IRlBOT RICE GRLLERY a. BRQ~ University of Edinburgh, Old College THE South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL Tel: 031-667 1011 ext 4308 STATIONERS 24 Feb-24 March WE'RE BETTER FRANCES WALKER Tiree Works Tues·Sat 10 am·5 pm Admission Free Subsidised by the Scottish Ans Council

Glasgow Herald Studen_t' Newspaper of the l'. ear thursday, february 15, 12

substance: JUNO A.ND •20 page supplement, THE PAYCOCK: Lloyd Cole interview .Civil War tragedy . VALENTINES at the .and compe~tion insi~ P.13 Lyceum p.10 Graduate Tax proposed • Principals offer alternative to loans scheme

by Mark Campanile Means tested parental con­ He said that the CVCP administrative arrangements for Mr MacGregor also stated that tributions would be abolished, accepted that, in principle, stu­ loans and is making good prog­ administrative costs would be pro­ ress." hibitive, although the CVCP UNIVERSITY VICE Chan­ and the money borrowed would dents should pay something be repayed through income tax or towards their own education, but "The department will of course claim their plan would be cheaper cellors ancf Principals have national insurance contributions. that they believed that the current . be meeting the representatives of to implement than the combined announced details of a A spokesman for the CVCP, loans proposals were unfair, the universities, polytechnics, and running costs for grants and loans. graduate tax scheme which · Dr Ted Neild, told Student that administratively complicated, and colleges in due course to discuss NUS President Maeve Sher-. they want the government to the proposals meant that flawed because they still involved their role in certifying student lock has denounced the new prop­ consider as an alternative to graduates who had an income at a parental contributions, which are eligibility for loans." osals as "loans by any other student loans. higher level . than the national sometimes not paid. average earnings would be But in a letter to Sir Edward name", and a spokesman for the In their proposals, the Commit­ The CVCP had made these required to pay back their loan as Parkes, the chairman of the . NUS told Student that "The loans tee of Vice Chancellors and Prin­ proposals, he said, because "If an extra 1 or 2 per cent on national CVCP, Education Secretary John bill is now at the report stage in cipals (CVCP), state that they you are trying to get the govern­ .insurance contributions. He MacGregor has already stated Parliament and the government is want to integrate the existing ment to change its mind you have described the scheme as being· that he rejects a graduate tax unlikely to change its mind about grants system with the top up to present a viable alternative. "like a pension scheme in based on national insurance con- details. The CVCP should be try- loans scheme and so " make avail­ This scheme meets all the reverse." tributions. ing to help defeat the scheme." able to all students an-adequate criteria." Jack Straw, Labour's Shadow grant while they study." The repayments would be ·The proposals have been He told Sir Edward that insur- Education Secretary, described Under the proposals all stu­ made over a certain number of received coolly by both the gov­ ance "should not be used as a the proposals as "yet another vote dents, if they applied, would years, with graduates in highly ernment and opponents of stu­ · means of debt collection" and that of no confidence in the Govern­ receive a full grant, worth at least paid jobs necessarily subsidi6ing dent loans. it would be wrong to suggest that a ment's Student Loans Scheme." the current £2 ,265, plus a top up those who earn less than the aver­ The Department of Education graduate tax would obviate the "The Government reaction loan of £420 as proposed by the age income. Dr Neild claimed that and Science told Student that need for the student loans com-: shows it is not interested in government, which they would this was "only unfair in the way "The government is pressing pany since it would still be rational debate of alternatives to repay when they graduated. that income tax is unfair." ahead ,with its plans for the required to give out loans. its own disastrous proposals". Students run amok by Steve Martin In general,it' appears that the Sunday. Polke told Student that ll Fo~ Ju1-1Pit-1(\' ON MiNiS, !?>TEALirJ(t ?i:)l\l> S~NS, l?Eii->(t l)l?UNI(. .AIJD and Ed Humpherson party's stay at the hostel was far this was part of an elimination from amicable , with 1 student process, after a Volkswagen )isoRDEl2L.'( fflD /I NiVSIII-JC!f TO WE l'VBUL, The residents of Aviemore. saying that their treatment was caravanette was broken into and. 7o 'fo 01.J A ~ will be pleased when the "more suitable to 14 year-old cub hotwired on Friday night. toce:I<. 18-30 winter's sporting season is scouts" and the warden himself There appears to be a bizarre over, if the events of a Pol­ commenting "for what they pay wish on the part of the Holland ski for ,they have to accept the rules". party to be associated with this lock Hall's skiing trip are The fun and frolics continu~d event , despite the police conclud­ anything to go by. Some 30 over' what was by all accounts a ing that fingerprints taken from residents took part in a Hol­ rowdy weekend in the town, with the vehicle and those of the stu­ land House JCR organised party members claiming with dents were incompatible. expedition to A viemore two some pride to have been trailed by Equally strange was Eric weekends ago and according local police on the traditional Simpson's reluctance to talk to Saturday night pub crawl. How­ Student last Sunday, claiming that to the House's deputy presi­ he had little knowledge of any dent Eric Simpson "virtually ever , A vi em ore police have no recollection of this, nor do they problems. Yet on the same day a everyone enjoyed them­ have any record of the claim made notice appeared from him in the selves" . So much so that a by the party that one of their house common room listing these large number of the party number was"cautioned" events with a number of exaggera­ were fingerprinted , 1 spent for trampling over a Mini. tions in minute detail. Mean­ Saturday night in the cells , while, Holland Warden ,Bruce The force can however confirm Gittings, requested an urgent and 2 other members of the that one second year student did meeting with House president party were asked to leave the spend one night in their cell , Alison Frater to discuss the mat­ youth hostel after they had after attempting to steal a road ter. The outcome of the meeting is disturbed fellow residents by sign,and it is believed that charges not known. However,the events· returning drunk some 3 hours will be pressed. Rumours of theft hardly tie in with the expre sed after the 11 pm curfew. of a "Happy Haggis" sign from a desire of Terry Cole, senior war- · local restaurant , were discounted den at Pollock,to curb excessive The two students in question , as "exaggerated." one male , one female,benefitted alcohol consumption by the hall's from their misdemeanour by The weekend away culminated residents ,which he believes is to being reaccbmmodated in the in the "voluntary" fingerprinting some extent encouraged by the more luxurious surroundings of a of all male members of the party provision of free drinks at JCR local guest house at JCR expense. as they were preparing to leave on functions. ·11ews. .Sludent :2~t~h~ur~s~da~y~,~fe~b~r~u~ar~y~l:-5~, _:19~9~0~------__:~:::______~------...... G .-S. ~- Fu tore Still Un certain .makes clear that George ~uare of the departments can be . factorily work~d out". satis. tial in comparison with the other The Group maintain that the Theatre is by far the mo t u1tabl_e by Neil Rafferty first three floors of D.H.T. "'.ould sight for the new school and _e ven proposed sights. . The Working Party pomt out . "convert easily" into a business goes so far as to draw up a h t f THE FUTURE OF George school and add that the venues which could accon:i~d_at Alth ugh the group m . . that the theatre has a "530 seat . aintain Square Theatre remains capacity not available e!~ew~ere", changeover coul~ t~ke plac~ the theatre's current acuv1t1e . t h at .T . i too valuable t uncertain despite claims by and mentions the particular "with relatively mmor mconvem- These include the Mc wan Hall, Universitr and the City t~ t~ architectural character", of the ence". They do however accept the Odeon Cinema and the B d­ the University that it would that there would be "a severe alt~r~d, 1t " a . e ~ent of the building. They add that · the lam Theatre. building a. unique and its b. continue as an entertain­ impact on the morale an d coh er- G.S.T. would be a "good fit" for ity to r ach all the ma· or re a .11• ments venue, rather than a ence of the Faculty of Arts." It is The group, who;e memb r 1 qu1r- business school. the proposed Business Manage- ment o f the new management ment School. · suggested that the offices 'for t~e, include Alex Currie, the Univer- w school "could be located m ' · chool mean that there is still Following last weeks story, ne d sity Secretary, Profe or em1e, doubt over whether the Theat . · 1 I h t the suitably stylish accomo a- . M . ,, f ,, M . re1s which reported that G.S.T. was The document a so revea st a Dean of Arts and Martin om- a er a artm Morrison told no longer a serious candidate for the_conversion of David Hume tion" currently used by the Arts son, E.U.S.A. Deputy Pre ident, th tudent la t week. development, Student has Tower would be "by far the Faculty, but they go on to say at make a final recomendation that received a copy of the report of · 'cheapest option, poss1"bl Y we"II Arts staff and students would find the Bristo Square Refectory the George Square Theatre under £200K." This contradicts it unacceptable to "enter 'their' should be the first choice de pite There are also questions raised Working Group. The group, . _statements made at last weeks building through a management its "inflexible main tructure", ove~ why there was no mention of ?Which was set up to assess t h e meetmg· o f t he u mverst· ·t Y C_ ou rt · school entrance". and although D.H .T. would b e co ting at la t week' s court meet- theatre's viability for develop- As reported in Student l~s(~lt~rs- the most economical of th ing de pite the fact that an esti- ment, state that although G.S.T. d ay, tt· was c1 a1me · d t h at no cos t mg. Although the report takes seri-d option ' it would only be u ed if ma t e f or D av1· d H ume Tower had would be used as a "last resort ,, , h a d yet be en d one on any o f th e ously options such as D.H.T. an "all the con equential rel ~tion be en mad e int· h e report . the building has "unique" pot~n-~. ~al~te~m~a~ti~ve~si~g~ht~s.:... ---:-:-:--:-::~..;th~e~B~n;·s~to~S~q;u:a:,:r~eiR~e:fe~c;to::.:ry:;~it~~----~------,-:...... ------..:._­ SUSSEX: The University LONDON: To kick off next administration agreed on Friday Thursday's national anti-loans to grant £250,000 towards improv- demonstration, students of the ing safety standards on the Sussex London School of Economics campus. The campus, which is have voted to occupy the Univer­ four miles outside Brighton, con- sity's administration building on SNP Call 'tains halls of residences housing Wednesday for 24 hours. 1600 of the University's 5000 stu- dents. Students returning to halls BRISTOL: Bristol students hit at night must walk through the " City· College will vote on Wed­ deserted and badly lit" area of the For Rethink the front page of the local press nesday on whether to stage a simi­ with an imaginitive demonstra­ faculty buildings. The decision to lar event. The outcome of their by eil Rafferty furth r that it would "Contradict tion by women students last Fri­ grant the money was made aft~r vote will "almost definitely" be in . th tfr,h tradition of free edu- day. The students, dressed in suf­ mass lobbies of the safety commit­ favour of having an oc_c upation. at1 n pcntoall." fragette costumes and carrying tee by students concerned about twenties-style banners demanding the growing number of attacks on "Grants for Women", chained students, particularly women, on themselves to the railings outside the campus after dark. The money the University's Hope Memorial will be spent on lighting, a mini LANCASTER: There i concern building. The Bristol Student bus service and more security on among Lanca ter tudent ab ut Union planned the event to com­ the entrances to thScotland was now under eriou h h tile fory id alogie in _Loto protest at the University's policy revealed as £87 .60. The figure has several other club in the area, threat due to the impcnmding don, cott1 h tudent aregoing on compulsory redundancies. come as "quite a shock". particularly in tudent town . loan cheme and commented uffcr." ·Credit for PM

by Jeff Sinton right wing Nazis in South Africa example of Labour's opposition see it as Mrs Thatcher's fault that to the propo ed Scotti h National Nelson Mandela has been Heritage Agency, and added that released." Labour were against the idea that ALL THE CREDIT for NeJ! In a cautious note however, he control over Scotland's environ­ -son Mandela's release should added that South Africa did not ment should be transferred from . be given to Mrs Thatcher. need the slavery of Apartheid to Peterborough to the Scottish That is the claim of Iain be replaced by the slavery of Office in Edinburgh. Catto, the Conservative can­ Communism or Socialism. What In conclusion he admitted that . didate for Prestonfield and South Africa needed, he said, was the Community Charge was not a transition to a free market yet the perfect way to fund local Mayfield in the forthcoming economy, unlike its neighbouring government, but also attacked regional elections, who state, Zimbabwe. "It is ironic", he Labour's proposed Roof Tax, spoke to the University Con­ commented, "that on the day on which he said would use Scotland servative Association, at which Ceausescu was over­ as "a guinea pig", as a highly Teviot House on Monday. thrown, Robert Mugabe unfair, retrograde step, since the Mr Catto, a former secretary of announced that he was setting up· scheme would be based upon E.U.S.A., pointed out that it was a one party state". "What a bureaucratic council offi­ the British Embassy in Pretoria On the domestic front, Mr, cial perceives a house is worth, that had been attacked when Mr. Catto explained that the Labour and a single pensioner would pay ,· Mandela's release was Party was out of touch with the same as four adults living next ·announced. He continued, "The mainstream opinion. He cited the door". Student news· thursday, feb~uary 15, 1990 3. Book Appeal Ready to Go ~y Louise Wilson against damp and have been label­ will be accompanying the books to led as to the type of bo~k in both Romania on behalf of the univer­ English and Romanian. Alex sity libraries and in connection Dimitriu, an Edinburgh Univer- ' with the Church of Scotland. · NEXT MONDAY, up to sity student who was born in From Edinburgh University, Ian 13,000 b_ooks collected under Romania, has been helping Sally Younger, International Editor of the 'Books for Romania' Wood of the Donations and Student, and his team are hoping appeal will begin their over­ Exchanges office at the main lib­ to go independently. They are land journey to Romania rary with the translations and in currently trying to get sponsorship finding volunteers to pack and · from local and national com­ where they will be distributed label. panies, to raise the £3000 to fund between four universities. · A minister from the newly­ the trip. Their first priority is to They have been gathered created • Reform Protestant find a vehicle which can stand up from all over the country at Church of Hungary, Sandor to the arduous four thousand mile the George Square library Fazakas, has been in Edinburgh round trip. As yet they have had and will form part of a lorry to help coordinate the appeal. His no luck. convoy carrying essential brother is at St Andrew's Univer- The appeal co-ordinators have . sity and it is hoped to maintain an pointed out that the shortage of supplies set up by the charity, ongoing connection between the books is so bad in the Romanian Flanders Scottish Alliance. universities of the two countries. universities that it does not matter The books are packed in Tan- · · Rory MacLeod, a divinity stu­ if they are all in English. Sandor queray gin boxes donated by dent also at St Andrew's and an Fazakas does not even have his The books packed and ready to go. . Photo by Louise Wil.wn JWHanna~ of Brnxburn, are lined ex-Edinburgh University student, own hymn-book. --- - ' • N evvs Digest

A group of students from Napier both chur<"h leaders and the press Polytechnic had a lucky escape for giving a false portrait of their Kelman ins after they were caught up in an group. Ken Shafto, regional avalanche while climbing Ben organiser for the Unification More. Church in Scotland said, "people don't give us a chance, they should One of the students, Gary Webb investigate what we are before pierced his stomach with an they say anything about us." icepick as he fell more than five City centre was brightened hundred feet down the mountain up on Monday with the appear­ side. His friends used a five bar ance of a dinosaur on Princes. gate as a makeshift stretcher to Lit. Prize Street. A ten foot high model of a carry him to safety before they Tyranasaurus Rex, named Dino, were found by the Mountain E.M.Forster and Graham The prize winners will receive roamed the streets as part of a Rescue Team at Killin. Mr Webb Greene. £1 ,500 each and the publishers are promotion for the Dinosaurs is now recovering in Stirling Royal hopipg for a significant boost in Alive! exhibition which opens at The awards, announced last fri­ sales. Infirmary, where his condition is"stable" . . the City Arts Centre on 28th Feb­ day, were made on the recom­ ruary . . mendation of Professor Professor Jack has said that the R.D.S.Jack, aided by Dr. Aiden EUSA offices in Potterrow were English Literature Department Day al)d Randell Stevenson, all of Edinburgh is to host, as part of the disrupted yesterday an an invasion are hoping to invite James Kel­ the Edinburgh University English International Science Festival. of around thirty students. This Literature Department. man on a lecturing visit to the Uni­ Experts from around the world was a protest, organised by the versity in the near future. . will converge on the Caledonian Socialist Worker Students Society, Hotel to hear, what Science festi- against the lack of a bus service to Kelman's novel "A Disaffec­ val chief-executive, Brian Garn- London for this week's National tion" [Secker & Warburg Ian Gibson won the biography award with his widely acclaimed hie, describes as ''the ~ost up to Loans Demonstration. EUSA Sec­ pbk...£5.99] was picked from date assessment of how massive retary, Martijn Quinn s:iid that around 100 entries for the fiction "Federico Garcia Lorca: A Life"(Faber & Faber hb.£17.50]. global problems such as the threat the decision not to send a bus was by Andrew Heavens prize. Professor Jack praised the Dr. Day described the choice as to the environment and the bur- nothing to do with the sabbaticals 4~------,---,------,----- work for its "very powerful satire geoning human and animal prob- but was an SRC move. of the very macho culture of Glas­ "very close" with Norman Sherry's "The Life Of Graham terns can be analysed and acted A researcher at the Royal Edin­ SCOTTISH AUTHOR gow" while Dr.Day spoke of the upon." James K~lman and biog­ book's "intensity" and "extremely Greene" as the nearest conten­ burgh Hospital has claimed that rapher Ian Gibson have been claustrophobic nature". der. He spoke of Gibson's "urgent dreams could hold the key to noc­ named as the 1989 winners of and compelling" style and com­ Following last weeks story in Stu­ turnal asthma attacks. Dr Brice The press's reaction to the book mented on the "very valuable " the James Tait Black Memo­ dent under the headline "Moonies A very is looking for asthmatic vol­ has been one of euphoria with achievment in "bringing the Threat to Students", the contrav- unteers to test bis theory. He rial Book Prize, joining the reviewers comparing Kelman to peculiarly fascinating personality ersial organisation have claimed , believes the attacks may take place ranks of previous winners modern giants ranging from Bec­ of Lorca to our attention in a big 1that there operations are not in because sufferers suppress their kett and Kafka to Dostoevsky. way." · such as D.H.Lawrence, 1 any way dangerous and blamed more emotional dreams.

