 1991
-- Ned Raggett, Monday, September 4, 2000 12:00 AM (7 years ago) Bookmark Link
yes! the Singles 1989-1991 compilation, especially the first disc, is my favorite Weddoes to play these days, bar none, though i like everything up to (and including) Watusi pretty well.
― stephen, Thursday, 13 September 2007 16:06 (sixteen years ago) link
And lest us not forget : The only band to have 12 brand new hits in one year! Take that, Elvis Presley!
― Mark G, Thursday, 13 September 2007 16:08 (sixteen years ago) link
For every Seamonsters there's a Mini; for every 'Fleshworld' there's a dodgy cover-version.
-- alex thomson, Monday, September 4, 2000 12:00 AM (7 years ago) Bookmark Link
you can't be serious! a few of those Hit Parade singles were actually improvements on the originals, and the rest not bad at all -- and Mini is fucking great, too!
― stephen, Thursday, 13 September 2007 16:08 (sixteen years ago) link
I don't understand the human race sometimes
― Tom D., Thursday, 13 September 2007 16:10 (sixteen years ago) link
xpost
"mini" is about the only thing of theirs i don't have. you're right about the covers, certainly: their version of "falling" is absolutely staggering. proto-isis post-metal wonder.
heheheh, though: alext and i listened to a lot of weddoes in the mid to late 1990s.
― grimly fiendish, Thursday, 13 September 2007 16:11 (sixteen years ago) link
I think all of Mini is on the second singles comp (1995-1997 or something)
― Colonel Poo, Thursday, 13 September 2007 16:14 (sixteen years ago) link
but I'm obsessed enough to get things like the American-only compilation of singles and tracks and things from 1989 to 1991
Oh that was from 7 years ago. Fuck it anyway.
― Colonel Poo, Thursday, 13 September 2007 16:15 (sixteen years ago) link
If God is a grim northerner mumbling a monologue through clenched teeth about not getting shagged then please direct me to the Bathory section.
― everything, Thursday, 13 September 2007 16:22 (sixteen years ago) link
is there any album with a similar lyrical concept as Seamonsters?
could someone point me there? thanks.
― Steve Shasta, Monday, 1 October 2007 23:22 (sixteen years ago) link
Is there going to be a fancy 2-CD anniversary issue of _George Best_?
― Mr. Odd, Monday, 1 October 2007 23:31 (sixteen years ago) link
elucidate slightly?
― grimly fiendish, Tuesday, 2 October 2007 11:31 (sixteen years ago) link
i had a 40-something tech teacher who loved them. which was weird 'cause most of those guys just listened to genesis or whatever.
― max r, Tuesday, 2 October 2007 11:46 (sixteen years ago) link
Seamonsters has become my favourite Wedding Present album. back in the day i would've said Bizarro no question. i don't think i like Bizarro any less, but i have definitely come to appreciate Seamonsters more. there's a sinister edge to it that doesn't feature on their other records and doesn't really seem appropriate for the band, except that it works so well in practice.
― Roberto Spiralli, Saturday, 9 August 2008 06:46 (fifteen years ago) link
Not sure what this means exactly, but, probably because it was released around the same time and all that, I've always thought of Rid of Me being Seamonsters' sister album. Especially as ROM's title track and "Dalliance" pull the same slow-burn/explode trick. Both recorded by Steve Albini, of course, but even so, they seem to have been on the same page, sharing the same intensity.
― DavidM, Saturday, 9 August 2008 07:44 (fifteen years ago) link
ooooh i like that comparison, i definitely see the resemblance. hadn't thought of that before!
― stephen, Saturday, 9 August 2008 16:51 (fifteen years ago) link
Damnit why didn't someone TELL me they'd covered Gang of Four's "I Found That Essence Rare"??? Why didn't someone tell me???
― It's hrd bein a man, livn' in a garbage pai (Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You), Monday, 27 October 2008 04:33 (fifteen years ago) link
Love to see Ewing's explanatory thread start.
Dr C!!
