OK. Onto The Tubs. Back in the day I used to do what the NME told me to. But haven't you heard. The Times they are a Changing. Thanks Bob. I'm sure you're right. When's your new record coming out.
Nowadays I do what Mojo tells me too. As with The NME back in the day. They're generally right too. Mojo have told me to listen to The Tubs. So that's what I'm doing now. The Tubs have a new album called Cotton Crown out.
A couple of months ago Mojo had a long interview with The Tubs, telling their readership on their front cover that 'The Tubs were your new Favourite Band'. Paul Weller was a cover star that month. I'm sure that grumpy old curmudgeon / contradiction. Old Punk / Mod / Soul Boy / Folk singer songwriter. Whatever Paul is this week. Whoever and wherever he is I expect he would appreciate their approach.
Music is the guiding principle of my life. I have a nice flat in the middle of Newcastle. I live alone but I'm not lonely. Or I try not to be. I have friends. Sometimes I invite them to my flat. When we're here we generally listen to music together.
That's all you need to know. This review is about The Tubs not pretending to be about me. I dislike reviews that are more about the reviewer than the cultural text or work of art they are on the surface appearing to be concerned with. When actually it's just' look at me'. I consider that narcissism. Not criticism. I want to be a narrator. If possible a reliable one.
Cotton Crown is restless. It takes its lead most obviously from The Smiths. If perhaps James' Tim Booth had been at the mic instead of Mozzer. Life is a ticking clock as they remind us in opening track The Thing Is.It's a wonderful line.A fabulous sentiment. Passion matters. A wonderful song.
Everything is up for grabs right now it seems. In life at the moment but also in music. Bands don't have to be bound by hierarchy or canon. They can skip between eras and historical moments just as journalists and politicians can. Hopscotch across the stones of the pavement. Treading on the cracks if they care to .And use it to offer relief and pleasure for grateful listeners. Escape..
Not enough of that from politicians and journalists right now for my liking. Plenty coming from musicians of every age, persuasion and intent.Such was always the way I supect. Personally I don't like The Who's Won't Get Fooled Again. I'm not likely to change my opinion now, We're all Leopards to some degree. Spots are the most difficult thing to change. But I can appreciate the gist of the sentiments of the song better than I used to .
Now The Tubs are good at this. One moment they're The Smiths. Then they're Richard Thompson. Mission of Burma. They can be who they want to be. Can't we all. I think we can if we want to.That's the great joy of life.
The Tubs have a narrative. Of pain as well as pleasure. I won't trouble you with the details. I direct you to the issue of Mojo. And also to the bands music. They're not afraid of emotional honesty. They can be brave. They're willing to put their arses on the line as my good friend Ian put it succinctly on Friday night. That's all you can ask.
Cotton Crown is a great record. The Tubs are a great band. They will remind you of things but they might make you think they have something of their own which is worthy of appreciation. Watch them if you can. They're playing close to me soon. I'll try to catch them. In fact I've just bought myself a ticket. Watch this space. .
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