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Pnwn MadrN.r Palwra, Pulao Rice and a portion of curry uuce. Pakura Any one of the above curries served with a portion of Boiled Rice £3.50 £3.95 Ice Cream or Coffee Restaurant open on weekends. come n tare u midnight! Budget menu served: FOR GUIDANCE Monday to Saturday: Sunday: Monday to Saturday: Sunday: 12 noon - 2.00 pm 12.45 pm - 2.00 pm 12 noon - 2 .OOpm 12.45 -2.00 pm AND DIRECTION and 5.00 - 12 midnight and 5.00 pm - 11.00 pm and 5.00 pm - 6.30 pm and 5.00 pm - 6.30 pm GET -~----b======;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.::i .rr'iiit' • •, ~:1- ~~cgT~~ BAY OF BENGAL TANDOORI RESTAURANT, 164 HIGH STREET, ROYAL MILE, EDINBURGH TEL: 225 2361 \ I · ~oeus ~~ ~4~~th~u~r~sd:a~y~,!fe!b:ru~a~r~y~l;.5.:_, _:19~9~0~ ______!_•'~~'.------:::--;:~~-;;"w~;;:;-;;;:~~~~~~--- ..... may adher to the ANC's avowed undoubtedly be torn between th EDITORIAL race. strategy of 'armed stru~le'. Io dhis~darate views with the anti-apar~ The inevitable demise of apar­ the same speech he proclaimed: t e1 movement. A hero's lot is not We live in monumental times. The theid is one which is acknowledged "Our resort to the armed struggle always a happy one and histor . world system is being transformed by all but the most most extreme in J960 was a purely defensive littered with bitter memorie/ ;; and within individual states, right wing Afrikaners and white STUDENT action against the violence ofapar- tho e a~tempts t~ rfe~oncile dispa. metamorphosis. No sooner have supremists so that after more than theid the factors which necessi- rate view .' a~1s ymg no one. the world's TV cameras focused a quarter of a century, Mr Man­ tated,the armed struggle stiJJ exists Moreover m this particular case their lens on the events taking dela emerged from his cell and was to day, we have no option but to expectation are at fever pitch. place in Eastern Europe then the able to announce: Established in 1887 continue.,, Mr Mandela has claimed that h imminent release of Nelson Man­ "Today the majority ofSouth Afri­ It is tragic that in the weekend i committed to a peaceful solutio e dela is announced and swiftly cans, black and white recognise 48 P/easonu. EJinl>urg/r ,Hs 9TJ. Ttl. 558 1117/88 that Mr Mandela wa released the but has not given up the arme~ takes place. that apartheid has no future . . . deaths of black South African in struggle. It i n~w ~ime to do so not The release of the symbolic the mass campaigns of defiance the hands of police but al o other least becau e his victory is assured figurehead of the anti-apartheid eventual end - democracy is and the actions ofour organisation blacks, had to continue. only the choice of the way to that movement undoubtedly marks the largely in the hands of Mr Man­ and people can only culminate After the euphoria has calmed victory is his. Violence can rarely beginning of the end for probably dela. He may choose the path of with the establishment of democ­ and the enormity of the ta k ahead be ju tified and certainly no longer the most unjustifiable system of peacedful civil disobedience, racy." becomes clearer Mr Mandela will in thi ca e. segregation that based upon The nature of the path to the strikes and political rallies or he nography and 'sexploitation' that th e obscene apologies for sex If Ms. Mackinnon from student 'B' and have a laugh ·exists in our society. ,attackers · 'He_ ~o~ldn't help~~.1 is so concerned about maintaining at Ron Brown's latest antics. However, women should be he a ked for it , She obviously respectability in the public eye, On the subject of the 'Ca pi tali t aware of two concepts omitted didn't care' etc. They merely state LETTERS why doesn't she get on her high Worker' I've yet to meet a single from Mi s Steele's article. 'fhc the ad realism that t.tntil the horse and attack those people that student who didn't find the Ron Dear Sir/Madam first was fines ed by t~e claim of a grinding proce of legi lation and really do threaten student res~ec­ Brown article funny. I've even 'Cosmopolitan' poll which found ocial change combats the crime · Surely evidence to suppose the tability in the public eye? 1.e. witnessed Socialist students that 55% of men felt 'Would you women will have to maintain incompatability between the Scot­ those students that sell publica­ laughing at it. ~ like to come up for a coffee?' wa , heightened sen e of personal tish N.U.S. and the basic princi­ tions expounding the views of the Yours sincerely in fact, a exual invitation. It afety, and must avoid cir­ ples of democracy? The vocifer­ far-left. Basically, the hierarchy David M. Milne ous attacks upon, and immediate, of the Scottish N. U.S. seems to be would have been intere ting to cum tance which aggrandixe the condemnation of the 'Capitalist suggesting that it's 0.K. for stu- Dear Student, know how many women held thi re k of attack. Worker' are direct attacks upon dent 'A ' to sell me his newsheet I~ reference to Wendy Erskine opinion: Your incerely the principles of free speech. Just that will often propagate such Steele's article "The Ultimate Secondly, women mu t limit TRI TAN BRJTTAI -DIS- who does Ms. Mackinnon think offensive views as those offering Violation", it is quite true that their vulnerability to attack by O she is to demand that the Conser­ support and encouragement to men have to change their attitude securing their place of re idence vative Party take action against the LR.A. and their methods, towards rape and sexual abuse, and using the EUSA late night STAFF LIST those responsible for the but on the other hand, it's not which in many cases have become bus, for in tance. The e com­ UMJdlilMI aforesaid publication. O. K. for me to pick up a newsheet .distorted by the climate of por- ment are not intended to reinfore ' AGER: Michael Campbell RTI I G· imon Horrocks Fiona Calder Gi.llHalliday tephenBax Deborah Macleay w 1ichael Barron phyHiggins ran e ate? PR mn Gal Taylor Hilary Lytton I la Davie ·It is now public knowledge America these activities have action abroad and con titutional DI RIB 10 : R btrtLambden' Tim h n that the C.l.A ,with the back- come to light;through Congre - illegalitie at home. A a re ult sional committees.Presidential Congre sional over ight wa lilllllUllil ing of the U .S executive, car- disclosures and leak . In Britain improved and the Pre ident ban- intere t i . ried out a policy of displacing the Official Secrets Act is all per- ned ome of the more wild In merica there i a Bill un Khang unfriendly foreign govern- va ive. After the 1989 ammend- activitie of the C.I.A. right t defend citezen · and an !Ison Brown men ts. Whenever the spectre men ts to the act this government With Britain there have been intelligen e charter, which th ii Rafferty of communism was raised an has tightened up on the di clo ure no wideranging di clo ure and ndrtw Hea~ens intelligence force mu t adh r \1ark mpanile attempt was made to under- of intelligence information. It i few leaks of cllis ified docu- to. If the e are violated que. tion · z« Pagnamenta mine subversive ele- now an offence for anybody to ments:-the Wallace ca e i the will be a ked and an inve tigati n P ter Baily 'leak' information of any exception. And even here very lit- will no d ubt be instigated. ri­ L. Ian Younger ments,while simultaneou ly nature.which is harmful to the tie information ha been allowed tain ha no ·uch Bill of right. and Dirk inter funding anti-communist National interest.The problem i out. In the United Kingdom there no charter to curb the exce scs of hris tephenson groups ,in order to obtain a that the national intere t is i no Parliamentary watchdog to Hami h Lorrain· the intelligence force . Therefore mlth sympathetic govern- decided by the intelligence agen- check up on the activities of M.1.5 nobody ha any real idea how Jam Haliburton ment.Not only that but cie ,who are the ones who might and M.I.6. There i no charter legal their activitie are. In the ieFahy domestically the C.I.A and have something to hide. limiting the power of the intelli- Po t Office there is a department Eleanor Wood the F.B.l carried out wiretap- In the United States in the mid- gence forces . There is no di clo- that open and check ' u pi- Fiona Gordon Seventies there was a deluge of sure of their annual budget and ciou 'mail:-in America,unle vril fair P·ing,mail opening and other 'I k , f wh· H ff Tobv ott ea s rom 1te ouse ta there is no avenue open to mem- there are extreme cir- breaches of the U .S Bill of and the C.I.A .. The evidence bers of the intelligence forces to And.rew Mitchell cum tance ,thi would con- Clare Anderson rights.Not a very impressive ~owed that something was going let the public know if the National travene the right of privacy. One Jill Franklin record for a supposedly high badly wrong. Congressional Com- interest is being betrayed. can add that if there had been a usan Gillanders principled democratic cqun- mittees were appointed to find out If one take the Wallace case it Parliamentary over ight commit­ 1oya Wilkie try. However in some ways if there was any truth to the allega- is interesting to conject on what tee either the incident would not vril fair the United States is well- tions. These Committees were would have happened in the faxlon Walker have occured or mea ure would tephen Foulger ahead of the British when it privy to a large amount of clas- United States.if Wallace had been be taken to top it happening PHOTOGRAPHY: Tiddy faitland· sified information and in their a former agent of the C.I.A . Hi again. Titterton comes to intelligence ethics. findings,despite some censorsip, disclosure that 'black' prop- M.J .5,who have been the guilty COMPUTER The point is that at least in told the public about covert aganda had been u ed against party in the Wallace epi ode.have CO SULTA T Ivan Reid ·politicians from his own country ___ .....,______;======~'1 until last year been an unofficial p••··········-············· would have been permitted,be­ extralegal organi ation. The Offi­ Freewheelin' cause of his right to freedom of cial Secrets Act now recogni e it EDITORIAL: "''''""All Welcome =Le SEPT speech and the fact that his claim a an entity ,but the only check Friday, I pm, 87 SLA TEFORD ROAD would not have compromised occur outside the public domain. tudent Offices 031337 2351 National security. It i his right to In America de pite over ight,the Thursday, l pm, leak information showing an intel­ Bill of rights and the intelligence tudent AL: Friday, l .25 pm, WINTER SALE ligence force to have acted illeg­ charter illegalitie~still do happen. tudent I ally. His other accusation about British people might look at the Wednesday, 1.1 Spm Up to 30% off RRP with the Kencora boys home would . U.S with contempt becau e of Student copy of this ad. have brought the constitutional Watergate and Irangate,but at SPORT: Monday, J.45 pm, lawyers to their feet,who would least they were di covered. Bri­ Student Wednesday, J.JS pm DIAMOND BACK, MBK, have argued that much of the Bill tain does not have this type of MUSIC: Student of rights had been ignored.The scandal ,because the government EMMELLE, RIDGEBACK, ARTS: Wednesday, I pm, I DAWES, TOWNSEND public would have demanded or the 'establishment'does not Student action. allow it. In a few months the story FEATURES: Wednesday, I pm, In Britain though, the govern­ will be out of the press and the Student Wednesday, I pm, ~ open seven days ment of the day makes the deci­ limited report on Wallace's dis­ FASHIO sion to investigate or not. They Student food served all day frl & sat missal will be published with no Wednesday, I pm, have begun a narrow investigation discussion of any intelligence mat­ ARTS: into *allace's claim that he was Student restaurant ters. The Official Secrets Act of FILM: Wednesday , 1.30pm unfairly dismissed,but they have 1989 has made it an offence to dis­ Student decided not to follow up on his close any information,even if it is SCIE CE: Friday, 1.30 pm other claims,eventhough they Student Same day, in the public interest. It is unlikely. ~6~C5 have now admited that the that Britain will ever have its own or next day repairs. 'Clockwork Orange' campaign Published by EUSPB, printed by Watergate.Even if it deserves Johnstone's of Falkirk. ·---·······------·-· did exist. The Prime Minister is one. Justin T-Glover PAUL NEWMAN: deNt A TOWERING INFERNO P.12 SPORT: WOMENS' • HOCKEY- VICTORIOUS review AT PEFFERMILL P.6 Dictator and the Dunce With the C~aucescus gone, and their associates safely under lock and key, the _Roman~an peop~e are beginning to learn the truth about their former ruling famzly. Perdita Fraser reports on recently exposed revelations on Elena Ceaucescu.

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I I

THE destruction of the Elena Ceausescu was not a popular consort in Romania, she Ceausescu . cult continues had neither the pragmatic concern apace. Following the revela­ of an Eleanor Roosevelt, nor the tions about the Conducator's bewitching beauty of Eva Peron. grandiose plans for his To her was attributed many of the People's Palace in Bucharest worst excesses of the Ceausescu a~d the widespread coverag~ regime. For example the outlaw­ ing of birth control was attributed g1ven to the womanising and to i1er desire to see the Romanian drunken exploits of his son population statistics rise to 30 Nicu, now it is the turn of the ~ill ion by the year 2000 ( currently · dictator's wife. · 1t stands at 23 million) . To enforce this law all women of child-bear­ From her position as the ing age were checked every month leader's right hand woman, Elena for evidence of the use of con­ Ceausescu enjoyed a status· in traceptives. Many women, for Romania as a _leading academic. 'whom the state goal of five chit­ Books and papers written under . dren per family was financially her name were considered the Elena Ceaucescu receiving an honorary Professorship at the Polytechnic of Central London, from its impossible, were reduced to seek­ ing dangerous abortions. If they works of a brilliant scientist and chairman, Walter Oakley, during a state visit in 1978 lined the bookshops in Romania. ~ere_ found out, they faced a long With the toppling of the 1mpnsonment. shrouded in· mystery and it will Party (RCP). Iri 1944 he was the dentials needed some bolstering, take some time before the full Secretary of the Communist to which end it was arranged that Books and papers written facts of the lives of the Ceausescu Youth, by 1952 he held the power­ three Bucharest professors should When Elena Ceaucescu was are known. It is believed that ful position of head of the Political write a Phd for her in the mid to defend her PhD, the gates under her name were consid­ 1970s. The legend is backed up by El~na'~ father later ran a pub in Directorate of the Army and from ofthe University were locked, ered the work of a brilliant w_h1ch she also worked, before the early 1960s, he was almost uni­ the circumstances surrounding scientist and lined the book­ · moving on to work in a chemical versally regarded as the heir to the the award of Elena Ceausescu's preventing the public from factory. leadership. doctorate. Normally in Romania, hearing her defence. shops in Romania. the Phd candidate must publicly She claimed to have first met defend their doctorate. When her husband Nicolae Ceaus_escu, During this time Elena, accord­ Another equally unpopular Ceausescu regime, the truths are· who came from a neighbouring ing to official records, was work­ Elena was to defend hers, the pouring out. And just as everyone gates of the university. were · policy was also attributed to her district, in 1934, after his expul- ing as a chemical engineer and influence, namely the creation of now knows that Elena was not the sion from Bucharest for subver- ~aintaining a low profile in poli­ locked , preventing the public author of her Phd, it has newly from hearing her defence. the "agro-industrial centres" sive activity. -Official Romanian tics, although she was said to have through the destruction of many emerged that her school reports history books state that Nicolae been active in the RCP in the were a record of failures with the was an early activist in the Com• 1930s. By 1965, when Nicolae was After this and the publication villages and the forced resettle­ odd pass mark, for example, in munist ranks. Alternative· sources elected as first' secretary, the of several erudite books under her ment of their inhabitants. She also said to have set sex traps for high­ hygiene. T he recently unearthed· suggest that his "conversion" to Ceausescus had three children. name, Elena collected academic Communism occurred when he Also in 1965, Elena became a honours from institutions around up Romanian officials, for use as a reports show that Elena, aged 10, source of blackmail. failed to meet the required pass­ was arrested at Brashov ·station in member of the Central Commit- the world, including New York mark (5 out of 10) needed to move 1936 for stealing a suitcase which tee of the RCP and the general ' Academy of Science, the Athens up to the next class. The subjects was found to contain Communist director of the Central Chemical Academy and the European propaganda. And so the myth Research Institute. Academy of Sciences, Arts and When Elena's apartment was that she failed included amongst grew that Ceausescu was one of . ' Letters in Paris. It appears that entered after the revolution, they others, mathematics, writing, his­ . the first Romanian Communist But it was really after 1972 that the Romanians always insisted found rows and rows of shoes !ory ~nd religion. As for science, activists. Elena's offices began to snowball. that Elena should be honoured in often by Western designers, some ~n which stie later became a lead­ She became a member of the some way, whenever the grand encrusted with diamonds, also ing authority, Elena did not study th At the outbreak of the war, all political executive committee of couple went abroad. At the time hundreds of designer dresses e subject at school. She passed a the Romanian Communist lead- the RCP Central Committee in of the state visit in Britain in 1978, (again many from the West) and few more physical subjects such as ers were interned in the labour 1973, joining i(s standing bureau both London University and the several_ racks of fur coats. Elena's ~ym and girls'handiwork. And camp at Tirgu-jiu. There in 1977. She also became a Royal Society (the premiere expensive tastes were paid at a instead of repeating the year, she Ceausescu met up with them all. ' member, and often a president, of academic body for scientists) were time when the rest of Romania !hen left school and went to work · When in 1944 Romania changed many scientific and research approached by the Romanian were on the verge of starvation, ma tailor's shop. side in the war, joining the Allies, institutions from this time Embassy but they both declined ' due to Nicolae Ceausescu's deter- the Communist leaders were onwards. to give her any sort of academic mination to pay off the Romanian Elena Ceausescu, nee Pet-. released. From then on ui~linction. Instead she received foreign debt at all costs even if it rescu, was born in 1919, the Ceausescu begun his rapid ascent Popular legend has it that at this one from the Polytechnic of Cent- meant elling the bread from daughter of a ploughman in Pet­ in the Romanian Communist time it was felt that Elena's ere- · ral London. under the nose of the people. rest1. Much of her past is still 6 9 Student tWiDS a11 Wetekend BRIEFS The women's 2nd XI started ------· ever increased the lead with a Wh.at can we say? 'Iron' the second half of the season neatly taken chance midway Mike Tyson beaten at last! through the second half. as they mean to go on, with Catriona Chapman ensured vic­ Well ,- so what if two of the excellent wins on Saturday ·tory minutes later with a supe rb governing bodies don't and Sunday. acute angle strike after a short accept the fight, the referees The team knew that they had to corner had been slipped back to decision is final after all, at scrape themselves off the bottom her. least that's what I was always of the table and two home games. Spirits were therefore high as provided the ideal opportunity to told. Unfortunately though the team prepared to meet the the ref's decision wasn't actu­ prove that they perhaps deserve Civi l Service on Sunday. This was more success taken they are at defin itely a "game of two halves", ally fi nal as after the fight he present enjoying. the Civil Service proving tri cky is quoted as saying "I am a Spirits were therefore high customers in the first period. man of honour. .. and this was when captain Trudy Ballantine • a 100% human mistake". declared that there were full sides A greater emphasis on playi ng WBC president Jose for both the fixtures , a novelty in down the right in the second half itself! Sulaimen, said at a news con­ ensured that Uni kept possession fe rence that he thought a The Saturday game was against well , and a couple of narrow the very young Bank of Scotland chances were missed. rematch woul d be absolutely team; Uni capitalised on their After several short corners, mandatory so bang goes experience and spent most of the Joanne Cavill connected with a · Mike's $75 million purse game camped in the opposition fi erce shot that fl ew into the against leading heavyweight half, Anne Howie and Cathy corner of the gaol. Despite a disal- contender Evander Thorpe hardly being taxed at all at the back. lowed score and many other Holyfield not that he needs it chances, the score stayed at 1-P to a 1 ' Trudy smashed the first gaol ensure a victorious weekend for . anyw Y· from a short corner, which was the the women. only score of the first half. Trusty TRACEY GARRETT right winger Jane Hartland, how- Edinburgh Uni back to winmng ways. Phil Neal but was beaten into sec­ With a double win at the ond place by rivals Lindsay Fergu­ weekend, Murrayfield racers THIS WEEK'S RESULTS son and Isabel Fleck. increased their unbeaten run to 19 The intrepid W AFC met a forlorn Fleck bounced her way to sixth games, taking 39 points from 25 , FOOTBALL end to an otherwise successful first TRAMPOLINING position in the advanced ladies games but still remain 5 points ------season at Peffermill on Friday . David Murphy stole the hon­ category, Neal and Murray Laurig adrift of Heinekin league leaders With the midweek visit to night, the competence offish Fin­ finishing fifth and sixth respec­ Cardiff Devils. ours at the Scottish Univer­ tively in the mans closed competi­ Strathclyde cancelled due fo gers smashing all title aspirations sities and Scottish Open tion. the somewhat unfavourable under the pale eclipse. Trampoling Championships A draw was all that W AFC Philippa Chatterton stole fourth conditions, the lads were needed to clinch victory in the at St Andrews at the place in the ladies intermediate, On the ice Sim-on . Hartley anxious to put on an impres- Sunday league, and they were weekend. Murphy was Scot­ Ewan Laws finishing sixth in the corresponding mens event. was part of the winning team at sive performance against the perhaps a tad confused that the tish Universities Champion at the weekend who beat off a Borders side, who were only game was not in fact on Sunday. Strathclyde Uni . team to take the one point behind in the East On average Fish Fingers were Scottish Junior me ns curling of Sc~tland league. about two days quicker to the ball championship. The prize? An all The tight little pitch, skirted by than the man in the horrificaly expenses paid trip to the world a greyhound track, was virtually stripey shirts, and they eventually championship in Canada next unplayable before the game even managed to turn pressure into month- make sure and send us a started, but the University were goals. · po tcard Simon! determined to take the attack to The first half was definitely a the home side. hard fought affair, the die hard They dominated the first half, WAFC supporters cheering all Peffermil saw Edinburgh ladies the forceful combination of efforts made by their heroes. take the Scottish Lacrosse Associa­ Findlay and Fraser reigning the Perhaps the only clear cut chance tions' title at the weekend for the middle of the quagmire. But it was of the fist half fell to Kit Monday, bird uccesive year when they not until twenty five minutes into but his shot was gratefully beat · an Edinburgh University the game that man of the match accepted by the Fish Finger's side. Fraser put Johnstone clear to rifle 'keeper. home the first from the comer of It was then up to Fingers to take Cricket news at last! Antiguan the box. the lead just before half time, with fas t bowler Curtley Ambrose has a crisply hit strike from the right of scratched from the West Indian the box. 1st XI 2 squad for the two one day interna­ From then on WAFC ,- oh what tionals against E ngland next w~ek Hawick2 a formidable club, could do little 'Burgh bounce back. because of all things he is suffenng more than watch the silky skills of took the silver in the Open Lynn Hendry, however, did not from ... haemorrhoids. If onlY, the opposition destroy their title Johnstone, ever menacing, was event, leading Edinburgh to have such a successful afternoon. Gatting had that sort of luck! chopped down in the area just ten chances. Despite losing three Her attempt to finish her routine more ·gaols, all excellently exe­ the Royal Bank of Scotland on the floor was not appreciated by minutes later, and Devereux Trophy for best team. gratefully accepted the penalty cuted, they continued to run hard. the judges! Top goal scorers in the premier Three hundred competitors opportunity. The team were afterwards league to date (including the Skol took part in the event, from as far · However the first twenty Their efforts were rewarded treated to some truly German and Scottish cups) are: afield as Ireland and Germany. minutes of the second half saw the twenty minutes from time when celebrations, led by the Federation McCoist 17; Jack, Crabbe and But the University club proved home side draw level. Any Smorczewski, his legs dominant in of German students who had per­ Robertson 15; Mason and their all-round talent, especially in amount of pressure could not give midfield , put winger Needham formed so well throughout the Johnston 14; Cusack and Torfason the Synchro, where Murphy was the visitors victory; Devereux clear to score what turned out to competition. 12; Dziekanowski 11. again in action. He teamed up with failed to · convert his second be a consolation gaol. YANINAJMAN attempt from the spot and Cham­ Fish Fingers were always in control and are to be commended bers and Cumiskey were unlucky JUDO SQUASH Stirling County's 3yr unbeaten on the quality of their gaols, as not to snatch the match. WINSTON SWEATMAN run was broken at the weekend b should W AFC for their determi­ The second team were not so The Scottish International, a Jedforest XV even with a sus­ nation; the likes of the ever-run­ swept the board in the British fortunate, falling to a 5-2 defeat, Julie Nicol, proved her talent at tained attack by County in the last ning Eisner and the theraputic Uni's championship in Glas­ the goals coming from the ever the British U ni versities Sports 4minutes of mJury time. nursing skills of Jimmy Pugwash gow last weekend, to add to reliable Kev Murphy and Rupert Federation squash championships Definately one of the most excit­ will be vital in next year's cam­ "the bear" Wakefield. his Commonwealth Silver at the Pleasance last weekend. ing games I've witnessed in a very paign. The Championships were held KEV CUMISKEY long ti me. Fi nal score, 7:3 to Jed. at the Kelvin Hall , Glasgow and She retained the title by beating Tenacious spiking and a spirited Sweatman and his team were in Tracy Parker (Kent Uni versity) in VOLLEYBALL challenge from Glenrothes in the great form . a one-sided fi nal, winning 3 sets to third set was not enough to upset He took a complete clean love (9-1 , 9-2, 9-0) . In undoubtedly the most Gavin Hastings after cocking the University side, who countered sweep at his weight, demonstrat­ exciting game of the season so up at Lansdowne road must have attacked well to ensure victory in ing his all round strength by taking For a full report of the BUSF far · the Girls team defeated been practising a wee bit when for this fierce but friendly fixture. two armlock and one strangle win . championships see next week's London Scottish he kicked 5 goals Glenrothes '84 by an excellent After last week's heavy defeat, Amazingly, this is the fifth time Student. out of 6. What about the one he three sets to one. this win will no doubt relight that Sweatman has won this title, The side was back to full promotion hopes. With the season proving his superiority. No Comment? If anyone has missed I hear you cry! That was into the wind from the half way strength with the return of captain so close to the end, the chances As part of the Scotland area strong opinions on any sporting Nikki Thompson, and their new ·seem promising. team Sweatman took a silver, question, or feel an urge to write line. vigour and inspiration was always come and see us at the Pleasance at That's all folks! VIVIAN BARCLAY Edinburgh team-mate Lluis Ribas in evidence. also taking a medal in that even_t. 1.30 pm on Mondays. Student music thµrsday, february 15, 1990 7