Now this one's a no-brainer. Dud, dud, dud. Hopeless. Why? For a start they released too much stuff and Gedge was clearly too much in love with the idea of making records to bother with the tiresome detail of you know, putting a decent band together, sounding good, or having something to say - all that irksome stuff. He always struck me as the kind of guy who kept press clippings of all their reviews and had a spare room with all 'the Weddoes' back catalogue carefully archived in dust-proof sleeves. Is he really like that? I don't know or care. The fact is that his records conjour up that image and I hate it. No sex, no spontaneity, no rock n'roll. And a tinny half-arsed guitar sound.... and no rhythm. The words - oh my! If you're a sad inadequate, Gedge, then face up to it with some wit and perspective. Don't just whine. No-one gives a shit. The song titles - northern bluntness? new realism? Wonder where they got that idea eh? Just across the Pennines I reckon. They happened to be around at just the right time to pick up on the Smiths audience after their demise - that is, those Smiths fans who were too stupid to walk away from this crap. The worst gig I ever saw in my life was the Wedding Present/Flatmates/Close Lobsters at Kentish Town in about 1988. All three bands clueless as hell. Clunkers all.― Dr. C, Wednesday, 20 December 2000
The words - oh my! If you're a sad inadequate, Gedge, then face up to it with some wit and perspective. Don't just whine. No-one gives a shit. The song titles - northern bluntness? new realism? Wonder where they got that idea eh? Just across the Pennines I reckon. They happened to be around at just the right time to pick up on the Smiths audience after their demise - that is, those Smiths fans who were too stupid to walk away from this crap. The worst gig I ever saw in my life was the Wedding Present/Flatmates/Close Lobsters at Kentish Town in about 1988. All three bands clueless as hell. Clunkers all.― Dr. C, Wednesday, 20 December 2000
You're a great man, Dr C !!!
― the pinefox, Monday, 27 October 2008 09:40 (fifteen years ago) link
And yet, we went to see them just after they'd done their "12 hits in one year" singles box set / club etc.. and they were great.
They came on just as we were discussing their hits total, when my g/f says "They have to start with "Kennedy" though.
Immediately: "dangdangdangd'd'd'dangdangdangd'd'd'CHANGGGGGLost yr love of life?..."
Best start to a gig ever..
― Mark G, Monday, 27 October 2008 10:50 (fifteen years ago) link
I am not convinced that this band ever had any hits.
― the pinefox, Monday, 27 October 2008 11:00 (fifteen years ago) link
i am not convinced by anyone who dismisses this band out of hand.
― remorseful prober (grimly fiendish), Monday, 27 October 2008 13:24 (fifteen years ago) link
― the pinefox, Monday, 27 October 2008 13:25 (fifteen years ago) link
i'm sorry, i genuinely have no idea what point you're trying to prove, other than that you know nothing about this band and have no original thoughts about them. i know what dr c thinks; i also think it's odd to base a dismissal of a band on what they were doing 20 years ago, but hey.
― remorseful prober (grimly fiendish), Monday, 27 October 2008 23:01 (fifteen years ago) link
Just got home from seeing them play in Vienna..
First time i'd seem them in 15 years and wasn't disppointed.
Played a few handful of songs from the (disappointing) new album, and a whole load of classics from their back catalogue - even playing their cover version of "Going nowhere fast".
The new band sounded every bit as good as I remember the 'old' one.
And they still don't play encores which confused quite a lot of the audience...
Great stuff!
― Jack Battery-Pack, Sunday, 23 November 2008 22:35 (fifteen years ago) link
The Peel Session version of "Take Me I'm Yours" gives me chills all over and puts a tear in my eye.
― Coffee Table LP's Never Breathe! (Bimble), Sunday, 15 February 2009 13:33 (fifteen years ago) link
Absolutely classic.
I have not always listened to the Wedding Present all that intensely or often, but each time I have, I've enjoyed it greatly.
A dear friend of mine is their bassist.