besides like Everybody Thinks He concentration and ~alice. TH~ WEDDING Looks Daft are taken out and Gedge and co twist abnormally PRESENT dusted down to sound larger and nounal guitar sounds into barbed infinitely more menacing than their cr~cendos for well over an hour The Network vinyl counterparts. But it was the until o~ ~ had h<4~. enough. But SUPPORT band, The new Bizarro material that showed somethmg s wrong; 1t s all too Ed 1 A 1· d a harder more venomous Wedding easy, too workmanlike. ,Despite ockrock se uc 10neer manage Present; 'Kennedy took the crowd the h~d work, and they_did ~or~ to warm up an already by the scruffs of their necks, hard, 1t_ seems that playmg hve 1s sweaty audience with sharp reducing the dancefloor to a somethmg~at must_ be endured songs swamped in Mary throbbing mass of skin and bone and not enJoyed. Sull, they more · _ Brassneck ~xplodes out nowher~ than mad~ up f'?r it wi~ the C ham type feedback and with furious guitar maelstroms welcome mclus1on of Give My lots of Thurston Moore-type conjuring up all kinds of unsavoury Love To Kevin a_nd I'm Not guitar violence. By the time thoughts. Always So Stupid. The Weddoes graced the Maybe it's working with Steve "We don't do encores" shouts stage the audience were Albini, but the Wedding Present Gedge at the end. Thank God for dropping off like flies. are much more intense these days. that. I don't think my eardrums Superb new song, Don't Talk Even Take Me, introduced as their could've taken any more. Just Kiss, kicked off a set that was long~st son~, manages to rush Keiron Mellotte a~ manic as it was diverse. Old past m a some blur of

plaigiarism but it must be said that T ANITA TIKARAM GREAT JUNCTION ST 'their choice of material was dire. Glasgow, SECC BAND Groan-along-a-max titles like TANITA'S passion for Where Did You Get That Hat and Preservation Hall Touch Too Much assured that no life on the road, her one paid much attention to even enthusiasm and verve, is the most exciting of their coffee PRESERVATION Hall is commendable. Tonight is table antics. famous for two things; a bril­ the sixth day of a six But then came the most feared liant pint of Murphy's and of happenings. She split set. Oh months world tour, and crap bands. Thus it came as shit, not another. 45 minutes of anyone who plays eight no surprise that · GJSB other peoples tunes rearranged to nights in Norway knows weren't very good. But they sound exactly the same. By the what life in the fast lane is weren't totally crap. In fact second song of their second set the voices were beginning to grate. really about. Seriously. their first song Talking in What had begun as an aestheti­ Tonight's swinalong is a Riddles was rather good. cally pleasing slice of dull, but · triumph. Tanita bounds on all With a vocal style and deliv­ professional, pop quickly smiles and launches into ery that borrowed heavily deteriorated to something quite Sunset's Arrived, and from the from Irish combo In Tua irritating indeed. I grabbed my . start it's clear she's in good jacket and headed for the door. voice: her sonorous tones are Nuai it skipped along quite stronger and richer than usual, pleasantly. Okay, so I lied. They were totally and they carry her through a two Both singers had adequately crap. But at least the Murphy's is Phot~: Scott McFarltine: hour set which has some fine powerful and soulful voices with still brilliant. moments. Not least of these is which to carry of such unoriginal Keiron Mellotte singing a tune, and the songs tend her obligatory version of RED HOT CHILLI PEP­ to cover well used rawk 'n' roll Leonard Cohen's Ain't No Cure topics. There are a few great num-. For Love, passionately executed PERS and rapturously received by the 1 bers though, such as 'Knock Me Network packed hall. She introduces a Down", where there's actually new song, written in a coffee some thought involved and the shop (she likes coffee shops), THE Red Hot Chilli Pep­ singer proves that he can carry a and something of a vegetarian pers are one of the growing tune, but they are all too few, and anthem - Hot Pork Sandwiches, rong number of bands which tend to be separated by impro­ witty and punchy, and with an · attempt to find their own vised jazz-tedium. inspired Wonderful World-steal ·sound by mixing contrasting The other way in which this lot ad lib to finish. manage to piss me off is their musical styles. In this case, At encore time, a member of attitude toward the crowd. They the Glasgow audience has a fast fluid funk-metal is the seem far too interested in posing request; "Haw, Tanita! Gie's result. about, and generally showing off Valentine Heart!" A perplexed There's no doubt that the band what arrogant sons of bitches Tanita pleads deafness, but are excellent musicians ( espe­ people can be if they really put launches into the selfsame song cially the bass player, who is inde­ their minds to it. I'm amazed that nevertheless .. It's her finest cently quick) and tum in a lively I find it so easy to dislike a band hour, a beautifully wrought performance (from the jumpy­ who play so well, and in a style of eulogy to sentimentality and abouty point of view), but there their own. The style is jazz-funk heart-breaking violin seems to be something missing. guitar wank - the latest angle on accompaniment. The lights go up The singer seems to use rap vocals cock rock. to the Coronation Street t!teme; as a way of savit.!.g the effort of Mike Horsborough Stuart Walker Competition & results ' Photo: Scott McFarlane

Competitions - well, they just were abysmally bad , but just lack­ keep a-coming. This week, just All answers to the Student . THE RIGHT STUFF ing inspiration completely. And offices at 48, The Pleasance by they do have the experience, one to confirm that the music pages Teviot are, not only the best read in I pm on Tuesday the 20th. of them used to play with Lloyd Student, but the best value as Cole and another with Deacon well, we have, in conjunction . And while we're on the subject of ·Blue, mind you that probably exp- with those generous sorts at competitions, last weeks QUESTION: What is the fains· why they were so dull . Active Promotion, two CD's and competition to win tickets for The difference between watching Another member apparently used a cassette of his new album, Cramps only Scottish gig at the The Right Stuff and shagging to be in Altered Images, but it's .Lloyd Cole, to give away. So, Barrowlands in Glasgow on an elephant? not Clare Grogan, so there's no after you read the wonderful February 21st was won by Answer: There is the vaguest points there. intervew with him in Substance Andrew Scatchard, Pollock Halls ·possibility that you may enjoy The audience looked on in com­ you can set to work on the and Eileen MacCullum , 32, your encounter with the elephant. ·plete apathy, and a mixture of free difficult question below: Morningside Road who both . entry and cheap drink ensured knew that the last Cramps album For tonight The Right Stuff that practically nobody gave a toss Lloyd Cole's record company was A Date W~th_Elvis. They provided as much excitement as about the band. You had to won­ sent radio : stations ; Walkman can collect therr llckets from the watching two slugs battling it out der how many people would have in the shape of an everyday Student offices on Friday 16th at over a hundred metres. Without turned up if the gig had been down kitchen appliance to promote 1.30 pm. meaning to be cruel, because I at the Venue as . originally his single, No Blue Skies. really am a nice person, the Right scheduled. My guess 1s not very What was it? . Stuff were very, very boring many. indeed. That's not to say that they Simon Kellas !_Q -~~~~~~~~------~t~e~at~ thursday, fobruary 15, 1990 _u!!r!e!s ______~_ , S__ tu....; d.:..::.:~ •

Hollywood - symbol of glamorous cinematic success, or over-hyped and run-down? Carol Cumming went to discover whether the sidewalks are really paved with gold.

OLLYWOOD. The word beckons little tarnished around the edges.- Following its star­ across the sky in Spielberg's 'E.T.', as well as how.fred like a magical incantation from a land studded sidewalk up the famous Hollywood Boulevard, Astaire actually managed to dance on the cei 1~fh that is the symbol of glamorous I came to one of its highlights - the world famous Burning inferno and earthquake scenes, complete w_i cinematic success, filling the imagina­ 'Mann's Chinese Theatre', to where stars come from all blazmg. hehcopt . ers, t·ire- engines. and erupfting n H around to press their hands and tootsies into the cement skyscrapers are simulated and fil~ed inside a set ~salt tion with images of Marilyn Monroe in diamonds walkway which surrounds it. and pearls and Bogart and Bacall in love area of less than a hundred and fifty square metr h. e Once you've managed to forcibly squeeze your way feels just hke. the real thing. a long as you , re in t er and war. An icon of the modern world, it through a manic, lorry-load of Nikon equipped tourists, though! erous beckons millions of film-struck worshippers to the kick you get when you spot the first recognisable Later on in this tour of film sets, an equally dang d. g its star-studded sidewalks every year. name remains unsurpassable. Jane Russell, Marilyn crossing has to be made across the waters surroun 1~h Monroe ('Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'), Cary Grant, 'Amity Island' where a full-scale shark, complete wi Hollywood is also the biggest let-down since Jack Nicholson - they were all there. Managing to get a the water. Jane Fonda's latest escapade in film- making - rolling eyes, suddenly attacks from out O f ofan decent photo of your favourite star's wonderful prints, From here, you then have to pass through the scene by well, almost - nothing could be that bad. complete with signature, without instead getting a avalanche. The avalanche is simulated on screen do Two intrepid travellers went in search of its golden ' picture full of everybody else's feet, bar the right ones, is filming inside a spinning vortex, whilst the acto{5this Walk of Fame' one morning only to be told by a vulgar also a wondrous feat of patience, gymnastic agility and, their job on stable ground. Near the ~~d ~oking and equally bored American- "You're standin' righ ' on of course, luck . , particular tour, you also pass by a very fam1har I rs it.,, Universal Studios (the largest working motion picture car, belonging to an untidy detective who always wea studio in the world) is the film-lover's paradise and is the Hollywood's sidewalks are not paved with gold and a crumpled mac. . d at the famous people do not walk down there. In America the home of blockbuster films, such as Spielberg's '£. T. ', Live action shows are also contm_ually, stage . Vice' rich and famous are driven , always. 'The Sting' and 'Jaws'. You see how the films are made, studio, the most spectacular being. Miami b ts Today, Hollywood, excepting most of its tourist where they're made and, if you're lucky, even catch a complete with a full set consisting of blazing_ speedrs 0 ~J areas, which centre around Beverly Hills and Sunset and glimpse of a star such as Michael J. Fox or Steve Martin dope dealing gangsters, over- head hehcopte Hollywood Boulevards, is a run-down, tacky, red-light in hot set at work on their latest films (In this case 'Back exploding buildings. f the district and poor people abound. to the Future II and III' and 'Parenthood', respectively.) Ry night-fall, fantasy blends into the darkn~ss O of Five minutes after our great discovery, my friend's The three hour tour of the studio's backlot, which evening, as the studio, situated high up in the h_ill-~~f~he meagre, polystyrene cup of coffee was snatched by a consists of four and a half acres of six hundred and forty Hollywood so as to be nearer the stars, domma_ rves vicious tramp woman who screeched that it was 'her outdoor sets, with buildings and facades used in classic sky-line with its dreamy lights. It is here the magic 1 coffee'. It was never to be seen again. films, such as the infamous 'Bates Motel' from 00. d~ Despite this rather unglamorous introduction, Hitchcock's 'Psycho', was definitely the best part of the After five days it was fine to pack-up. and And Hollywood retains its sense of magic, if by now it is a trip. How different types of special effects were staged adventure elsewhere. But Hollywood remame · . and shot was demonstrated, such as the bicycling scene no, I wouldn't have missed it for the world . Student. features thursday, february 15, 1990 9

an~e ?1usic has rarely been as popular ten hits. a best-selling, album and a nomination for the as It IS today. Much of this has been BPI's 'Best British Band', has proved that dance/club characterised by the emergence of music can now be appreciated in terms of musical talent underground music wi'thin and excellence. Emerging out of London's thriving club D scene the music of Jazzy B and Soul II Soul has success­ mainstream 'pop' circles. For years the British fully incorporated the finer points of both dance and pop singles chart has been jammed with nauseating music. Using strings and flutes over repetitive mesmeris­ ballads, froth-pop, occasionally interspersed ing rhythms they have developed an almost tribal dimen­ with trashy rock; at last things are changing. sion to popular music. For so long the primary medium for single chart suc­ Jazzy B's DJ origin is not however unique. To both cess was radio airplay, as artists and record companies rap and 9<;\nce music the disc jockey is a vital part of the searched for the perfect three minute user-friendly pop set up. l he bases tor groups such as S-Express and ditty. The surge in party-dance interest however has Bomb the Bass lie in London's club fraternity. Mark seen radio's importance lessen, whilst dance tracks with­ Moore, Tim Simenon and others are creators whose out 'Chart Show' appeal become more popular. Regard­ abilities lie not only in music but in an appreciation of less of the press-heightened ecstasy of the summer acid what their audiences want. The changing face of the DJ house frenzies of 1988 and 1989, serious dancing has has seen him develop from someone with a tan, never been so good. And now, as the transition time Hawaiian shirt and mirrorball smile to a hardened from club/dance floor favourite to chart hit lessens, the hooded dude with a vast appreciation of dance music. pressure on the underground to supply the overground Now, no longer does it only depend on what is played with new ideas and material grows. but the way it played has become vital. It is not only the 120 beats per minute of house music As a development from such mixing, a demand arose which has emerged from the depths of clubland but rap­ for such mixes to appear on vinyl in their own right. The ping too. The recent success of Public Enemy's 'Wel­ most notable example of this was the MARRS single come to the Terrordome' and Silver Bullet's '20 seconds 'Pump Up The Volume'. From here, the ignoring of per­ to comply' provides much-needed relief when placed formers' and copyright laws have seen borders crossed against the backdrop of the inane telly-pop of Sonia or and re-cro sed. Despite such difficulties, the sampling . Kylie. Ye't as the media fills us with scenarios of a new base on which house music is built has founded a strand decade of environmentally sensitive comradeship, hard of music which through the club environment has rattling rap with chilling messages appears slightly reached a mass audience. incongruous. Reacting against the materialism and In recent months particularly, Britain's dance charts· excess of the eighties, rap has essentially split into two have been largely controlled by goings-on in the Euro­ forms. pean, especially Italian clubs. The once typical 'pop­ Undeniably it does have its softer, more accessible song' formula alternating verse and chorus has essen­ side; a cause now championed by De La Soul. But much tially been stripped down. Now the incessant beat is the of their work has run against the power of emotions heart of the song and lyrics are kept to a minimum as _ which f9unded rap. The severe attitudes of rappers like attention is focussed on the repetitive, almost hypnotic

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qualities of the track's rhythm. Greatest exponents of NWA and.Ice T today, somehow, blast us with the bel­ this in 1989 were the Italia team of Davoli/Limoni/ ligerent anarchic cries reminiscent, in tone at least, to In the Eighties, house ·and rap Simplici, who, like Stock/Aitken/Waterman, emerged the controversial confrontational era of punk and the in the charts in a variety of different guises. Black Box. Sex Pistols. Today immense swells of public dissatisfac­ emerged from the depths of Starlight and Mixmaste~ all stem from the same person­ tion, especially amongst blacks, have merged with a nel; Black Box's 'Ride On Time' sold over 600,000 return to the appreciation of black people's roots to con­ Clubland to conquer the nations copies and was the best-selling single of 1989. struct an increasingly prominent brand of hardened charts. Magnus Willis welcomes The importance of the Dance Hall comes and goes; at black culture. . you to the mixed-up world of present it is her~and massively popular. In its popularity rguably, though, much of rap's mainstream it has drawn out much of what was traditionally seen as success can be seen in term of its softening to underground music. the preserve of the underground. So whilst the under­ appeal to a wider audience. Undeniably, the ground works out what to feed us next, let us just enjoy true heart of rap does lie within the frame of the ecstasy of dance music. sternA observation and the voicing of the black minority's views. Nevertheless as hopes of a more easy going and caring society materialise it could be seen that the injus­ tices voiced by hard core rappers might become increas­ ingly out-dated. In the future, the sweeter side of rap might become more representative and less unreal as it matures in an 'open' environment. The music of De La Soul , primary exponents of the 'sleepy-fun' brand of rap, seems, in contrast, so naive; its consequent-popular­ ity frequently receiving accusations of selling out. Beyond the softening of rap, its rise from sub-culture­ dom can also be seen in terms of its ability to blend with other types of music. Take, for example, the uniting of the appeal and vocal rhythms of rap with a less forceful dance beat. Artists such as Neneh Cherry and Bobby Brown have straddled the divide with remarkable suc­ cess. On a more British front, exponents of this mix include D-Mob, Merlin and the Rebel MC as dance and rap are joined. Rap, too, has become more popular as efforts have been made to reduce its occasionally difficult and jarring nature. Tone Loc's use of real drums on his album 'Loced after Dark' has given the mass mar­ ket a middle ground through which interest can flow, eventually leading to harder rap. Similarly one can wit­ ness Run DMC's recording of 'Walk This Way' with Aeros mith , where heavy rock met rap in a track appeal- ing to fans of both camps. . . The British-based surge m club interest has been embodied in the vast success of Soul II Soul. Three top 10 thursday,lebruary 15, 1990 arts S~udent

PREVIEW IRANIAN NIGHTS Bedlam Theatre The Dubliners ELECTRA 21'. February clearly captured the lack of pri- , Bedlam Theatre vacy of tenement world. Bed­ In April 1989, as a response rooms were only separated from 20 - 24 February to the deplorable predica­ the living· room with curtains, . "Electra", a classic story of ment of writer Salman resulting in a claustrophobic violence, revenge and family Rushdie, controversial atmosphere where everybody's business is everyone else's. honour written 2400 years playwright Howard Brenton ago by Sophocles, is being and outspoken journalist O'Casey's colourful characteri­ presented by the Edinburgh Tariq Ali joined forces to sations were carried off with University Theatre Company produce "Iranian Nights" utmost competence. Derek Lord · next week. gave a commanding performance which comes to the Bedla~ The production features a new as the verbose but childish Cap­ this Wednesday lunchtime. free-verse translation by Christ­ tain Boyle who hides in the pub opher Marshall, a Classics post-· Written within a week in a dres­ whilst his family is being graduate, which is specifically sing-room of the Royal Court destroyed. His bufoonary was Theatre, the play uses the myth of intentionally weak so as not to sol­ designed to enhance the brutal intensity of this famous work. the Arabian Nights to make a icit the audiences favour with his forceful and unequivocal state­ frivolity becoming horrifying in its Marshall, who is also directing the play, says : "Electra has a ment in support of Rushdie insensitivity. His crony Joxer whose life is still in danger. ' Daly was given a physically stunning cast to build the tension necessary for the convincing pre­ Witty, topical and moving, the expressive performance by Denis sentation of Greek tragedy on the play was written to provoke dis­ Quilligan contemporary stage." · cussion and thought. The cast handled 0'Casey's juxtaposition of comedy and A lot of the writing seems self: . tragedy commendably conveying JOURNEYMAN consciously abstract, somewhat split second changes of mood uneasy in style and format. A few which jarred ~ncongruously. Dur­ February 1990 issue of the poems in particular seem ing the tragic climax of the play "POETRY AND PROSE of obscure merely for the sake of it, the anned irregulars carried out now" - this is how this Edin­ even slightly self-indulgent at their brutal task with a startling burgh-based arts magazine times - not a happy mix. Some indifference. Murder becomes pieces do, however, stand out in describes itself. The first this collection, such as "Eden" , a business-like and fanaticism has thing that struck me, how­ gone so far that it leaves a moral lyrical piece about a young boy void. ever, was not the newness of and the sea, and "Betty Blue", a the writing, but rather that poem which deserves a mention , Derek Lord and Eileen Nicholas . The production ended on a more humanistic note. Eileen none of the pieces were indi­ for its sheer cheek and witty satire Nicholas who gave an exemplary vidually credited with of artistic pretensions. the intransigenee of men and performance as Juno, the tena­ authors' names - a touch dis­ "Journeyman" is admirable in .JU~OANDTHEPAYC0CK · principles are synonymous its intent to provide a forum for cious wife and mother, reinvigo­ concerting, to say the least. Royal Lyceum Theatre with violence and suffering. · rates her character with a new self contemporary unpublished writ­ until 3 March O'Casey is not concerned assurance. She finally sheds her The magazine aims to feature ers, but unfortunately it does not with either Republican or anguish for a realisation of crea~ve writing in all its diversity - make itself that accessible in its choice of material. It remains to Unionist politics. His main· escape. rangmg from epigrammatic one­ Again director Ian Wooldridge liners to short stories, and encom­ be seen what sort of work con­ "OH BLESSED VIRGIN concern is the bereaved has achieved a high calibre pro­ passing a whole range in between. sequent issues go on to feature - mothers, the destructive where were you when me duction capturing the very And diverse it certainly is - or but this collection is one to dip darlin son was riddled with effects of alcohol and the essence of civil war Ireland. In perhaps uneven is a better word. into paringly. Karen Virapen bullets?" wails Juno Boyle in break up of the family unit. short it was a slick and powerful piece of theatre which is to be civil war Ireland. This is a The Lyceum production was strongly recommended. world where God has meticulous in its evocation of become impotent because of Dublin life. The stark grey set Gillian Smith Nether how's New Season bemusing quality. None of the contain. PAINTING AND pieces are titled and there is an · His paintings vary from vibrant SCULPTURE BY JIM KING ~xtremely limited amount of floral still-lifes to disturbing information about the artist. I'm images of chaos and confusion. Netherbow Arts Centre not sure whether this is to make The exuberance of much of his until 3 March some point about the nature of art work is tempered by the threat of or simply a lack of organisation destruction that seem to lie but it was interesting, if slightly behind some of his paintings. One JIM KING has been the frus_tr~~ing, to have to take an pain_ting portrays a tranquil and artist-in-residence at The exh1b1t10n on purely face value. traditional still-life about to Netherbow since May 1989 . The work ~n show is a fairly become engulfed by a raging . and this exhibition provides a ?ot~~s collection of colourful and waterfall. Consistent throughout Chris Hoban as Rory selection of his earlier pieces mspmng art. There is a striking his work is a powerful sense of collection of wall sculptures made energy which is always strained to ing. Spotlights were used for all as well as some of his most SPANISH FLY the monologues save those in recent works which include · out of everyday items manipu- its limits and sometimes released. lated into decorative shapes. Col- This is an enjoyable exhibition Bedlam Theatre Picasso's studio, which the stage paintings, sculptures and tins makes ironic use of old picture and an excellent opportunity to was set out as. One vivid image 6-10 February woodcarvings. frames by using them as a support- see a varied selection of exciting was Rory writhing in agony with his cancerous "pregnant pains" on The most striking thing about ing structure for a kind of art they and unusual art. "WHAT WAS THE SOUL this exhibition is its slightly were certainly never intended to Clare Thornley Picasso's brass bed, silhouetted by that drove the great man to the spotlight behind him. At many the deeds of a del_!li-god?" acted desperately, managing to muted performance, but although points during the monologue THE WINTERS TALE squeeze every last drop of sym- the costumes were reasonably w~s one of the questions Picasso's paintings would appear on a screen at the back of the Netherbow Arts Centre pathy from her character. Indeed effective, ( monochrome for the bemg probed into in Chris most of the actors spoke t)1eir sad bits, colours for the funny bits Hoban's brilliant one and a stage, often projected over Rory's until 24 February lines as if trying to communicate - despite it being difficult to tell half hour monologue which face, creating a strange aura of the artist's pervading presence. the difference ) the set left much searches, through the CANOPY THEATRE com- in English with a foreigner; Written, directed and per­ slowly, badly phrased, and with to be desired. ( There wasn't one. medi~m of Rory Fitzgerald, pany aimed to draw "the much useless gesturing, sadly fail­ It didn't help.) Even the enchant­ formed by Chris Hoban, who an Insh painter struck down magical and the mundane" ing to convey anything more than ing statue scene was ruined by a graduated from Edinburgh Uni~ from Shakespeare's tragi- melodrama. r;}ther over-excited statue with stomach cancer, the versity last year in music, the play comic fairytale. Unfortu- · As for the easy,light-hearted trembling ecstatically the whol~ essence of Picasso's genius. is intensely poetic, moving, and at times, very funny. Rory concludes nately they succeede'd only · humour of the rural time for no apparent reason. The scenes change from Rory at school, learning about Picasso, that it was the death of Pablo's sis­ with the latter. scenes ..._.l~ughs? There weren't This play was appallingly done - · · t f any - It 1s m fact surprising that · to Rory talking directly, and ter, "the love of something that is The msane m erna1 strugg 1e o 1 badly thought out, over-directed, ~ather disconcertingly, straight past", that put the soul into his the jealous king provided the only on two members of the small ~ sorry.' choreographed, and totally mto the eyes of the audience to genius, which he describes as, entertaining feature of the first aud1e~ced wre dasltefp ,d al~hough devoid of all the humour, pathos Rory in Picasso's old room lo~k­ "unthinking brilliance which half, as Andrew Palmers' Leontes ~otme la a rea y e t unng the and spirit of the text. And they · h m erva. ing out on the view his her~ once comes from the sun and shines wnt ed about the stage, hum- . . didn't even have a bear. ·ng Mea h"l H . Sarah Cambell as Paulma did looked out on. through tht:! moon." ml 1 . nw e erm1one over-· manage to turn m. a relatively- · Jenifer Colgan Visually the play w_as interest- Fiona Calder Student arts thursday, february 15, 1990 . 11 Take Note stood out. While the piece bass and wearily pleading ECAT; CONTEMPORARY grew from the composer's flute ... Which was noise, which MUSIC ~mpressions of an Islay was sound, which music? The 10th ANNIVERSARY SEA­ 1slandscape, the musical pile-up of "musical firewood'' SON fuelled the audience's appetite for motifs became fascinating in unexpected insights: the familiar Queens's Hall themselves, not descriptive sound of ripping paper was made 7 February so much as expressive. The new and unfamiliar on the concert hollow clarinet was overlaid platform, with correspondingly ECAT's tenth birthday with insistent high notes unexpected rough edges of a concert found its artistic stuck on the piano and, like a string quartet made gross without bell , resonating on in flute their innate language of phrasing. directors, Geoffrey King, The wayward casting of old musi­ James MacMillan and Peter and violin. This ringing could cal media was commented on by Nelson triumphant and not­ become a low pedal as the some uncomfortable type-casting a-little surprised at having ingredients were upended in the middle movement where made it through the first and recast. the classical instruments adopted decade. All three composers an elegiac tone, a nostalgia con­ Geoffrey King's "Songs with­ scious of its own obsolescence. fielded works alongside a out Words", was, true to its title, The climax was another type-cast­ world premiere of Keith Gif­ voice-inspired with long, indul­ ing with an exhilarating head-fush ford's "Waterfall through gent melodies mt;rging sym­ of drumming and full-frontal Mist", commissioned by pathetically. This relaxed opening brass - And maybe I felt slightly ECAT. The bludgeoning to the second half provided a wel­ cheated that the power of the end­ assurance of the Almeida come tension of contrast, missed ing seemed to compromise the Ensemble gave a conviction in the first half, when confronted play of old and new, made and with the almost flippant "Zeris­ jaded, in its irresistible and blat­ to all the works but, in the sen ... !" by Peter Nelson. A ant energy which by brute force, first half, James MacMillan's smashing plate and scrunching stole the show. "An rathad do dh 'Ard tall a" paper alongside uncouth double- Harriet Wilson

· ritual human life and Hol­ between Paul and his foreman, EU OPERA CLUB lywood. Britten's music and Helsen, is gripping and powerful Auden's sometimes visio­ whereas Helsen's resurrection in George Square Theatre "Great Day of Discovery" is visu­ nary, sometimes doggerel 14-17 February ally flat. Amongst such disturbing photo: John Elliott libretto seem products of religious allegory · the fast-food ballads rest on a natural ability to anthropological observers of men offering "Beans for Beauty" TOMMY SMITH QUAR­ · carve huge great emotional Paul Bunyan is a extraordi­ the New World, exiles from and "Soup for Strength" need to TET chunks of sound, out of thin air. nary work, an experimental European war. relax into the gentle mockery opera from Benjamin Britten which underlies much of the grave Queen's Hall Given his enviable experience, Tommy must realise that the only The Opera Club grapple with mysticism. which has since disappeared 9 February way forward at the moment is to in the glory of later operas. A the work in a mixture of real excitement and unconvinced The story-telling is divided bet­ craft a mature style around what super-human lumberjack, bewilderment. The music is confi­ ween the narrator and the disem­ I SUPPOSE Jazz musicians God has already given him. He the legendary Paul Bunyan, dent and well-performed with bodied voice of Paul. Alison tend to be obsessive people; certainly has the intellectual • is born as the trees stir rest­ some superb replace from the trio Cherry sings her fireside ballad the titles of Tommy Smith's potential - Tommy's improvisa­ less roots. From dissent of Moppet, Poppet and Fido in with a meltingly sweet tone but various recordin·gs all reflect tion on "Peeping Tom", exhibited particular. However,the work the charm of her voice is fighting a mania for sustaining his a quite outrageous talent for sus­ comes progress, and from taining thematic development. progress comes more dissent seems to lack drama. Stylized her shy, deadpan delivery. Ironi­ own momentum as a musical cally, the most stunning voice of Moreover, Paul Stacy's solo on but also freedom. The deeply miming and musical "numbers" prodigy- "Forward Motion", choreographed in abstract sym­ the opera is the one which does the sonerous ·"Timepiece" gener­ religious presence of omnis­ metry clash with the arrival of not sing, that deep and resonant "Step by Step", "Takin' ated similar levels of intensity. cient Bunyan becomes realism and the twentieth century verse ringing out from Paul Off', "Progressions". Tommy has not exactly hung about slackers before, but the America's Messiah in a world as Johnny Inksplatter is sum­ Bunyan himself, who we never On Friday night's evidence, obvious commitment of this band of mysticism and te!egrams, moned to Hollywood. The fight see. Harriet Wilson Tommy's new quintet of young to music which stretches limits is a London-based musicians looks very good sign indeed. In part in "The Erpingham tears of his jacket and attempts to the best format yet to showcase metaphorical terms, the best we WHEN SMOKING IS BAD Camp". strangle it. Nothing changes how­ that the leader's authoritative ever and Nyukhin remains alone. can ask of Tommy Smith is a long, FOR YOU / THE ERPIN­ "When Smoking is Bad For style and an emerging corpus of He is on stage when the held crescendo for our scattered GHAM CAMP You" is apparently, "an fine material. Moreover, the addi­ next play begins-alone . spiritually tion of the post-Scofield guitar of · applause. Brunton Theatre extremely amusing soliloquy deli­ vered by a hen-pecked husband to although surrounded ·. ·by other Paul Stacy now gives Tommy an Local group The John Rae Col­ until 24 February his wife's school for girls". What people. improvising foil somewhere near lective, and in particular Phil Ban­ appeared to surface most from We are then presented in his own measure. Substantially croft on saxophone and Brian AT FIRST GLANCE the Victor Greene's compelling Orton's typically black, farcical though, the power of Tommy's Kellock on piano, delivered a first combination of Chekhov and twenty minute performance how­ style with the absurdity of our music really represents a maximi­ set which confirmed their ascen­ Orton in a double-bill ever was man's inescapable sol­ lives. Set in a holiday camp sation of gifts he firmly possessed dancy as rising Edinburgh musi­ itude. At first the soliloquy com­ nothing escapes ridicule - author­ five years ago. His tone, always cians and deserves more space to appears strikingly incompati­ describe. ble. However, the two com­ prises of banal and trivial jokes ity, family, class divisions and monolithic, has merely got bigger, above all human beings are shown and the haunting quality of his Gordon Drummond plemented each other per­ but then Nyukhin appears momentarily to understand his 1n all their futility and absurdity. fectly as slick direction own and man's condition. Believ­ ALL SOCIETIES! allowed the Chekhov to, run ing that the root of this condition the images forced the THE into and, become an integral is the superficiality of our lives he audience to imagine hell and redefine heaven. NEVV ARE WELCOME TO BIKE ATTEND THE The direction was original and SOCIETIES COUNCIL interesting and the clever use of SHOP lighting as the actors evoked GENERAL MEETING images of Christ on the crucifix forced the audience to imagine hell and re-define heaven. Of SALi 7pm Wednesday 28th Orton it has been said that February . nothing was sacred save the fury MOUNTAIN BIKES of his attack and its peculiar com­ bination of joy and horror, and FOR SALE OR HIRE in the Highland Room the actors reflected this well. at the Societies Centre. In both plays there appeared a broader spiritual motive. Both LOCHRIN PLACE Orton and Chekhov have been TOLLCROSS ALL MOTIONS TO called intrinsically pessimistic yet ADMIN. OFFICE both plays serve to show how we 2286363 destroy ourselves. They make us £5off laugh to learn and there is, by Wednesday 21st with this ad perhaps, salvation in that. February. Sophie Ormsby 12 thursday, february 15, 1990 fi-m -. Student

. . Fun Size families_ re~nited and a moral for everyone: its not how big you are HONEY, I SHRUNK THE . but what you can do. ' KIDS - . Rick Moranis has a disappoint­ mg role and spends most of h" . h . q Dir: Joe Johnston time overing over the lawn with Odeon magnifying glass. Matt Frew a ~Big Russ Tho~~son), howeve~: YOU CAN never tell what 1s more en~ertammg as the irate people keep in their attics. In representative of white-fenced this case it's an electro­ suburbia. If you overlook the magnetic shrinking device tenuous plot, (and this is a film with which ineffectual inven­ directed at the younger ones tor Wayne Szalinski (Rick among us), then the special effects are well worth seeing. The ride on Moranis) aims to make his -t~e bac~ of a killer bee leaves you fortune. Having so far suc­ dizzy, and the varied insect life ceeded only in blowing up including decomposing flies, i~ apples and driving his wife very real. from home, imagine his sur­ This is a long way from The prise when a stray baseball Land Of The Giants, and no activates the machine arid expense has been spared to create scales down both the a convincing environment for the quarter-inch characters. The Szalinski offspring and the yard. By this time however, the dren who find themseives looking to ride. accompanying short is "Tummy Puns on size abound and Little Thompson boys from next kids are learning how small is not up a dog's nose, dodging rain­ Trouble", the latest Roger Rabbit door. always beautiful as they embark drops as if they were hand-gre­ Russ Thompson, 'too small for offering, so don't expect any on their journey across the gar­ nades, and sleeping in Lego. 'football' , proves his worth by sav­ thought-provoking questions- this ing Amy Szalinski from a puddle, _The professor's joy at finding den/jungle back to the house. Nevertheless, they respond in all­ is pure entertainment. Take a lot The theory behind the shrink American style to the problems and repeating the kiss of life on of sweets, but no big ideas. that his creation has finally per­ several more occasions. A Disney formed is short-lived when he tank being that it works by reduc­ they encounter: a scorpion the ing empty space, it doesn't say size of a tower-block for example, production, the ending is natur­ Julia Nozedar realises that his children are in a ally a happy one , with the two plastic refuse sack in the back much for the four vacuous chi!- and even manage to find a pet ant

ter hacking, but event then the pretentious phrase is really stron_g and sympathetic, whilst plot is somewhat predictable. BLAZE retaining a seedy edge. Perhaps ROSALIE GOES SHOP­ his way of saying Hollywood r felt cheated out of a good film Dir Ron Shelton not an oscar nominable perfor­ PING as the essence and the ideas were Odeon fable, for the film has that mance, but an undeniably good familiar, though now less Dir. Percy Adlon all there. The character of Rosalie RON SHELTON the one. He's backed up by a capable ( convincingly and wittily por­ . , common , air of escapist director and screenwriter of supporting cast, none of which Filmhouse trayed by Marrianne Sagebrecht) fairytale. particularly stand out, although what will be seen by many as ROSALIE Green pace ha hould be a unique and inspi ring It is, however, based on real this is really a film about two f cu for a creenplay, for as "Newman's new film" incidents in the political and per­ people defending themselves seven children ( one of whom describes Blaze as "a picares~ has just got his girlfriend pre­ heroine go he i both unconven­ sonal life of Louisiana Governor again~t e~erything else. tional (fat, law-breaking and que melodrama". This rather Earl K. Long, during the late gnant), a mother who bab­ materiali tic) yet an ideal mother .. fifties, although as the title Its all given the familiar Hol­ bles in German, tells her he lywood glamourisation treat­ (her world revolve around mak­ suggests, told from the viewpoint is fat and slaps the children, ing her family happy) . Add to this of the other protagonist of the ment, artistic and historical Competition · license aside and for those not to mention a pilot hus­ the atirically handled them of a scandal that contributed to Long's family who e deviant lifestyle is downfall , albeit unavoidably, the acquainted with the facts this may band with failing eye ight · Those incredibly kind people stripper Blaze Starr. She's played be a little too much to take. In at the Odeon have agreed, for by a relative newcomer, the sump­ reality, for instance, governor your benefit, to show the tuously named (and upholstered) Long was married when he met Blaze Starr and he did not die highly controversial Last Exit Lolita Davidovitch, who convinc­ hours after his heart attack and To Brooklyn this Friday and ingly mingles an air of innocence and moral dignity totally at odds minutes before winning his con­ Saturday at 11.30, and what's with her profession. gress election. But this is, after all, more, they're offering three Newman is his usual charisma­ a fairytale - a scandal trans­ albums of the soundtrack, by tic self, though in a gruffer and formed, as if by magic, into a love MarkKnopfler ofDire Straits. plainly more aged way. Unfortu­ story, and its makers seem keen enough to stress that it isn't a his­ All you have to do is, as ever, nately though in each film his voice seems to drop in pitch and torical narrative or documentary. answer these easy questions, clarity, so that in this film you lose I enjoyed it, despite the inaudibil­ and get them, on a card, to the much of what he's saying. The ity of much of the dialogue and - Student offices before Tues­ quality of much of the rest of the not simply because of its charis­ day. sound leaves a lot to be desired - _matic lead roles - its a harmless and good-natured movie, fulfil- and the accents are not the easiest merely the result of advertising in 1)Who was Dire Strait's bas­ , ling the most basic requirements whose idea of a good time is for untrained ears, after all. America's consumer society and sist? of the movie medium: it tells an t~ listen to a tape recording of Surely something could have been you should have a very unusual, 2) Who directed Last Exit To entertaining story, and in my his aeroplane taking off. Is it done about this? Despite this disa~ thought-provoking piece on your opinion, it tells it well. Brooklyn? bility, Newman performs well. any wonder she goes shop­ hands. His characterisation of Long is Gavin Boyter - ping? Unfortunately the factors alone The astute amongst you will are not enough. The strong ODEON have realised that we are not talk­ Rosalie is aided by neither the ing about an average suburban plot (such as it is) not the one­ housewife here. Likewise the dimensional characters she 0 - ~LERK STRE.:_ET _ 0~1-667 7331/2 shopping trips are far from ordi­ ·1n search of a killer, he found interacts with . Each member of RICK MORAN is in WALT DISNEY'S someone who's either the love nary, unless I'm getting out of the family has their own little of his life . .. or the end of it. HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS (PG) tou~h and the modern idea of a quirk, but aside from this we ar_e · AL PACINO ELLEN SARKIN 1.15, 3.45, 6.15, 8.45. shopping trip is to return form the given no in ight into their SEA OF LOVE (18) Can the relationship last? local mall with a personal compu­ psyches. The priest to whom ter, a pigs head and a whole rack Sep perf2.05, 5.05, 8.05 WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (15) Rosalie confesses her sins comes 2.00, 4.15, 6.30, 9.00. o_f dresses, all bought with forged nearest to having a developed E) signatures on 37 credit cards. character and his observation that A film about life, love and the GHOSTBUSTERS 11 (PG) 1.05, 3.35, 6.05. If you think this sounds like a nowhere in the 10 commandments gentle art of raising children. recipe for a hilarious film you STEVE MARTIN does it say "Thou shalt not elec­ MICHAEL J. FOX SEAN PENN co_uld be sadly disappointed. tronically penetrate classified data PARENTHOOD (15) CASUALTIES OF WAR (18) Director Percy Adlon ( of Celeste, Daily at 8.45. " should ease the consciences of It could happen to you. Sugarbaby and Bagdad Cafe computer hackers world-wide. Sep perf 1.55 , 4.55, 7.55. TOM HANKS fame) tries a little too hard to be I have searched hard to find TURNER AND HOOCH (PG) clever and the result is a film that positive note on which to con­ 1.00, 3.20, 5.55, 8.30. Afternoons Only feels_ about _100 minutes longer clude but the best I can muster is than its 93 mmute running time. It THE DELINQUENTS (12) STALLONE that Rosalie Goes Shopping ~oes LOCKUP(18) isn't just slow to start, but slow have a happy ending. To put 1t in Sep perf2.15 Showing at 6.00, 8.35 only. throughout, and whilst there are Rosalie's words "The banks funny moments they are swamped Evenings Only LA TE SHOWS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY always take us for a ride, legally, MICHAEL DOUGLAS Ken Russell's THE RAINBOW (15) 11.30 pm 91/.z WEEKS (18) 11.15 pm by the tediousness of it all. but now I take them for a ride my BLACK RAIN (18) LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN (18) 11.00 pm · Nothing really happens until the way!" end when Rosalie turns her crimi­ Sep perf 4.55, 7.55. BOOK IN ADVANCE. BOX OFFICE OPEN 11 am-7 pm. ACCESSNISA HOTLINE 668 2101. - Sarah Chalmers nal talents to the world of compu- . . student Valentines thursday, february 15, 1990 13 - ZS - ·-· -