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs060.snc3/14766_200805611934_10748026934_3224507_3610603_n.jpg
Go see them this month. Here's the schedule.
April1 : San Diego CA, USA - Casbah2 : Los Angeles CA, USA - Troubadour5 : Austin TX, USA - Emo's7 : Atlanta GA - Earl with The Jet Age9 : Washington DC, USA - Black Cat with The Jet Age10 : Hoboken NJ, USA - Maxwell's with The Jet Age11 : New York City NY, USA - Bowery Ballroom12 : Cambridge MA, USA - Middle East Downstairs14 : Toronto ON, Canada - Horseshoe Tavern15 : Pontiac MI, USA - The Pike Room at The Crofoot16 : Chicago IL, USA - Double Door17 : Minneapolis MN, USA - 400 Bar20 : Vancouver BC, Canada - To be confirmed21 : Seattle WA, USA - Crocodile22 : Portland OR, USA - Doug Fir Lounge24 : San Francisco CA, USA - Independent
― I don't need a bonghit. (ctrl-s), Monday, 5 April 2010 02:17 (fourteen years ago) link
This tour is the Bizarro tour eh?
― van smack, Monday, 5 April 2010 02:18 (fourteen years ago) link
Yup. I'll be there in Cambridge with a mess o' my mates. Though I'm off their current incarnation they were absolutely tops from 86-95 or so.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Monday, 5 April 2010 02:21 (fourteen years ago) link
love seamonsters so much
― HOOS the master?? STEEN NUFF (BIG HOOS aka the steendriver), Monday, 31 January 2011 04:59 (thirteen years ago) link
like ian curtis fronting pavement
― HOOS the master?? STEEN NUFF (BIG HOOS aka the steendriver), Monday, 31 January 2011 05:00 (thirteen years ago) link
or sunny day real estate even
...
― i love you but i have chosen snarkness (Steve Shasta), Monday, 31 January 2011 05:02 (thirteen years ago) link
oh shut up
― HOOS the master?? STEEN NUFF (BIG HOOS aka the steendriver), Monday, 31 January 2011 05:03 (thirteen years ago) link
shoulda stopped here imo, great record though!
― the new mordant & zingy ilxor persona (ilxor), Monday, 31 January 2011 15:14 (thirteen years ago) link
https://www.discogs.com/The-Wedding-Present-George-Best-30/release/10420257
.. Re-recording your debut album w/Steve Albini?
― Mark G, Monday, 31 July 2017 00:50 (six years ago) link
Huh.
― Josh in Chicago, Monday, 31 July 2017 03:47 (six years ago) link
No idea, maybe the documentary can shed some light on the lyrics?https://scopitones.co.uk/archives/7135
― walking towards the sun since 2007 (alex in mainhattan), Tuesday, 8 September 2020 16:15 (three years ago) link
Oh why do you catch my eye, then turn away?I thought we said all the things we had to sayShaun said he saw you holding hands with your new friendHow does it feel to know you've just won again?Don't give me that! Because you were seen!Everyone thinks he looks daft but you can have your dreamCan I keep that book of yours and maybe this one too?Oh sure, I'll bring them round tomorrow if that will doWas it really full? They must have queued there since half past threeOh I didn't go, was it a good film? Well that's just me!Don't give me that! Because you were seen!Everyone thinks he looks daft but you can have your dreamGuess who I saw by your old house just the other dayThat kid we used to think was mad, but now he looks okayI think someone's here, look out the window, I can't make out whoOh I'd love to stay but I've really got so many things to doDon't give me that! Because you were seen!Everyone thinks he looks daft but you can have your dream
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Tuesday, 8 September 2020 16:28 (three years ago) link
What are you looking for? It sounds like it's based on a real event. Wasn't Shaun the drummer at the time?
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Tuesday, 8 September 2020 16:29 (three years ago) link
iirc every single song gedge has ever written is about failing/failed relationships, quite often due to his own jealousy
(apart from a few where things are good and the sex is hot but there are inevitably clouds on the horizon)
― mookieproof, Tuesday, 8 September 2020 16:38 (three years ago) link
All About Eve being a rare exception
― PaulTMA, Tuesday, 8 September 2020 17:28 (three years ago) link
I don't really understand what the song is saying.