Steve: sorry 'bout the CD's Brucie ya sexy hunk. We all luv Prof "Them's great notes, them ya! Txxx is." Ramage We love you!! MW, SW, DM and DW Chem 3 Susan: Flowers, chocolates and Bob: nothing lasts forever. . Dear Isla: Be my sex-retary now a valentines message! Love Tilley tonight ? Love, the Ewing House Mike Dictate-or Camilla: How about us breaking Pilgrim: Bring me your Spear Of through some walls ? Love, Julie: Can I have another look at Burning Gold and we'll build Kaiser Wilhelm your figure ? Jerusalem. Connor: Just you, me and the hat Your Fiance M . ? J.S. Dearest Karen: You can be my road-runner, if I can be your Dear Julie: If I conquer the world, Dermaid: Wish you were here 'I I" will you con~uer me? Kaiser Wilhelm coyote. Love, Napoleonxxx X Dear Goodwoman: If we have a '~ "sit-in", what will you do with the Dear Eleanor: I yearn for you pas­ Ki_m: How about reading my cards sionately "spaghetti" ? Love Int for a change ? The Saturday Out­ sider Ann Stuldreher(?): You know we Tell Laura I love her. R.O. Shipely (chaplain) were meant for each other Grizzly Jeff: Can I pull your beard Axx ? You can certainly pull mine ! Jxxxxxx Linda: Up periscope S.K . To: an amazing Film Ed. Telegram Sam. Congratulations on a 5,000 print Hey Mexican Maid: How about Rachel C. How about making it run. Dear Lara: Missing you .. . some "hands"-on experience? a round dozen by Easter? Monica: Be mine tonight, be-bop from: Your role model (your Love Int Love, The Electric Tan P.S. Can I smell your feet? words not mine!) FDR love, Scott's boyfriend Susi, Sam and Lesley: Fairy liquid Dear Patricia: "People always tell and a dish towel. A menage a me, good things come to those The poisoned Dwarf: I want you Odds on Cam. W: 15:1 quatre at your place or mine? who wait. But I've got so in cowgum · Julie C. How about an ninesome? Odds on Donny: evens much on the menu, I can't wait, I Banana Odds on Scott: W. 3000 000:1 Love, "the man on top" Cam (x2), Scott, Donny, Max, can't wait baby ... " · Neil, Matt, Dave Helen: I won't take no for an ans­ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Dear Rachet: You can tighten my Your African Lover wer nuts any time Rachel, will I have to wait an eter­ nity? Alistair (Ed- yup!) Lawrence of Arabia Toni G: Come and "entertain" us DXXX Dear Ceilidhum: Nice beard, shame about the beret ! Love, The Ewing Girls xxx Helen: I lost my head over you "Rocket-Fuel" Rob Hey Bikini Woman: Lets get !ina H : You can be my bar-bells, Danton Uncle Joe: You can be my dic­ something straight: What I need tf I can be your muscle-man. SK, tator anytime when I get home, is a hot meal The Highlander Roses are red waiting for me on the stove, and a Most dear Ms. France: You can't Pete see the man for the forehead hot woman waiting for me on the Violets are blue rug. Your bus driver xxx Can I keep my job/testicles Andy M. Let me 'scope you out Dear Moray: You can hold my Iain, I'm not a romantic but thank please? sometime crutches, if I can hold yours. you for . . . your support, your L: The chair-lift or the slope ? Love Ruth xxx M advice and you. C. Jxx

David Pope, what a sweetie you that it wasn't sent by my mother or things, and we're not just talking How can such a thing be the driv­ are, you are ALL YOU NEED IS .... granny or a prankish schoolchum. about smuggling 32 ounces of pow­ ing force for so many people, that I mean a real one. I was somewhat dered rhino horn into your loved which makes us live from day tot Vicky: any time you like, come disappointed, not least because I one's lager top at Teviot in order to day, that which gets us out of beds over and smoke my pipe ! PILGRIM knew exactly who it was from get them in the mood, or getting on a cold morning, which takes us (Elizabeth Wilson, where are you frostbite in three toes hanging to our lecture just because he or Love R.E. now?), but even so, it was a thril­ around outside someone's flat in she will be there? I have no ling experience. I was 11, she was order to be just passing when they answers, but I know that I do have Yvonne and Gerlinde: A bag of I hate Valentine's day. The 13 and a friend of my sister's. Too get home, or even sending a single love, and hopefully that will be sugar and wine ? worst thing in the world is young to drive, too poor to afford red rose to them on their birthday enough to get me through this the bus, we lived 10 miles apart only to find that it was last week world and into the next. I suppose The Walkman lying there, waiting for the postman to set his foot upon and consummated our love by and you are the laughing stock of I ought to leave the last words on the entire NA TO alliance. What I your stair, waiting for that means of a series of tawdry notes the subject to the experts, and if Sung: spread some of the "orien­ passed via my sister, who read mean here is spending an entire you're looking for a punchline, tal culture" on us anytime you special envelope with your them all, a fact wt!II known to both summer writing letters to someone forget it (I think I may cry). like! name on it. So there it is, of us, which is why nothing ever and then never having the ner~e to "Though I bestow all my goods pure, clean, your Valentine's came of it. Young love is so hard. send them (but even so get you con­ to feed the poor, and though I give Student Day post. You can try being More important than the first fessions videotaped so that they my body to be burned, and have otlband, cool ("Hey, only one proper one was the first mystery will see them anyway), wasting an not love, it profiteth me nothing. Rev: Have a "nice (valentines) this year?") but then you card, that which came from per­ entire afternoon in James Thia's Love suffereth long, and is kind; day" . Sweetness and light son or persons unknown. This just because you know that a cer­ love envieth not, love beareth all xxxooo scurry into your room, rip off time I was 17 and looking for love tain person works there some­ · things and shall never fail. When I the envelope and read times, or best of all going for a LoveMCG in big way, and after much careful was a child, I spake as a child, I analysis of the handwriting, card lengthy walk about the coun­ understood as a child, I thought as "Dear Tenant, I note with and envelope I knew just who my tryside about someone's home just a child: but when I became a man, Dear Sidney: You can run, but interest that your rent is now more secret admirer was. I struck. It in case they are out walking the I put away childish things. For you can't hide ! than 3 months in arrears .....". wasn't her, and her boyfriend dog (only they don't have a dog). now we see through a glass, Love is many things and has darkly; but then face to face: now I Love, "Big-Boy" Brewster Give up and go back to bed: you're wasn't pleased. After the bruises jusi another romantic fool stand­ went down I realised: it was from produced many things, but I, for know in part; but then I shall know ing freezing in your underwear my granny. one, still don't understand it. How even as I am known. And now Dear Sophy H: Will you teach me and not getting anything. The worst thing about Valen­ can such a simple thing make you abideth faith, hope, love, these "norwegian" sometime? I still remember the first proper tine's Day is that it is all about go weak around the knees every three; but the greatest of these is X Valentine's card I ever got, and love, that emotion most capable of time you see someone who is, to be love." here I mean "proper" in the sense making people do ridiculous honest, just like everyone else? Forgive me all, I did it for love. .. 14 thursday, february 15, 1990 Student

3. THE DELINQUENTS FILMSOC 2. A WINTER TAN Sun. 18, 6.45 pm, 8.45 pm 2.15 pm, 5.15 pm, 8.15 pm 60 PLEASANCE 5570436 £2.30/£3, £1 .60 student discount on FILM Mondays. I. THE LAIR OF THE WIDTE WO ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST Mon. 19, 2.30 pm RM CAMEO Sun. 18, 7 pm GST ROSALIE GOES SHOPING ODEON Mon. 19, 6.45 pm, 8.45 pm 38 HOME STREET 2284141 7 CLERK STREET 667 7331 SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER ------Tues. 20, 6.45_pm Pleasance 2. THE LOVELESS A DRY WHITE SEASON I. HONEY I SHRUNK THE KIDS Mon. 19, 6.30 pm, 8.45 pm 2.30 pm , 4.40 pm, 6.50 pm, 9 pm ABBA: THE MOUIE 1.15 pm, 3.45 pm, 6.15 pm, 8.45 pm Tues. 20, 0 pm Pleasance I. THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WOR DROWNING BY NUMBERS 2. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY Tues. 20, 2.30 pm M THE BELLY OF AN ARCHITECT SCANNERS 2 pm , 4.15 pm, 6.30 pm, 9 pm ROSALIE GOES SHOPPING Fri 16th, 11.15 pm Thurs. 22, 8.40 pm GST Tues. 20, 6.45 pm, 8.45 pm 3. GHOSTBUSTERS D BAD TASTE 1 .05 pm , 3.35 pm, 6.05 pm FILMHOUSE 2. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST THE TOXIC AVENGER MATHEW · Sat. 17th 11.15 pm LOTHIAN ROAD 2282688 CASUAL TIES OF WAR Story of a political messiah driven by Prices vary £1. 20 and £2. 90 according to 8.45pm anger at social injustice. performance. No student concessions. I. BAGDAD CAREBrilliant! Tues. 20, 5.15 pm, 8 pm 4. TURNER AND HOOCH 2.30 pm Friday 2 1 pm, 3.20 pm, 5.45 pm, 8.30 pm DOMINION SUR I. ROSALIE GOES SHOPPING 5.45 pm, 8.15 pm Friday 16. NEWBATTLE TER 4472660 Wed. 21 , 2.30 pm, 6.45 pm, 8.45 pm 5. OLIVER AND COMPANY 1.30 pm , 3.30 pm 2. KENNETH ANGER FILMS (2) 2. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST I. PARENTHOOD Friday 16, 3 pm, 6.45 pm, 8.45 pm MATTHEW · ' 2.15 pm, 5.15 pm, 8.15 pm LOCKUP Wed. 21 , 2.45 pm, 5.15 pm 5.55 pm, 8.30 pm I. WILLOW YURI TSIUIAN LECTURE 2.0LIVER AND COMPANY Sat. 17, 2 pm Wed. 21, 8.30 pm (£1.50) 2.30 pm, 4.30 pm, 6.30 pm SUR CANNON Sat. 17, 5.45 pm, 8.15 pm I. DO THE RIGHT THING SHIRLEY VALENTINE Thurs. 22, 2.30 pm, 6.30 pm _LO_TH_IA_N_R_O_A_D______229 3030 8.15 pm 2. A WINTER TAN ROSALIE GOES SHOPPING Jackie Burroughs as an American Thurs. 22, 8.45 pm I. PARENTHOOD 3. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY authoress abandons herself to the pursuit 2 pm, 5 pm, 8.25 pm 1.55 pm, 4.45 pm, 7.55 pm of pleasure. 2. KENNETH ANGER FILMS (3) Sat. only 11 pm. Sat. 17, 3 pm, 5 pm, 6.45 pm, 8.45 pm Thurs. 22, 3 pm, 6.45 pm, 8.45 pm £1. 75 student concessions all ALIENS performances except Cinema 3 last 2. BLACK RAIN I. ROSALIE GOES SHOPPING Sat.17.llpm 1.55 pm , 4.55 pm, 7 .55 pm. whowing onm Fridays and last two Sun. 1.8, 8.45 pm performances on Saturdays.

TRAVERSE THEATRE ADAM HOUSE KING'S THEATRE ------GRASSMARKET 226 2633 CHAMBERS STREET 225 3744 2 LEVEN STREET 2291201 LOVE STORY OF THE CENTUIRY EL CONCIERTO DE SAN OVIDIO BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT Monstrous Regiment presents the British By Antonio Buero Vallejo. A group of Play by Jeffrey Archer and starring BEDLAM premiere of Clare Venables adaptation of blind musicians in pre-revolutionary Spain Wendy Craig. 2 FORREST ROAD 2259873 a collection of Finni h poetry by Marta are exploited by a ruthless entrepreneur, Mon 19- at 24 Feb. Tikanen. It centres around one woman's who attempts to transfonn them into a 7.30pm. grotesque freak show - until one of the LUCIFER'S BELL relationship with her alcoholic husband. £5.[J I musicians rebels. Performance in EUTC Lunchtime performance. Until Sat 18 Feb. Spanish. Week6 7.30 pm 14, 15, 16 Feb BRUNTON THEATRE 1.30pm £5/£3 7.30pm MUSSELBURGH 6652240 £11£1 .50 SWEENEY'S WOMEN £2 (at door, or in advance from the Dept · IRANIAN NIGHTS A look at the wars of Montr.ose from the of Hispanic Studies) WHEN MOKING I BAD FOR YOU/ EUTC erform Howard Brenton and underside by Edinburgh Playwrights THE ERPINGHAM CAMP Tariq Ali's play written in response to the Workshop. NETHERBOW The first is a monoogue by Chekhov Salmon Rushdie affair. Thurs 15 Feb. 43 HIGH ST 556 9579 featuring a henpecked husband Wed 21-Sat 24 Feb. 7pm. 1.30pm addressing hi wife' school for girls. The THE WINTER'S TALE second is a holiday camp farce by Joe £1.50/£1 SUSPENDED SENTENCES The Canopy Theatre company, on tour Orton. ELECTRA Multi-media performance involving after a run in London, present Shakes­ Until Sat 24 Feb Sophocles' 2400 year tragedy performed sculptor Malcolm Paynter and peare's play. 7.30pm byEUTC. choreographer Julie Wilson. Wed 7-Sat 24 Feb [4.25 (£3) Tue 20-Sat 24 Feb. Tue 20-Sun 25 Feb. 7.30pm. 7.30pm 7.30pm £3.50/£2.50 £3/£2.501£2. £5/£3

. . ST. JAME OYSTER BAR 557 2925 THE VENUE 557 3073 NETWORK 225 4583 -~-: MUSIC- -- TUESDAY SUNDAY THURSDAY VATICAN SHOTGUN SCARE/SHAR­ THE KEVIN McDERMOTT SAL PARADISE LOT AND THE ROGUES/SHA.DOW­ ORCHESTRA Dylanish. PRESERVATION HALL 226 3816 LAND Glasgow four piece with some jassyish, 9 pm, Free. Three of the best local bands ranging folkyish, countryish, blueyish, you THURSDAY from energetic punk to psycho billy . know what I meanish , sort of stuff, ish? TUESDAY STEALING THE BLUES £2 (£1.50) LOS SUPREMOS Need I say more. WEDNESDAY Blues covers. 9.30 pm. SATURDAY INSPIRAL CARPETS 9 pm, Free. THE ALMIGHTY Swirly, whirly, pschedelic 'next big USHER HALL 228 1155 FRIDAY The Almighty what, is the question? things' who had the big people in the biz beating a path to their door last year. BIG GEORGE AND THE BUSINESS Greasy rocker types? Sexists? All round Big Blues from Glasgow. silly sunglasses sporters? Check them out before they get into the THURSDAY £1 after 9 pm_. charts. VAN MORRISON SUNDAY NEGOCIANTS 225 6313 Yeh, it's Van the Man without Cliff, SATURDAY HOLOCAUST thank god! For all you die-hard hippies, HOLD THE FRAME Edinburgh thrash band. THURSDAY and brown-eyed girls. Fab and groovy. Rock. RUTH ELLIS BAND £1 after 9 pm. WEDNESDAY Worth hanging about. SATURDAY ICICLE WORKS 9.45 pm, Free. LLOYD COLE SUNDAY Welcome return for the Liverpudlians Commotion-less arid with a new solo LP JOHNNY SUNBEAM who Mike Read used to listen to whilst SATURDAY picking up critical acclaim all over the Adult Pop, whatever that tells you. getting up to hanky panky. Support THE J.C. FLINT BAND place, the perfect shinned one returns to £1 after 9 pm . from local popsters. Boxing Clever. What does the J.C. stand for then.? Edinburgh.

FRIDAY SATURDAY WEDNESDAY BARRIO NEGRO DEVIL MOUNTAIN BREATHLESS The place to be seen on a Wednesday !he p~mised mix of Latin, jazz and soul On every week this month, Julian & co CLUBS ' are playing music till what could rightly night - optional ear-piercing in the 1s proVUJg increasingly popular - am I not the only person bored with House? be called the very late hours ... toilets, THURSDAY Network 2, Tollcross Fruitmarket Galleries 8pm-larn . FREEDOM 10.30pm-4am l lpm-5am Potterrow Union £3 Getting more and more popular, this £2 week it's all in aid of the Rownanian THE DEEP Convoy, which leaves this Monday. SPANISH HARLEM MAMBO CLUB Why not have an early start to the Wilkie House, Cowgate (btween the Lots of House. Becoming steadily busier, this club weekend? Pelican and Sneaky Pete's) Wilkie House, Cowgate provides an African beat to the weekend. The Mission, Victoria St 10.30pm-3am 10.30pm-3am Network 3, Tollcross 10.30pm-3am £1.50 £3 10.30pm-3am £2 £2.50/£2 I \ Student thursday, february 15, 1990 15 · RICHARD DEMARCO BOURNE FINE ART GALLERY QUEEN'S HALL McLELLAN GALLERIES GALLERY 4DUNDASST 5574050 ______CLERK ST 668 ;.:.;...:;.:..:...:. 2019 SAUCHIEHALL ST, GLAS. 228 5511 EXHIBITIONS BLACKFRIARS ST 557 0707 - - SCOTTISH WATERCOLOURS AND BODY AND SOUL THE BRITISH ART SHOW IIl NATIONAL LIBRARY SHOULD I BE AFRAID TO TRUST OILS Black and white prints of jaz stars by One of the most comprehensive MYSELF? Exhibition of works from the gallery's Marc Mamie. exhibitions of contemporary art. Forty OFSCOTLAND New work by Terry Newman. stock. 5 Feb-4 March British artists on display. Until 11 March GEORGE IV BRIDGE 2264531 20 Feb-10 March Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm; Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm Sat 10 am-I pm Phone for opening ti~es. EDINBURGH COLLEGE RONALD STEVENSON CENTRAL LIBRARY 369GALLERY Exhibition that charts the life and times of GALLERY OF MODERN ART OFART . 223COWGATE 2255425 GEORGE IV BRIDGE 2255584 one of Scotland's best known BELFORD ROAD 5568921 LAURISTON PL 229 9311 contemporary composers. DRAWINGS BY ALAN WATSON Until28Feb GWEN HARDIE LEITH LIVES Includes portraits of life aboard a whaling Photographs recording the changes TEN YEARS OF TEXTILES Mon-Fri 9.30 am-5 pm; Sat 9.30 am-I Artist .trained in glasgow and Berlin best vessel. wrought on Edinburgh's port since the A decade of worked culled from the pm; Sun 2 pm-5 pm known for her paintings of females. 3-24 Feb tum of the century. textile department. 14 Feb-18 March Until 22 Feb. Mon-Sat 10.30 am-5.30 pm STILLS GALLERY Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm; Sun 2-5 pm. 19 Feb-26 March Mon-Fri 9 am-8.30 pm; Sat 9 am-I pm Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm 105 HIGH STREET 5571140 NATIONAL GALLERY LA BELLE ANGELE PORTRAIT GALLERY HASTIE'S CLOSE OFSCOTLAND QUEEN'S HALL QUEEN ST 5568921 BITTER HARVEST CLERK ST 6682019 Exhibition of photographs by David THE MOUND 5568921 SHOT UP NORTH Lurie recording the lives of farm JOHN SW ANNELL A collection of photographs taken by BODY AND SOUL labourers in South Africa, taken in ENGLISH PORTRAITS AND Portraits by this fashion photographer members of the Association of Black and white prints of jaz stars by January and February of 1989. FIGURE DRAWINGS: 1600-1900 including ones of Andy Warhol, Bob ; Photographers who are based north of Marc Marnie. 17 Feb-17 March A selection from gallery's stock. Geldof, Grace Jones and Billy Connolly. · London. 5 Feb-4 March Tue-Sat 11 am-5.30 pm Throughout Feb and March 18 Jan-2 April Until 25 Feb Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm Mon-Sat _JO am-5 pm; Sun 2-5 pm Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm; Sun 2-5 pm Mon-Fri 10 am-5 pm; Sat 11 am-4 pm

FRIDAY TEVIOT ROW UNION TUESDAY WEDNESDAY SWSS MEETING Happy Hour 8.30-9.30pm FRENCH SOC LUNCH CHAPLAINCY CENTRE "Mandela Freed- The Crisis of Union open till 2am All welcome for brie, baguettes, and Interdenominational Service of Holy EVENTS Apartheid" How does the releae of A variety of entertainment, from the disco beaucoup de vin. Communion. Nelson Mandela affect the plitical upstairs, to the disco downstairs with 1pm, French Dept Basement, 60 George 1.10pm, Chaplaincy Centre situation in South Africa? All welcome THURSDAY MTV somewhere in between. • Square 1pm, Chaplaincy Centre EU SCOTTISH NATIONALIST SATURDAY ASSOCIATION EU LABOUR CLUB THE HIGHLAND ANNUAL EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY JAZZ & BLUES NIGHT Llnda Devine from Campaign Coffee, Lots of music and dancing - including Live Band, and Happy Hour from 8-9pm. Nigel Griffiths, MP for Edinburgh South SINGERS Scotland" Hugh McDiarmid's HaircuL Brought to The Pleasance Bar (that means all you in Pollock) will be The second performance of The City in 7.30pm, Sommerville Room, Pleasance you by Comunn Ceilteach Oilthigh Dhun speaking on Labour's politics and the Sea, played by its composer, John Eildeann answering questions. Coates STUDY SKILLS KING'S BUILDING Happy Hour 8-9pm 1pm, DHT Faculty Room 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall Brainware IV Workshop - human LUNCHTIME TALK . 8pm-3am, Teviot Row House potential, problem-solving, and lots £5/ £4 for members "Enterprise in Higher Education" With LUNCHTIME CONCERT more. All welcome. Professor Thomas, Business Studies 2-4.30pm, Chaplaincy Centre Organ duet from William McVicker and APOCALYPSE EU FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS 1. 10pm, 6th floor common room JCMB. Jeremy Barham This club is pulling in more punters than ASSOCIATION 1.10pm, Reid Hall Chambers St has ever seen before - get Guest speaker will be Tony Higgens, CHAPLAINCY CENTRE down there and see for yourself. Chainnan of the Scottish Professional ALL EU CLUBS CAN ADVERTISE Ecumenial Celebration. All Welcome EU CHRISTIAN UNION Evening, Chambers St Union Footballers Association THROUGH WHAT'S ON ... JUST 7.30pm, Chaplaincy Centre ,6.30pm, Ochil Room, Pleasance "Spiritual Warfarei SUNDAY LET US HA VE THE DETAILS OF Tea & worship with James Philip THE MEETING OR EVENT BY EU MUSIC SOCIETY UNIVERSITY SERVICE Concert of Chamber Music, Haydn, 6.30pm, Chaplaincy Centre Preacher: Rev John Richardson, Professor 1pm ON MONDAY, AT THE of Oassocs ' EU FOLK CLUB STUDENT OFFICES. Mozart and Beethoven, with all proceeds 9pm, Pleasance going to Waverly Care Trust, one of the GREEN BANANA CLUB 11.30am, St Giles Cathed~l charities benifiting from AIDS Indie and alternative in our favourite MONDAY Awareness Week. nightspot. EU CONSERVATIVE & .=..= --- 7.30pm, Reid Concert Hall Evening, Ponerrow. UNIONIST ASSOCIATION - - - -- £3/ £2 for students 50p with matric card 1pm, TeviOl Middle Reading Room - E~=.£ :E VIDEO ., FILM HIRE was so successful when it first appeared 'The music, the fashion, the excite­ . TV GUIDE ten years ago with Bob Hoskins and ment of falling in love for the first time Cheryl Campbell that Hollywood made . - and the' pain of that first broken VIDEO BOXES NOW AVAILABLE 'Eastenders' is five years old this week it into a feature film. Even if you missed heart'. God I hope Stock, Aitken and which might give some people cause for the first two of the re-run, it's worth try­ Waterman don't watch it; we might FOR NIGHTLY HIRE celebration. The cause for celebration ing to follow the bizarre adventures of never here the end of it. 3.6 West Preston Street I 36 Marchmont Road on screen is baby· Steven's christening. Arthur and Jean, if only for the superb I_9 Henderson Row 20 Roseburn Terrace 'Sharon, Wicksy and Michelle are to 30's musical backdrop. On the pop-science front, QED ask be the god-parents but can Wicksy stifle Horizon (Monday BBC) presumes whether a couple's 'love compatibility' is his misgivings, as Steven's true father?'. some sort of compatibility has already medically possible to predict (Wed 9.30 .. I can never decide whether to laugh , taken place and tackles the question of pm B_BCl). _Dr John Gottman (yes, cry, or incinerate the TV. embryo research. With only a 10% suc­ Amencan) thmks it is and Kim and Gor­ Compared to the banal movements of cess rate, the right to tamper with appa­ don from Seattle are his first volunteers improbable a nd unappealing rently ill-fated embryos is soon to be ': ... can Dr. Gottman spot the tell-ta!~ stereotypes around Albert Square, challenged by a forthcoming Human signs of a marriage break-up?' It should 'Pennies from Heaven' is a celestial Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. be added that the good doctor admits to having failed to predict the failure of his offering indeed. Dennis Potter has done 'Almost Grown' (Tuesday BBC2) own first marriage. and will continue to do better than sadis­ takes the physiological theme further tic obliqueness of Blackeyes. 'Pennies' and investigates the British teenager.

find out more about this major world Make sure you're better in time REVIEW religion, check out the programme of for Saturday (that includes those out on lunchtime talks (12.45-1.30, Mon & thi: piss on Friday too) in order to make Wed) or sign up for one of the it to the Assembly Rooms, for the What? No nasty letters this workshops. Tty your hand at Islamic ' Conference on Alternatives, part of the week? Something's obviously gone Weaving, Arabic or Urdu Calligraphy, or Peace Festival. Lots of discussion, from drastically wrong in my fiendish plan to Henna Handpainting (information from 'Swords into Ploughshares' to 'Solving get eveiybody's back up... how about the Museum, classes £1.50 or £2). the North-South Divide'. Or if you prefer "Well, if you're not down in London on But more immediately, I hope The Spiritual Dimension of the Ecological the NUS Demo against student loans you've all kept tonight free for a plethora Crisis', go along to the workshops, held then you're obviously in favour of the of good causes. At 7.30pm, the EU over this and next Saturday. Plus music (and I quote) "apathy oithe EUSA Music Society are putting on a concert as in the evening from Bolivar "the bureaucrats." Unquote. And while we're part of the AIDS Awareness Week sensational Hot Latin American salsa on the dreaded subject of politics (sorry programme, with proceeds to the group" (who writes this stuff?) to put you off your elevenses) why do all Waverly Trust. Haydn, Mozart and But the most important date for SWSS leaflets start with "the Tories are Beethoven to get your feet tapping. And your diaiy (who's biased?) has to be in real trouble"? And how many people once you're in the mood, pop down to Tuesday, 8pm, at the Pleasance, for would notice if the sabbaticals (not Wilkie House, not just because Freedom ABBA:The Movie. A chance to sing-a­ forgetting the External Convener) are is getting bener and better, or even long-a-Bjorn, while relieving all those recalled next week? There. That should because they've lowered the entrance to childhood/teenage memories (delete as annoy someone. £1.50 tonight, but mainly because they're applicable). See you there! But fm a tolerant sort of person holding a Romanian Convoy Benefit really, ~o I can't recommend too highly tonight - all profits, including those from the senes of talks on "ISLAM: Past and the bar, are being given to the convoy. Present," being run by the National which leaves this Monday. What bener Museum in Chambers St. H you want...::..:.:.._:::::.:..=....::.:::.:..::;__ to reason to drink up? ______

.NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL BRANCHES STUDENT ACCOMMODATION SERVICE UNIVERSITY FLATS 1990 APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE POST OF Application forms for University-controlled flats are still available from SAS Office. Forms are also EDITOR - available from the Students' Association Office, Mandela Centre; the Student Advisory Service OF Office, King's Buildings Union; and the Porter's FESTIVAL TIMES Box, St Leonard's Hall, Pollock Halls.· 1990 * Forms should be returned to the SAS Office at Any applications or queries should be 30 BUCCLEUCH PLACE, BY 12 NOON ON FRIDAY addressed to: 16TH FEBRUARY, for inclusion in a lottery which James Bethell (Publications Convener) will determine applicants places on the list. at the STUDENT offices, 48 Pleasance, 558 1117/8 (office) 556 5322 (home) Applications received after 12 noon on 16th · February will be added to the list in the order in Closing date for applications: which they are received. FRIDAY 16th FEB.

E.U. DEBATES COMMITTEE in association with RADIO FOUR 00 1Irm wficew @if Ii®~®Illl1

CHAIRED BY BRIAN REDHEAD

PROP.OSING: OPPOSING: MartinO'Neill George Younger Bruce Kent Sir Nigel Bagnall

In: NEW SENATE ROOM (behind the Cenotaph) OLD COLLEGE . FRIDAY 16th FEBRUARY Starts at: 7 .30pm free 2 ' '

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NO, NO we can't take any more of these fantastic prizes, several passers-by were heard not to scream as news of Substance's latest competition hit the streets. So, being socially aware, we abandoned the big money prizes in favour of something a bit more exclusive and a bit more enticing (and more costly for us). · Anyhow, first and last off the big prize stakes block is a fantastic Goodbye Mr MacKenzie competition. As you no doubt noticed from their luxurious advert on the back page, the MacKenzies new single, Love KING TUT'Se Child, is on the streets in the very near future. To mark this occasion we 1w have on offer five de-luxe, never-been-seen before packages of WAH WAH HUT MacKenzie paraphemelia - Jean Paul Gaultier t-shirts, posters, badges, 272 ST. VINCENT ST, GLASGOW underpants, that sort of thing. · So, on your marks, get set, go, and answer these ticklish questions: FEBRUARY 10 MARTIN STEPHENSON · 12 'D4E RIGHT STUFF· 15 BRIAN KENNEDY· 16 1 whose indie classic did the band cover on their Fish Heads and CAROL LAULA · 17 lME PRIMEV AlS · 22 PETER Tails album? HAMMILL · 23 PALE SAIN'IS · 24 THE THIEVES · 26 BLUES 'N' TROUBLE · MARCH · 1 RIVER .. 2 name one other band guitarist Big John has been in. CITY PEOPLE · 2 TRASH CAN SINATRAS · 3 SANDKINGS · 4 ANDY WHITE'S CLASSMEN · 5 n4E FAT LADY SINGS · 7 THE 3 what was noteworthy about the royalties from the Face To Face CHARLETANS · I TAYLOR - FIRTH ~'I,~ single? + SHERIDAN · 10 SUMMER 'I,~ - HILL · 14 SENSELESS @ Entries to t!'iis never-to-be-repeated competition should be sent to 'D41NGS · 17 the Substance offices by 31st March. SEERS 48 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ think globally, TeL 031-5581117/8 act locally A nod, a wink, and a cheery wave . .

Presenting, the launch of an illustrious series of one, a world T ANlT A: (lighting up a fresh Marlboro using the burning stub of the last) Do you smoke? exclusive, imaginary interview conducted with the full PAUL: When your debut album, Pretentious Tripe, first appeared, many people described it as bad Sixth Form poetry. Did that upset you? assistance of the Performing Rights Society and the latest T: Certainly it did. I felt that to be very unfair. I mean, let's face it, most of the slow Two Ronnie's annual. First up, and with a special, sunny · songs on the album were composed when I was in µie Upper Fourth at Basingstoke Rich Girls Prep school, and slower numbers were written during free period when I spring-time welcome to all the readers of Substance, is that was in the Lower Fifth. T: So you refute the many charges of precociousness and immaturity then? You sultry Basingstoke belle, Ms. Tanita Tikaram. Words of consider yourself already a mature, seasoned ·campaigner? wisdom intercepted by Paul W. Hullah T: (lighting a fresh Marlboro using the burning stub of the last) Of course I do. Not one of those songs was written before my thirteenth birthday. I was at least fourteen and a half and on my second trial separation when I penned World Outside Your Thesaurus. P: It must have been very flattering to discover that Liza Minelli had chosen to cover your minor hit Twist In My Filofax? T: Yes, it was a great compliment I thought it was very brave of her too - I mean, to talce a dirge of a song with meaningless lyrics and absolutely no melody line and to sing it completely deadpan, just like I did, with the backing totally unchanged. I thought it was extremely brave of Dusty, actually. P: Liza, surely? T: (lighting another Marlboro ...) Please, call me Tanita. P: Having such old stagers as Liza Minelli and Pet Shop Boys on your side must have comforted you at a time when word was about that your songwriting style was less than original? T: Less than original? Come on, I mean what's originality but a gaze into the watery nothingness we crave, the velveteen shadows of lust, the insubstantial edifices of self? I do posses an 'O' level in creative writing you know, and a well worn CD of Leonard Cohen's Greatest Hits. P: Quite. And speaking of Leonard Cohen, there are those who say that you're nothing more than LLoyd Cole with a close shave and tight black boating blazer? T: Not at all, although I am very particular about my appearance. I think that to compare me to Lloyd Cohen is wholly to miss both his sense of humour, his ear for melody and his astute grasp of the English language. P: But that's three things - you said "both". T: Of course I did. Look, don't you see, I've built my career upon a complete misunderstanding of the significance of words and syntax. Well, that plus singing out of tune and being a dumpy college girl from Basingstoke who wears black woolly tights. Do you smoke? (lighting a fresh Marlboro ...) P: Tanita Tikaram, thank you very much. · T: ~anks. Listen, is there any place round here where a gal can get some tuck ...?

Tanita Tikaram's new album, The Same As The Last One, was released by Leonard Cohen in 1969 and titled Songs From A Room.

contents information pages4-8 a five page spectacular - a whole crop of unsigned, Scottish bands are given the once over by the Substance reviewers. editors Thanks this issue to Janet Dalgarno, james haliburton page9 Heather Redmond, The Mission, neo-hippies and good chums of All About Eve, are craig mclean back with a hit single, a hit album and interesting tales about the Deke Primo, Gerry Henry, Fiona Menzies, Outer Hebrides. valued assistance Pat Naylor and dessie fahy pages 10-11 macaroni cheese. for a man with problems in the personal hygiene area, L~oyd Cole avril mair proves he's still top of the tree in the coolness stakes with a lovely All correspondence, demos, contributions, new album and a full-time residence in New York. published advertising enquiries, euspb pages 12-15 - _ . cash, lager, to the Blue Aeroplanes, Pale Saints, Cramps, Everyth~g But The Grrl above address. It was and every other hard-rockin' release reviewed m the Substance printed a long day's journey album review. johnstone's, falkirk into the night. pages 16-17 just how are a band signed? What is an A&R man? Could your band be the next Yell? Substance tells you. substance pages 18-19 urban anarcho dancefloor terrorists, haters of fast food, all round mental buggers - is this what Fini Tribe are really like? substance

IF SOMEONE introduced the band's profile. Goodbye Mr themselves to you by saying MacKenzie's interest in the band "Just,call me Clive" would your first and Breave's friendship earned Call thought be "What a great name for . Me Clive support dates with a band"? Well, that was precisely Edinburgh's most successful band what happened for Malcolm Logan and took the band to the likes of Call and Phil Green, vocalist and Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, drummer with Edinburgh's Call Me Newcastle and Dingwall. Clive. A blend of funky basslines "Fantastic" is how Nick and poppy guitar 'toons', as well as describes playing live, "but we like ' a generous helping of ambition have being in the studio as well. We've helped them secure a following recorded lots of demos around the around their home-town. Hard put country, Leeds ... everywhere!" to describe the music as such, Their ambition, not surprisingly Me keyboards player Nick Aldridge enough, is to be signed, but by a believes that it is "the most major label label rather than an different sound in Edinburgh at the independent one. This is something moment" they see as entirely possible after The present line-up, which the success of bands like Happy includes Breave on guitar, took Mondays and The Stone Roses and shape about five or six months ago the attention this has focussed on the end of the year. with the recruitment of Charlie obviously the most important thing the independent music scene. They It can be a bad old world for them. Dootson on Bass. An addition that feel their's is a sound that doesn't out there, so what about the name? Clive Nick sees as a big turning point in have to be linked to the People can form opinions from that Call Me Clive are certainly the direction the band were taking independents. Nick's course in alone. "Some people might think it not short on ambition. Not content and also created much more record Music Management at Bathgate sounds like a bit of a novelty", says to settle for the short straw, they're company interest. Gigs around College has taught him to have Nick, "but I think it's good. It's "aiming for the stars", to quote Nick Edinburgh, including The Venue, confidence in his band and he again. You know that sounds like a kinda faceless, you're not quite sure good name for a band. Calton Studios and a packed Moray expects they will be signed up by what to expect". The music is House, have increased, dramatically Jill Franklin \\ \ \ I / / ~ ;f ...... I ; / ----.,,.,. -

Graphics: Phil Ward

DESTINED to catch the signed up in recent years." Scotland provincial, then -attention of even those poor Jealousy just may play a part Kircaldy must have few more sods who don't read Substance here, yet guitarist Stuart claims to metropolis status than is Kircaldy band The Twist. Mccreadie expresses his Rockall. Formed four years ago by five discontent with conviction: Having given up_ on an ' school friends, only two of the "Look at The Sundays, half-a­ apathetic hometown public, The original members remain, with a dozen gigs and they get a deal. Twist found more response ~ 'substantial turnover of personnel Okay, maybe it was on merit at their tireless efforts forthcommg hindering progress. Now a the time, but I don't think any · in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, settled outfit, The Twist are band deserves that size of Aberdeen and even Ullapool. spiralling to the dizzy heights of opportunity. And as for the Typically though, the band recognition en route to success. fucking Soup Dragons ... " cannot get enough gigs in those "It's only in the last Leaving Stuart to rue areas but hope to rectify the three months that we've started his band's misfortune at having situation soon ... although to take off," explains bassist to do it all the (very) hard way, Ullapool's contingent of A&R Derek Anderson. "Things have Colin described his contempt for men is a bit thin on the ground to started to happen, taking us iri the way in which media hype anc merit regular return visits. the right direction at long last .. " commercialism dictate who Those all-important These advances, in the shape of makes it and who will eternally CONNECTIONS imperative for support to Kitchen's Of batter their heads against any band with ambition are not Distinction in Edinburgh, various brick walls up and down to be found in Kircaldy, a town d favourable reviews for the latest the country. where opportunities are few an demo tape, and gaining a support . "Good music can be record deals found only in John slot on del Amitri's current tour, written for the public, but the Menzies. If the band . . n have gone a long way towards public is told what to like." This successfully make the tra~siuo achieving some much-needed complaint repeatedly spouts from small-town boys to city exposure and publicity. Now, forth from the mouthpieces of kids, the world may ind~ ch like every rising band, The Twist unsigned bands up against the become their oyster. Given ea are working towards the prime "regulars only" policy of the qiember's enthusiasn:i and ·ve goal - gaining a record deal. music business, yet it is commitment, and their collecU "We deserve a record particularly poignant for aspiring talent, The Twist might _not be deal," claims singer Colin stars hailing from backwood the best unsigned band m Livingstone, "when you consider outposts. If the London-based Kircaldy for too long. some of the bands who've been music business considers Donald Walker substance 5

"Everyone thinks it's, like, . and where you go. n twenty years and it can get Glasgow, that's a real happenmg Owen wants to give depressing, y'know?" scene there, but half the bands young bands the chance to play The Linden Tree's music you hear about, a lot of people as support to bigger names "so is largely based on American have never seen them. They've they can get up and then thrash rock 'n' roll, folk and blues, but got a record deal and folk go ' about for half an hour or forty five Leonard knows his Postcard, Where did they come from?'" minutes, let them see what it Factory, Rough Trade etc as It's becoming feels like in front of a reasonable well. Musically and lyrically he increasingly hard for a band like sized audience.'' wants to challenge the Leonard Lawson's The Linden However, it has actually pomposity of the brewery backed Tree to get gigs or promotion in been easier to arrange gigs in Glaswegian giants. "There's a Glasgow in recent years. London than in Glasgow. The lot of people go out, get drunk, "There's no real scene in Linden Tree have dates lined up they fall in the street, they have Glasgow, where anyone can get there for March. "There's no arguments with girls, all these to play in a bar or a venue like A&R department situated in this things, y'know? Quite a lot of there used to be. There's a real area. What you have up here is people are fucked up, I guess. I lack of music venues in Glasgow talent scouts. Ultimately, you've guess that's what I'm trying to just now. The only regular gigs got to go to London. That may get across." are Tennent's gigs. They're only change. I certainly hope it He sees the aims of using about eight bands and does." Headlong as to "put out music they're using them 'cos they As for Leonard Lawson, that may be a bit more know they'll get the people in.'' he has no illusion about playing challenging, that's got a bit more To try and do something London. "We'll go there and do reality about it. It isn't a lot to The music is about this situation, Owen the gigs, but there'll be no big do with production a lot of the LOOK ON the back of any electronically based due to the Barrett set up Headlong thing about it, and I resent the time, it's just having good songs, number of current albums-from fact that they work alone in the Records, with the help of The the fact we've got to go there to putting them across. You can indie to mainstream-and you'll studio without outside help Linden Tree. Their singly Johnny do gigs that we couldn't get in record them for £100 and they'll be hard pressed to find the (barring help from The Blue. Friendly/Angel, became the Glasgow." The Linden Tree still be good. Anyone can do it names of any women producers, Nile's Paul Buchanan on guitar), label's first release on January have in fact played in Belfast, Just everyone get out and engineers, or studio technicians. producers or engineers. The 29th. "Our targets," says Owen Paris and New York, sometimes hassle, and get gigs!" Though there are female slower songs ate a melancholy "are to offer affordable recording, with borrowed equipment, such musicians, the numbers are swirl of keyboards and hushed good advice, promotion and was the financial situation. An small in comparison to men. vocals while the more up-beat production for any band who unusual route, but Leonard [Contact: Owen Barrett Know many female record ones incorporate upfront think they have recordable knows the alternative all too on 041423 5999 (Home) or 041 producers? How about A&R melodies and harder dance material. We're more of a well. "I know guys who've been 552 5161 ext 24 (Work).] women? Female heads of record rhythms. Live, they're going for service than a record label. We playing the same pubs for Stephen Barnaby companies? Women seem a warehouse party feel by using don't see Headlong as a full­ relegated to handling PR for a full band, slideshow and DJ time thing. Headlong, hopefully, bands or chirpily answering the (complete with backing tracks is a spring board for a band. We phone at a major record and scratching) between songs. can bring some attention; we can company. "Live has to be a sort of concept put them on vinyl. There's more · Karen Smyth, that's a lot more interesting than respect for bands who've vocalist/songwriter and one half just getting up there going 'and released records rather than of Scottish duo The Dearhearts, the next one's called .. .'" · deinos. We're not a profit seeks to redress this imbalance This warehouse party making organisation. Any by being involved in the approach seems to be odds with money we do make will go production and engineering of her the moody atmosphere of the · straight into Headlong." songs as well as writing, singing songs. How ~I the songs. work The response from and playing. In a male­ in a dance- onentated setting? young bands has so far been dom~ted music industry, "We won't do the slower songs excellent, although strangely Smyth is a breath of fresh air. live. We have two strands of enough more of these bands Not interested in espousing a writing and one is an 'up' sound. have been from England than big feminist cause, she's There's lots of dance bands who from Glasgow. Musically, Owen advancing it simply by doing her do ballads. Our scale definitely will accept "anything at all. We own thing. "I definitely think leans towards the gentler songs, don't want to be typecast as an there aren't enough women in but the fast ones are a independent label, a rock label, a productio!1 and engin~g. . necessary expression as well: blues label.'' People think women aren t given Stylistically, I love dance music. Money is, of course, the a chance to get on in that · But, writing-wise, I'm probably main problem. . environment Women aren't better at writing slower songs, "Basically, it's a matter of bemg stupid, they don't want to get on to be honesL" systematic, contacting anybody in that situation. They don't Though I suggest to her who could be of any value at all, want to work with a bunch of that their electro-pop balladry and if one of those ten contacts sexist pricks," she says. might sound a bit dated comes through then okay." nThe only way I can com~ to the harder and Owen has phoned every overcome sexism is by working, grituer funk and soul beats radio station in the country, BBC doing my own thing, and by emanating from the clubs and independent. However, the saying to other women, 'look I nowadays, Karen remains firm air play The Linden Tree hav~ can produce you, let's go into the about the music and being had on Radio Clyde and the hkes studw together.' For me, th~ honest about her roots: of Beat Patrol is not likely to whole thing about being a female "We're so white it's not impress promoters. musician and songwriter is t!13t true! Take The Chimes. I know Owen too sees the I'm doing it Live, I'll be playing James Locke and.he's been into involvement of the breweries as percussion and guitar as well as funk and soul for yonks, but having been very dangerous to singing. And if it changes they've got a black singer, . the scene. "Rather than being people's perceptions about therefore, they can ~ something individually sponsored, any band women in rock just a wee bit and like that and make 1t work. that applied to Tennent's or has an effect on younger women, Whereas we are are a white Scottish and Newcastle has it'll be that much better." band. We'd like to make the been put in touch with a The Dearhearts formed faster songs funky because we promoter for that area. ~t's only in November of 1988. Smyth love rhythmic things, but we bands who have a certam was singing with art terrorists acknowledge the fact that.we following, who can guara~tee a Ege Bam Yasi until August 1988 can't fabricate a black sound. I promoter or a pub _a certam when she left and started can't be Aretha Franklin. I think income and a certain amount of .working on her own material. to have your own identity as a drink sold during the night who She met ex-Fiction Factory band and not just be a rip-off of are getting gigs." This has member Kevin Patterson who som;body else, is really spoiled the venues and was engineering at what was important. You have to look for promoters who now expect full then Planet Studios (now Big your own strong points and bring houses and large profits. "Most Bang) in Edinburgh. Patterson them out" promoters are cash-orientated, offered to help out with the The Dearhearts will be but one or two have their hearts arrangements and r.ecorcling of featured on the next Tennent's in the right place, genuinely Smyth's material. Working Live! single and will be gigging promoting music. But there's a together, an excitement grew in May. great deal of nepotism. It's very and a friendship flourished. Tracey Pepper much a case of who you know substance 6