Maybe there is another voice, a woman's, that we don't hear, and it would be clearer if we did.
This, for instance, doesn't add up to me:
Can I keep that book of yours and maybe this one too?Oh sure, I'll bring them round tomorrow if that will doWas it really full? They must have queued there since half past threeOh I didn't go, was it a good film? Well that's just me!Don't give me that! Because you were seen!
― the pinefox, Wednesday, 9 September 2020 15:44 (three years ago) link
How on earth did I never weigh in on this?
― Alex in NYC, Wednesday, 9 September 2020 15:56 (three years ago) link
imo the narrator is a stalker who is obsessed with his female friend (or maybe they actually had a romantic relationship, but i think not). shaun saw her holding hands, with a guy the narrator insists everyone scorns, outside the movie theater. narrator is pissed and being passive aggressive about the books he'd borrowed from her; he wants them, and her, out of his life -- well, except for one or two, and also he won't actually give up his obsession with her either
― mookieproof, Wednesday, 9 September 2020 15:59 (three years ago) link
The verses are awkward/bland conversations with his ex. The choruses are jealous outbursts about her new relationship.
― everything, Wednesday, 9 September 2020 15:59 (three years ago) link
I always thought it was quite amusing to hear him get shot down over keeping the books
― PaulTMA, Wednesday, 9 September 2020 19:38 (three years ago) link
Thanks for these comments.
The comment by poster everything is useful to me - so the verses and choruses are distinct, not really part of the same conversation, as they don't follow from the verses.
I still don't think I understand the books verse. Does it contain the words of one speaker and not the other? And what does 'Well that's just me' mean in 'Oh I didn't go, was it a good film? Well that's just me!' ?
I don't, on the whole, find this lyric clear at all, but I've appreciated people's responses here.
― the pinefox, Thursday, 10 September 2020 10:26 (three years ago) link
It's one side of a conversation, either in person or (as I sometimes imagine) on the phone. You get to hear what he's saying, but not her so you have to fill that in. Ultimately you get enough to make a judgement, is he a twat or is his whinging justified?
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Thursday, 10 September 2020 13:39 (three years ago) link
i always thought the implication of "everyone thinks he looks daft" was that this isn't true, but the object of jealousy is in some way trendier or less real than honest salt of the earth narrator.
it's essentially "Gordon is a Moron" played without laughs
― how do i shot moon? (Noodle Vague), Thursday, 10 September 2020 13:45 (three years ago) link
I tend to read Wedding Present lyrics with a lot of self-mockery/irony which may or may not be intended, I'm not really sure sometimes, but it works for me
― CP Radio Gorgeous (Colonel Poo), Thursday, 10 September 2020 13:54 (three years ago) link
Gerald's post is quite helpful clarification to me.
Guess who I saw by your old house just the other dayThat kid we used to think was mad, but now he looks okay
-- is this 'kid' meant to be the one who 'looks daft', or another person?
I think someone's here, look out the window, I can't make out who
-- does this go with the telephone theory?
Oh I'd love to stay but I've really got so many things to do
-- This seems not to go with the telephone idea - suggests that the speaker is at the place of the interlocutor, which we are saying is the ex-gf.
The choruses don't seem to follow directly from the verses, unless each time, the ex-gf says something, after each verse, which logically prompts 'don't give me that' by implying that she is not dating the other person.
― the pinefox, Thursday, 10 September 2020 14:44 (three years ago) link
too much apple pie
― mookieproof, Saturday, 25 February 2023 04:05 (one year ago) link
oh that was just embarrassing, at times I say the most stupid things
lol
― Colonel Poo, Saturday, 7 October 2023 04:28 (six months ago) link
relatable
― mookieproof, Saturday, 7 October 2023 04:52 (six months ago) link