IRAH HAYES THE SUPERNATURALS THIS SHOULD go down THIS, I suppose is well with Glasgow and Edin- . what you would call skiffle cum burgh's sidebumed fraternity; country cum rock' 'n' roll. lrah demo - slick, soul-boy 501 fare, with Hayes are spuinky and Culture, convinced that one day obviously still at the embryonic tasteful pseudo-funk guitar, titles stage, iri that there songs are like Shake It Down and Tighten · they'll wake and discover that skeletal and the finished feel is Up and lyrics like "Soul shaker, they've finally succeeded in of the recorded-in-the-bedroom maker, Memphis to Tennessee". metamorphosing into James Dean/ variety. What they lack in No matter what you think of the James Brown/Pat Kane (shurely ·experience they make up for in shome mistake?). enthusiasm and basic knack for a lition music, there's something endear­ decent wee tune. ing about thousands of lads The Supernaturals are Walls boasts a hanging out all over the City of competent and enthusiastic in a tentative slide guitar and Doobie Brothers kind of way, but pleading adolescent vocals. As too cool and tasteful by half for yet Irah Hayes are my liking. unspectacul~. save for the BABEL a worrying tendency. rushed pleasure of Walk The _Contact: Mark (0413344434) or BABEL are nothing if not As for Surround Me With Dog (detailing apparently, guys Stone, this is Babel at their best, James (041 942 6006). for whom, once in a bed diverse. The three songs on the Stephen Bennie situation, switching off the lights tape display a skilfull lack of trying to find a style of their own, has the effect of switching off similarities, the only constant with promising results - this is their heads. Well done that despite the lyrics, where melo­ woman.) feature being the high quality of the musicianship throughout. The drama screams out to cringe­ But as a first step, Irah Hayes worthy proportions. A tentative first demo is certainly vocalist has passion, and the THE ROBINSONS demo of mixed blessings, but a tantalising. guitarist talent, and the results are EMBRACING a promis­ [Contact Mark on 031 mixed. Cruel World, the first certain hint of better things to 229 6380] ingly polished poppy sound, track, is somewhat disappointing, come. Craig- McLean [Contact Graham Russell Dundee's The Robinsons three displaying an unnecessary resem­ song demo descends pleasantly blance to Terence Trent D' Arby - on 031 449 3401ft)31 443 8844) Andrew Williams upon the ears. It is refreshingly --==,===- devoid of any anthemic rock, soul or indie pretentions, and their h tastes for jingly guitar work combines well with fai:ly intelli­ ' gent lyric and song structure - with the emphasis on SONG - to create a vivid, understated almost folky sound. The first obvious compari­ son to spring to mind is Mi­ crodisney, and to create that plodding, unambitious genuine atmosphere is quite an achieve­ ment They perhaps have more of a hard edge, and are more com­ mercially oriented than that ex­ group; One Thousand Reasons is an impressive catchy number that rewards repeated listening, sticking in the mind like glue. Certainly worthy of more attention than the family in Neighbours, The Robinsons will be an interesting proposition live. Neil Finnie

DEMOLITION CHOm CYC) funk influenced bass and Ballot To The Bullet Mike's hard and aggressive drum TIIB BAND line-up says it sounds. all - bass, samples and beats. This Ballot To The Bullet is the THE RUBY SUIT JOHNNY FAVOURITE is dance music, but not in the Soul kind of mid-paced dance song that OON'T say we didn't tell II Soul/Inner City vein, this Edin­ can only really be appreciated on The AWRIGHT, this is burgh trio have obviously been the dancefloor and through a you. Ruby Suit were featured funky. A rockin' and rollin' bop listening to the likes of Tackhead, massive PA. Overtly political yet in Substance just under a year ago 'til you drop offerring pinned Front 242 and the Young Gods. ambiguously detached, it is exciting and if they were merely good then, aro~d a creamy voice and a startlmgly sharp production. Henry T's samples snatched and encouraging to see an Edin­ they now dangerously good. The pitiful lack of attention Johnny Favourite are one of from, amongst other things, burgh band producing work of this E_din_burgh's perennial pub­ Robocop, Blue Velvet and political style and quality. the band received (except from us, giggmg bands, and the rigours of speeches overlays Gary McCor­ [Contact Gary, 22 Cannan of course) prompted a rethink and that circuit have honed their mack's (formerly of Josef K, The Lane, Edinburgh.] they're back twice as polished and music to a state of near­ perfection. Belief, the first track Exploited, Fun City and Capital James Haliburton twice as loveable. Donna's voice · is as warm as before, only stronger is a boogie down production, sexy and effortless, lazily and with a new touch of menace dancing by. and a sound that was at times ' Then it's Distinction, THE PRALINES kling riff and simple lyrics combine urifocussed is now seamless. more pumping and '50s-inspired, 1HREE SONGS from to produce a New Order/JAMC Sugar Valentine is a with an even greater display of a crossover. The other two tracks wonder of a song (nobody writes voice and backing vocals that are (probably) the best thing in Galash­ tighter than a chuffs gnat iels, which doesn't say much for leave little impression, with un­ lines like "I'll scratch your eyes Ending off, Foolish Pride is a Galashiels. Straightforward indie pleasant lyrics and cliched backing. out if you give me the time" any ballad and like most ballads, it's pop with few frills - what they do is The impression is that with some more), Listen is heart-felt and boring. competently executed (ihough work the instrumental side could heart-wrenching, while Lily White Johnny Favourite are far improve leaps and bounds, as could Handkerchief opens up a whole from ground-breakers. When muffled production dulls any edge), they let go the joint will swing but what with the strongly innova­ the vocals. Strong buckle-tighten­ new musical field for the band. and verily the rafters will shake. tive nature of much of today's ing is in order, but even then would I'm almost embarrassed at But slow it down and the ·independent scene, the tape already The Pralines offer anything new? how good these songs are. Al­ excitement that is central to sounds dated. [Contact IA Wilderhaugn, most their appeal -all but vanishes. Galashiels) D~ieFahy . [Contact Michael on Sun Kissed Summer is the 031 346 7473/Scottie on 031 229 best here: kicking drums, a spar- Nick May 9752] Craig McLean substance 7

THE SCISSORMEN DC ELLIS THE SPOOKS Tiffi SCISSORMEN are an Non-stop Go-Go Presenting ... Edinburgh-based band but the D C ELLIS are out to have I like the Spooks. Many a sound is distinctly that of North­ a good time. Their music, con­ murky Edinburgh day have they stantly urging the audience to West England. The vocals float in cheered up with their flyposter a manner reminiscent of Julian indulge in a non-stop all night go­ grins, silly specs and pudding bowl Cope over a backing of a slightly go jam, blends brass and funk into haircuts. an infectiously happy dance less manic Happy Mondays, with Beatles/Monkees emulations distorted Stone Roses-type punky groove. Some might say that go­ come abundantly in an allsort of guitar thrown in for good measure. go had its day in the in the early shapes and forms, yet The Spooks Despite these obvious eighties, and admittedly these also have a spark of joy up their influences, The Scissormen have tracks come dangerously close to a image-take-off sleeve. These four the ability to be more than mere 12" 'U.S. Dance Mix' B-side, but songs pop along nicely; thoroughly wannabes. On the strength of this try telling that to Freddy Funk! As sixties and thoroughly basic with an demo they have the talent and he says, "the only thing you have unchanging up-tempo guitar jangle songwriting capabilities that could to fear is in your bed at night". to keep those mop tops flopping. see them surpass "minor indie Why stop now.just when they're Versatility is not the name band" status and become an enjoying it? of the game. Each song is founded exciting prospect for the nineties. Tim Worsley upon the same catchy structure, Keep watching. with husky backing "ahs" and Robin Mitchell occasional injections of the inciden­ tally humorous. Just enough to break up the repetition of the guitar HUGH REED AND THE riff. VELVET UNDERPANTS Fun, innocent and melodic. REVIEWING this sort of This cute sixties bop-pop that The Spooks do so well would go down thing provides a dilemma: is excellently live, along with a pint. honesty the best policy when It may sore low musically, but it someone has taken time and money soars on the smileometer. to churn out their first musical Alison Brown offering? In this case, honest I • must be. From the hideous Butlin's 1 holiday camp forced wackiness of the band's name, to the undeniably 0 shoddy music, this whole affair is dreadful. The overall impression is of THE DIESEL KINGS young boys playing around on their THE DIESEL Kings, well new synthesizers and trying to • ... er. What about the OK's come up with the sort of thing instead? Oh well, crap names are which briefly throw Half Man Half all part of being a rock and roll Biscuit into the limelight. The joke - ff fl..l;,,-1, .. ,c band but what about the sound, the falls decidely flat on the three dire k Graphics: Sally Garlaru1 songs, the lyrics and that sort of recordings here - Six To Wan, Join thing? When The Church Bells The Police and Satellite Baby. If Ring is a sort of Men They this is your thang, and it's Tarby's Couldn't Hang (y'see crap name) night on the box, Hugh can be type ballad, notable mainly for the contacted on 041 423 5219. . classic line in the chorus "walking John Tuson home alone, I think I'd rather be on my own". Next up Definitive Pop Song was certainly a pop song but definitive of what I'm not sure. Finally, She's Got No firmly in your head. What makes THETHINMEN Reason just about saves the day them different and (dare I say it) ROCK AND roll is dead! with a fairly good tune and sane more interesting than current Bon Jovi killed it and they were lyrics. Overall, the word that rockers is that they do recognise probably aided and abetted by the springs to mind is 'twangy'. the 70's guitar acts but endorse it countless number of back combed, [Contact 0324 562452) with their own individual hard­ spandex rawk outfits. Or was it? Stephen Bennie The Thinmen play rock, come on edged style. Everywhere, the first guys call that an angle? Shoot track on the demo should create your marketing manager, where's enough interest and the remainder the Manchester accent and the of the the tracks show possibilities flares? given the right producer and the Kilmarnock guitar band guitarist cuts the solos to a length that accommodates the nineties The Thinmen play music with ESGAZETTE power and commitment and a lot attention span. [Contact Dave on 0506 of noisy guitars. Their demo has a White Flag solid and well crafted rock songs 82170) THE SONG titles on which have choruses that'Jodge Scott McFarlane Esgazette's demo create an atmosphere reflected in much of their music. Romantic Jackanory images surface in Faded Picture, THE TWIST lyrics seeming strangely appropriate. Astronaut and Lighthouse, and ASSORTED demos of each Here The Twist succeed where other through swelling keyboards and new year invariably contain a wealth pretenders fail - tightly integrating samples of nature emerge land­ of tracks that could blow the indie all instruments and sounding good scapes of bleakness - perhaps a scene out of sight given half a at the same time. post-nuclear world, death-like and chance. Only trouble is, said half The following tracks (Winter eerie. chance tends to be rather elusive. and The King's New Clothes) don't This gives the second half Perhaps this description may be a quite come up to the same standard, of White Flag a definite touch too strong when applied to although that's not to say that "soundtrack" quality, where the The Twist, but the first track on the they're second-rate, with the fo~er sounds are probably best comple­ band's demo is a perfect example of showing that the band isn't restncted mented with visuals. The first the potential often present yet never to single direction, and the latter half, however, is speedier and discerned by those who would showing that they're not short of more percussive but often the undoubtedly appreciate it. ideas either. vocalists's similarities to David Guitar-based, but geetar- You haven't heard the last of Byrne detract from Esgazette's based, Here Is Where I'll Always Be this ... apparent musical talents. examines the narrow-mindedness of [Contact Colin 0592 267359) Magnus Willis small-town living, with charming Donald Walker substance 8

RADIUM CATS JAMES STEWART THE RADIUM Cats are CALL ME CLIVE embaressing keyboard bleeps straight from the New Romantic prime exponents of that most songbook, 1983 _edition. . THE MAN behind ex-band colourful of music genres, psycho­ IF THE word on the Thereafter, the brilliance of the Syndicate is back, though not billy - consequently, I thought I street is to be believed Call Me stringed instruments steps down with a bang, more like with an air of sophistication. At this would hate them. But I don't. In Clive live and Call Me Clive tape a gear as the electronic are a completely different sack of instruments rise to the fore, out stage in his new solo project - fact, they're rather good. With an tattits. Let's hope so. This of place and out of context. the arrangements are not, already established reputation for three-track dem_o _is ~ertainly Forget the technical apparently, complete - the brilliant live shows, they've now !oud_and even v1tno~1c, but toys, beef up the guitars and Call results are decidedly mixed. The recorded what can only be de­ Judgmg by the m~ocre:too-bad Me Clive could be an altogether first track Typical is replete with scriJ)ed as a Fine Demo. vocals. on the o~nmg Bliss, Call , more challenging prospect. polished drum machine and airy Me Chve are a little unsure of Witness them live and you11 see keyboard flourishes, topped off Long Black lrain is a where they, want l? go, or even · what the band can really do. with the New Stewart voice - rousing, bluesy foot stomp of the where they re commg from. [Contact Avril on 031 less whiney and nasal, more type typically associated with such . The _assuredn..ess of the 668 1675] restrained and consequently, groups. But this is no bad thing, it guitars on Bhss suffer from the Craig McLean less effective. Overall, the proceedings is as inspired as it is traditional. smack of a lack of adventurism. Similarly, Thump Thump Thump It's only on 24 Hours that things (wondrous title) skiffs along, but begin to cook, probably because Screaming From-The Grave this most of all harks back to remains the real scorcher. It's a Syndicate's fiery attraction. surprising mix of Steve Albini­ Here, even on an unfinished demo, is a song in full effect type guitar layers dirged with [Contact Clandestine Jesus and Mary Chain atmospher­ Management on 031 557 6999] ics and screaming vocals. Bril- Craig McLean liant' · Keiron Mellotte • e /~

0

- ...... - -- - Graphics: Sally Garland

KITH AND KIN is brilliant in its simple up-beat Shining Through rock 'n' roll style; crashing drums, MOON beautiful acoustic guitar feel, it has "CROSSES comrades, it's . LOCAL Edinburgh band all this and more. The haunting · synth-pop!" Kith and Kin may be new on the penny whistle lament of Heartcry Ah, not so fast you puritani­ scene but their pedigree speaks for is not as cliched as one would THE REALM OF THE SHOPPING TROLLEY cal swines. What you've got here is itself. Fonned like a phoenix from expect, and along with Shining a vocalist with a style not unlike THIS, THE second the ashes of Swamptrash and Through, Wet City Nights and the demo from Edinburgh's Shopping Lawrence of dearly-departed Felt, a Critterhill Varmints, great things other two tracks, it shows the Trolleys is a strange affair complementary backing singer, a are expected from this four-piece, driven °!gency of a band "."hose indeed. While the first demo touch of soul amongst the pop, plus as seen on their recent success in talents lie far beyond playmg showed much promise, their some pretty neat lyrical vignettes The List's demo competition. small gigs in crappy Edinburgh songwriting abilities, at the time, tended not to do the the ideas laid over inventive arrangements of Although the traditional pubs. . . complete justice, the band have what happen to be unavoiably instruments are still important, the Gr~t lyncs, great vocals, now progressed sufficiently on insipid synth backing tracks. sound is taken in an altogether gr~t music. this demo that the three songs You've also got promising different direction. Outside World Ketron Mellotte fully explore their lyrical and ideas in songs like Yoyo Man, at musical topics fully. . ~Hawkwind territory. Sex which is the sort of thing Gary Heart Beats On and And It's Heart Beats On, ~eanwhile uses a tape of a featuring Avril Jamieson of The Davies would hear and say "That is Love demonstrate clearly Baby's newscaster's voice detailing the gonna be such a big hit.." Got A Gun's strengths. Simple Indian Givers on backing vocals, ~ay judge saga to explore the and direct lyrics over a searing has one of those fists-in-the-air issue of public attitudes to sex. Get the idea? Moon are fine rock soundtrack. choruses that just threatens to The final song, Jimmy Jones, is, for those days when the revolution­ Produced by Keith build and build. And It's Love, perhaps, the weakest of the ary rise of the proles seems an Fernley (the man responsible for meanwhile, is a dramatically re­ three, never fully exploiting the arranged early song that opens eternity away, and are really rattier engineering Deborah Harry's female backing vocals but sweet with it. Def, Dumb and Blonde album) it quietly but soon reaches a intriguing all the same. captures the very essence of the powerful and inspiring anthemic Not so much off the wall [Contact Paul Croan on 031 band - a seemingly contradictory climax. The only question that as 100 yards down wind of it. 554 3473] interest in everything 'classic' begs asking is 'What more can [Contact: Rebecca Stuart Walker pop to heavy metal - something they do to get the attention they Fitzgerald or Dave Stewart on previous demos have merely · deserve?'. 031 556 7986.] James Haliburton James Haliburton substance 9

Maybe 1990 will be the year The Mission grow up. With a sizeable hit single in Butterfly On A Wheel\and a well-received album, Carved In Sand, the band seem set to break out of the gothic ghetto into the stadiums. Keiron M ellotte talks to the band's drummer, Mick Brown, about child abuse, Hillsborough and the "groovy" aspects of the Hebrides.

good. So when they asked us to support them at one present even ...) compassionate streak in the band of their hometown gigs we thought we'd better put that has developed into the "burgeoning social Two years ago The Mission were in a something special together for them." conscience" of their new album Carved In Sand. Now bad way. On the musical side, the thrown And by all accounts it was special, an there are songs like Grapes Of Wrath (about the together second album Children seemed to inspired set of cover versions based around seventies "dignity of labour"), and more noticeably Amelia, show a band that had lost their impetus along glam rock, from Roxy Music to Bolan; a performance dealing with the controversial subject of child abuse. the way; on the personal side, bass player that inspired The Guardian to report wistfully "it was "We were getting letters from a girl in the fan the concert you'd have performed in front of the girl club," explains Brown, "telling us that she was being Craig Adams was· suffering tom the \ friend you hav never had." abused .. .I suppose it must be easier telling a third excesses of a rock 'n' roll lifestyle. \ But 1 I "That was the only way I could have summed party. Obviously this upset us all, but it upset Wayne despite these problems they mana~.ed to it up myself," says Brown. "It was good fun, we in particular [Hussey himself is a father] and as a return intact from a ten mopth worlg tour to really try hard to have fun whatever we do." singer and songwriter the only thing he could do in his frustration was to write a song about it. So he did and complete several well-reccbived arena shows ' I'm dead proud of him." in Europe. After this a short lay-off was There is, though, a danger that the subject planned enabling the band members to take a during thcir recording in the surnm,;,: of '89 The and the band's treatment of it will become well-earned break from each other. But as Mission played several European festiv~ls, a hard sensationalised and that it will be seen as an insincere Mish drummer Mick Brown explains, all did slog at the best of times, with the likes of The Cure, effort. "Not really, we wanted people to hear about it, not go according to plan. The Pixies and the Sugarcubes. The culmination was that's why we put it first on the album. Some people and some institutions think that as a subject it should "We just got bored, and we missed eahc their headlining appearance at the Reading Festival in remain unmentioned, swept under the carpet, whereas other. So we cancelled the the break and decided to do August. "You've got to have a certain attitude to we think it should be talked about out in the open and some things ..." playing festivals. It is hard work, especially for us be accepted as a problem. For in the deepest, darkest One of these "things" was a light-hearted 'cos we've got a festival set that's a bit more intense comers of our heart we're all capable of such things." escapade involving a mini tour of tiny pub and club than our normal set, which means at the end I'm venues in the more isolated parts of Scotland. What fucking knackered. Plus, you're not really playing to exactly prompted such a bizarre idea? your own audience. But playing festivals is an "Well it was just a bit selfish on our part interesting experience for a band." this explains a recent rem~k misquoted by the really, we were just sitting there one drunken evening But if it is such a grind, why play them when a press when one of The Mission was supposed to have and we said, Hey, let's go for a holiday to Scotland, band of The Mission's stature doesn't need to? stated that "every father wants to shag his daughter", and then we thought we might as well do some dates "We were recording the new LP at the time which is, as they say, a misrepresentation of the facts. while we're up there. It was ace too, 'cos there's and it gets a bit boring in the studio. So it's a pretty "You always get that, don't you? Some guy twisting some really groovy places up there, the Hebrides good idea to play live 'cos it keeps you excited. But your words and trying to put a downer on everything, were, like, far out. ..", yes, the Hebrides are Lorelei [a mega-festival in Italy] was fun, we had a especially when you're not flavour of the month any geographically somewhat removed from the main good time, and The Cure were a good bunch of lads." more. But I don't know why they bother. We're population centres of Scotland,".. .I just spent my The Cure-Mission drinking exploits (the happy with the song, the whole LP in fact, it's our time going about in the tour van with my mduth wide competitions, the fights, the carnage, the small furry most accomplished yet because we're more confident. open. I couldn't believe it. There is so much beautiful animals) were indeed well-documented throughout the Besides, our friendship and our love is more important country up there. It's absolutely fascinating and summer of last year. But of far more importance were than the music now. These are the things that matter. groovy." The Mission's two benefit shows for the Lockerbie Air Not the charts or the cynics." Brown is not being patronising or sarcastic Disaster fund and the Hillsborough fund. Like most I suppose their drunken appearance on Top Of here, far from it. For "groovy" and " far out" are right-minded folk, The Mission felt the need to do The Pops stands testimony to this enviable phrases he uses repeatedly with the utmost sincerity. something for the victims and their relatives, and philosophy. But then there's a lot to be happy about: But despite being a bit of a hippy and constantly unlike most folk they were in a position to do so: "You Butterfly On A Wheel, the band's most graceful and uttering outmoded catchwords, Brown and The feel kind of helpless don't you? For the Hillsborough poignant single to date, and a welcome taster from an album that will hopefully see them catapulted into Mission do posess a sense of humour (well they'd thing, we didn't really need to be asked, we just did it superstardom and help them break into the big time in have to, wouldn't they?). In one of their more recent immediately. Having all lived in Liverpool for a bit it America. Is this something Mich Brown relishes? madcap escapades the band were reborn as ace was pretty shocking watching it on the telly. The gig "Well, it's all crap really isn't it? Besides, seventies cover version "f1rtists" The Metal Gurus. itself was really emotional as well, I don't know if we I'm surpised by whatever happens to us, regardless. How did this come about? played that well and I know it sounds· like crap, but I As long as we're happf and everything's groovy." "Well we asked The Wonder Stuff to support was really touched by the feeling of it all." Yeah, far out, man. us when we did our fan club gigs and they were dead Here, then, is a hitherto unnoticed (or on- substance 10 substance- ,, - z

Three years after the s ·t of the Commotions, Lloyd Cole returns ith a new album, a nationwide tour an what seems to be a no-washing policy. De ·e Fahy finds him not totally enamoured wit the pop star lifestyle.

hirteen of those new songs make up Lloyd Cole, That should shatter a few of those preconceptions and an impressive collection they make too. They anyway. His general intention seems fairly clear. The t reveal a diversity in Lloyd's songwriting that general approach seems to be a back-to-basics one. should silence some of the cynics. Was there ever any Surprisingly, he doesn't even want his lyrics to be doubt in his mind that he would keep on making records dissected or taken too seriously. after the Commotions split? "No, I don't at all. That's not what they're for. If "It was touch and go at one stage but I just thought, people want to spend their time working them out that's 'well, I'll see what happens. All I can do is write fine, but I ·don't really see the point in writing a song if I songs.' And I think it's gone fine." have to explain what it's about afterwards." The people Lloyd worked with on this new More mature, more relaxed, less pretentious-everything record reads like a who's who of credible contemporary about the new Lloyd Cole seems to point towards a rock musicians. Drummer, Fred Maher, and guitarist, similar change of audience. Is Lloyd aiming to capture Robert Quine, have both played with Lou Reed while the predominantly CD market of thirtysomething Matthew Sweet is a sometime Golden Palomino. It's couples desperate to maintain some sort of credibility? pretty famous company and is an indication of a new "I don't want to be Chris Rea, if that's what you mean. depth that Lloyd wants to inject into his work. The It might well happen but if it does, well, what can I do collision of what could be broadly termed English and about it?" American styles produces some intriguing and varied In other words you can'f afford to alienate anyone these "I don't want to be Chris Rea" results. days. Who's going to buy the record then? "I'd say I had a bad sense of humour actually" "Yeah, I hope that diversity comes across. That was "I would hope those who bought Commotions' records one of the things I wanted to do with the record. But will buy this one as well. We did manage to maintain a what we were basically aiming to create was rock: 'n' fairly steady audience. There was one period, round the ave you missed being a pop-star,Lloyd? The interest that Lloyd's return has generated is a roll music. I hope that's still regarded as an important time of Lost Weekend when we were having some hit "I don't know. New York, you see, is very,very "Well, there doesn't seem much rock music left, which "Absolutely not, no. I'm just back in fairly good indication of his stature in the early part of genre." singles and picking up teeny-pop fans but I think we'd different from living in somewhere like Nebraska. It's there doesn't seem much rock: music left, which may be lost them by the final album. h the job again, back in the public eye. the decade at least Rattlesnakes was a universally well­ Within that genre he feels he has a greater degree of basically a little island off the coast, and the thing about a good or a bad thing. I don't know. But things cer­ received debut and has become the record no self­ "It would be nice if we picked up some new it is you can do exactly what you want to do. There tainly have changed." And it's a bit of a slog." freedom to try out diffuent styles, such as the strings on respecting swdent flat is complete without There was the luscious All Way Down which opens the second older fans with this album" aren't really any set guidelines or rules." Is dance music likely to replace rock music completely? Lloyd Cole is not a particularly happy man, and an intelligence and wit at work which captured the side of the album. Rather strangely, Lloyd claims the record wasn't made "I doubt it I think there's going to be much more I'm a bit disappointed with him. Let's go back a bit Smiths' end of the market, but there was also a definite ''That was one song where I really wanted to do that with the American market in mind. polarisation. In America, in particular, I think rock 'n' iven Lloyd's. long~time fascinatio~ ~ith all To be honest I was never completely convinced by unEnglishness that set it apart. The humour of the Some of the songs are obviously a lot rougher and "I've no idea how it will do. There is certainly an roll music is going to develop along the lines of Guns things Amencan, tt's hardly surpnsmg that Lloyd and his old band The Commotions. The whole references to Simone De Beauvoir and Norman Mailer, guitary, but Long Way Down was one where I wanted g American way of playing, which I think is less self­ and Roses-type bands. approach-the moody image, the hipper than hip drop­ as well as being cleverly funny, were significant this new record should parade quite openly all conscious and which is more in tune with the way I'm "Maybe five years ago bands coming out of to take it as far as I could. I've always liked strings. the influences of that country. He now lives in America ping-seemed a bit too cold and calculating. But The because they recognised the existence of a culture that writing. college were influenced by REM, even Orange Juice. Rattlesnakes had a lot more strings than might be (in New York:) and the album was recorded there. Can Commotions were still an important band because they wasn't specifically English. Six years on Lloyd still "In Chicago, Los Angeles, towns like that, The Now they're sounding Ii.lee Led Zepplin. That's defi­ immediately apparent" you see something in American culture that you feel is were in the right place at the right time. Almost in spite sees it as an influential album. Commotions had a bit of a profile but outside of there nitely the way rock 'n' roll music seems to be going." What is most striking about Lloyd Cole is the general noticeably absent from the British way of life.? of itself punk had produced its own establishment with "I've heard records that certainly owe something to us. absence of the self-consciousness, even preciousness, we never sold many records. This one might do better." And to sound like Led Zepplin is tantamount to having "No, not particularly. It wasn't a question of getting nothing to say. Even in Britain the new breed of bands the same insularity as the lumbering Seventies rock But I can never really be sure because, in the main, I that made many of the Commotions records quite "Of course, rock legend tell~ us that the way to 'break closer to anything over there. I was always struck by the is characterised by a singular lack of personality or monster it replaced. The recent gloriously nostalgic don't really listen. irritating. Lloyd has grown up ("At the age of twenty America" is to tour for months on end a la U2. Maybe place, and I stay there now because I like it. It's a good colour. The width of your flares or the quality of your reviews of the Eighties highlighted the extent to which "It's almost flattering with all these new nine I'm not really the angry young man any more".) the premise is that you can bore the people into submis­ place to make records, and you can go out there at four dope seems to have become more important than your Joy Division, Magazine and The Buzzcocks all seemed bands to think that if you don't make a record for a and with that has come a greater degree of relaxation. sion. That's not for Lloyd, though. in the morning and get a drink: or whatever. A bit like "Absolutely not. No way. I'm too lazy and I don't need politics or what you read. Not necessarily a bad thing at quite content to exist within their own clearly-defined, while then someone will step in and make one to fdl the The uptight, Penguin Classics reading aesthete has been Edinburgh, really." the money that badly. I can remember touring with The all but we desperately need to have some balance. Is the complacent world. By 1984 this had all but broken gap." replaced by a much more straightforward character. Lloyd's not the first maturing English musician to "hang Commotions. At first it was great travelling to places literate and intelligent pop star dead, Lloyd? down and the search was on for something to replace it. Wasn't the problem with the Commotions that you Even the humour's different. His jokes no longer sound out" in America, Sting being a notable recent example. I'd never been to, but you never" get to see anything "No, I think: there'll be other people cropping up. As Right on cue came The Smiths' The Smiths and The made your best and most representative album first? like he first heard them at a Philosophy Department The Englishman in New York is a well-established except hotels and dressing rooms." for myself I know I look pretty educated and literate Commotions' Rattlesnakes, in retrospect two of the You couldn't really take the genre you established on Wine and Cheese evening. In short, Lloyd has loosened public persona by now. compared to Billy Idol, but certainly back at university I benchmark albums of the decade. Both records embod­ Rattlesnakes any further. Yeah, it's a tough life. up. The album's best song, Undressed, opens like this, ''Well, you know, I'm not I'm a bit wary of the whole think I'd be getting a C+" ied something that seems to have been lost in subse­ "We never really wanted to repeat what we had done. "You look so good when 'JOU' re depressed /Better even thing. I mean, someone asked me the other day if I'd quent years-the sense of the release of a record as an The idea of establishing a genre wasn't really one we in your current state of undress/Coolest thing I ever been hanging out with Sting. Nothing could have been event, something you talked about for weeks before­ were keen on. It was against our nature." saw" and continues in the same vein. Does he feel that further from my mind when I decided to spend time in • n 1984 the fresh-faced Lloyd Cole was part of hand, bought and then talked about for weeks after­ Nor was Lloyd too happy with the accusations of the humorous aspect of his writing has been ignored in New York. the burgeoning music scene that was to spawn • wards. In Morrissey and Lloyd Cole you had the return loyd Cole is a better album than we had any bookishness and name-dropping that were levelled the past? "It's the same with all those Scots who move to bands like The Smiths, Prefab Sprout and I of the pop star with something to say. And that's why against him. l right to expect. Lloyd is back doing what he "Well, it was always difficult with the Commotions London and then only mix with each other. Why bother suppose by logical extension The House of Love and I'm disappointed with Lloyd. The release of his "I think the reru.on for the approoch of those early does best - being sensitive, moody and just a bit because of this particular image we had. People moving in the first place? I'm trying to think if I know their ilk: today. The subsequent years have seen signifi­ I imaginatively-titled solo album, Lloyd Cole, should records with all those references was to do with just assumed certain things about the band and had these anyone else British in New York-no, I don't think I do." cant changes, most noticeably the delayed effect dance clever. Who knows, the album's unashamed parading have the feel of an event, the return of a pop star. The having come from preconceptions before even hearing the record." Fair enough. There's no harm in immersing yourself in and club based music has had on the previously insular of rock: influences may be as influential in the coming music scene he's coming bock: to is too blank and too studying American literature and all that, which I really Have you got a good sense of humour, Lloyd? ,. a culwre different from your own, but isn't there a independent music scene. The talk of a revolutionary decade as Rattlesnakes was in the last I just wish Lloyd ordinary. David Gedge and Guy Chadwick: are ordinary enjoyed. "No. I'd say I've got a bad sense of humour actually. danger with America of getting caught up in the whole dance-rock cross-over in the shape of Happy Mondays sounded as if he was enjoying himself a bit more, felt he pop stars and we don't need any more ordinary pop "But now I hopefully can approach song-writing What makes you laugh? materialistic and selfish way of life, the side that isn't and The Stone Roses is ridiculously premawre, but was doing something more than simply being "back in stars. Against all the odds, I think we still need Lloyd in a different way, and I think that's reflected in in the "Um .. .I like particularly foul jokes. Gerry Sadowi~, I ,, glamorised in the writing of Burroughs or Kerouac? changes are certainly taking place. Lloyd agrees. the job". He's better than that And we deserve better. Cole. lyrical content of the new songs." like him. He makes me think: about why I'm laughing. substance 12

THE MISSION Carved In Sand Mercury AS THE newly-improved Mish begin the third chapter of their career, Carved In Sand provides no major surprises just improvements to the established theme. Simon coaxes inspiring solos from his guitar, Wayne still strums his trusty 12 string. As usual the lyrics are as dodgy as ever, references to religion, faith and all things pastoral (featuring real sheep on Lovely) are as abundant as the hair on Wayne's newly bearded face. Only Amelia is unexpected, as it tackles the disturbing subject of child abuse in a no-nonsense manner. Wayne delivers powerful lines such as "Amelia, you make your Daddy feel like a man" with brutal honesty. Deliverance, already a live favourite, bursts into life after McTAPE TWO a spooky introduction and provides an anthemic climax to Side Pouring Down On Leith One, akin to Tower Of Strength on The Children album. .Other highlights are Butterfly On A Wheel, a song as fragile as the Edinburgh Musicians' image it conjures up, and a lively stomp through Hungry As The Collective Hunter. The self-indulgent Lovely apart, it is hard to find a bad NOT SURPRISINGLY, song on this Carved In Sand, definitely the best record The this second offering from the Mission have come up with so far. Musicians Collective is a motely Simon Kellas assortment of the rewarding, the mediocre and the downright bad. Vatican Shotgun Scare's Miranda and Hee Haw's Blood And Gruts (ice cream all round for the Ivor Cutler reference) are in a restrained and superficially tuneful mood, and all the more unsettling for it Cringe's Wildebeest is excellent, fullfilling the criteria for a good song, ie sounding like everybody in general and nobody in particular. Therapy's Transglobal is a confusingly quirky thing that keeps changing tune just when you're not looking and The Ruby Suit's Shiney Bright, despite its Primitives jelly roll, potty time, sticky bun frenzy title, turns out to be a pleasantly forgettable showcase for Donna's strikingly clear vocals. Sharlot And The Rogues deliver Sleepwalker , The Radium Cats give us I Married A Monster From Outer Space and both are highly enjoyable which, despite sounding like every other psychobilly song in the history of the universe, is no bad thing but isn't a particularly good one either. The rest really achieve . nothing more than being bearable. Stephen Barnaby

THE CRAMPS with the mysteries of JOHNNY CLEGG & Africa). And now, with Savuka Stay Sick womanhood (All Women Are SAVUKA (which means "we have Bad and Journey To The Centre awakened), he presents us with Enigma Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful a razor-sharp fusion of western Of A Girl, for example) and World FOR SOME of us too Poison Ivy with all those classic and African styles. \ young to remember the guitar riffs of the fifties and EMI The key to the album's assassination of Kennedy the sixties. DESPITE having played success is its sheer refreshment, question 'Where were you when . . New recruit, Candy Del ~ll-out shows in the UK big­ flowing from a unique, traditional you first chicken danced to The Mar, JOIOS drummer, Nick Knox ttme success has so far eluded African approach to guitars, b~ss Cramps? ' is probably the in the rhythm department ably Joh~ny_ Clegg in our fair country - and drums. The whole album 1s nearest we have to an helping recreate the type of rock unlike m France and his native infused with an unmistakable equivalent. 'n' roll The Cramps fondly South Africa where his albums native rhythm, and Clegg's lyrics The Cramps are remember. Music from a far off regularly go platinum. All this speak of highly topical anti­ everyone's' favourite American place_ tha~ preaches pills and though, is sure to change with apartheid issues in songs such d loonies and now they're in the prom1scmty to an eager youth. the re!ease of Cruel, Crazy, as One (itu) Man, One Vote an Top 40. What an improbable Covers of Muleskinner Beauttful World. Jericho. Yet still optimism thought this would have been Blues, Bop Pills and the Clegg's music reflects prevails, reflected in the sheer just a few years ago. But there traditional Shortnin' Bread are his upbringing. Raised in energy of the songs. · . they are, Bikini Girls With cosy bedfellows to The Cramps' Zimbabwe and South Africa he As the climate of reform Machine Guns is in the charts own songs of adolescent is a Zulu_guitarist by nature: and in South Africa heats up, the and Lux Interior is delivering humour, ridiculous innuendo and er~~ htStory bf forming South voices of people like Johnny lines about being "a drag racer favourite fetishes. The Cramps Afnca s first racially-integrated Clegg and Savuka gain even on LSD". are deranged and sick but most group, Juluka (best remembered more potency. It may have taken four importantly, they're lovabie here for their hit Scatterlings Of Tim Worsley years to follow up A Date With cartoon characters. Elvis but, really, very little has James Haliburton changed. Lux is still fascinated substance 13

3RD BASS television and radio, as well as The Cactus Album the obligatory dirty needle Def Jam scratchings - but this is still an album of novelty and interest It - THE DEF Jam success may lack the venom of Public story continues: 3rd Bass are a Enemy and NWA, but it still caucasian white-boy rap duo, states its case firmly without and their's is a wonhy pedigree, being obsessive. To this add a having gigged extensively with good dose of smart-guy humour, Eric B and Rakim, Salt 'N' Pepa as seen in tracks like Desert and Doug E Fresh. Now, for Boots and the jazzy Satchmo their first LP, they have enlisted spoof Flippin' Off The Wall Like the services of producer Sam Lucy Ball. Sever, whose credits include The Cactus album is work with Mantronix and Run classic rap, neither too hard nor DMC. too soft. Charming yet chillingly The Cactus Album is an streetwise, 3rd Bass' impact accomplished debut. As appears could be vast. As they say, "I . to be the vogue, the track listing left more than a marlc, I left a lists a lengthy twenty "songs", dent, 'cause I'm a product of the of which eight are less than a enviroment." minute long. Of course, there Magnus Willis are links and samples from film,

LLOYD COLE Lloyd Cole Polydor WHAT A strange cat that Lloyd Cole is. Once upon a time he was a verbose, clean cut pretty boy with a penchant for songs about girls that were sexu~ly:enlightened_ by . . Cosmopolitan and looked uncannily like Eve Marie Samt. Tots was a tender sexuality. He also wrote a song about a speedboat. What a weird bastard. And now he's even weirder. Now he's a New York hep dude, unable to find the spare minutes to buy a bottle of Ti~otei or a Bic. Very time-consuming, this hangin'-out business. His album, though, is less weird, much less weird. Ll~yd Cole the , album, like Lloyd Cole the person, straddles contments and Cole s past. Rattlesnakes was early '80s s~ur-of-the-!Iloment_ pop enthusiasm, Easy Pieces was a stoppmg-off pomt, Mamstream THE POPINJAYS it's The Marine Girls with a was just that, now Lloyd Cole is probably the album he's been sense of humour, a girl-fronted working towards thus far. Snap, Crackle and Pop W oodentops and, God help me, · It's a healthy sound, peachy-clean in i~ in!en~ons !ind its One Little Indian but I can even hear bits of The effects. Were it not for the Cole persona and vmce tt mtght Just FOR THE foreseeable Bangles in all this. pass you by. . . . future it looks like the non-major The territory is fairly As it is, the smgle No Blue Skies shows tt all. No-o~e British music scene is going to familiar - boy meets girl, boy else would get away with sounding this angst-ridden over !1 gtrl_ be dominated by two labels - grows to hate girl and vice versa who's too well-read and too pristine. Elsewhere Lloyd clatms hts 4AD and One Little Indian. - but there's also a healthy air of perennial troubling woman looks better when she's depressed 4AD's position is near- . strangeness and insanity in than when she's undressed. What a strange bastard. These unassailable, but as One Ltttle songs like Mr. Space Case and mannered lyrics are married to a very well-mannr:red musical Indian continues to diversify - Killing Cowboys. Even more bent, with guitars that are crisp and rarely excesstve. When from The Shamen to Fini Tribe to interestingly a lot of the songs, Lloyd rocks out, as in Sweetheart and I Hate To See You Baby The Popinjays and back again - noticeably Please Let Me Go Doing That Stuff, asses aren't so much kicked as ~udged. so its stature grows and grows. and I Don't Believe In Anything All of which makes for an album that wont transfix The Popinjays are, I make imaginative use of stadiums like Mainstream could have, but will transfix the suppose, the label's pop band. sampled voices and cut-ups. individual. . It lacks the edge of danger that Lloyd never had in teh And that's classic, hummable The old dance-pop divisions are first place, but this is more than made ur for by Blair Cowan's pop not sickly, charty pop. The getting ever more blurred. retro hammond organ, a rasping harmonica, and the soft sound of a name with all its connotations of Although they break no plastic cup banging o~f a ta~le. Plus of co~se. there's th~t ' twee girls in party party frocks new ground, The Popinjays have plummy, pained, gaspmg v~tce ~d the lyncs of an early 90s beat la-la-la-ing to their hearts' made an album that, given half a poet. Still needs to wash hts hrur though. content couldn't be more chance, could stomp its feet all Craig McLean misleading. This is an album of over the charts. Pop music has ten peerless pop songs. What never sounded so pure. does it sound like.then? Well, Dessie Fahy

and Watt move away from the EVERYTHING BUT childish romanticism of Idlewild's THE GIRL Oxford Street towards the more The Language Of Life important workings of roman<;:e itself. This is never sickly Blanco Y Negro though and EBTG's ability to convey a beautiful and tou~hin~ THE LANGUAGE Of scene in music and verse ts sull Life is polished and perfect. The conspicious. whole album shines with well­ Imagining America's produced soft pop songs, every tearful quaysid~ p~ng, tht: one pleading to be played of view of the lovmg mtstress m state-of-the art CD machinery. Meet Me In The Morning are all Musically it breaks little subtexts which lend themselves new ground, and once again the to the music and atmosphere duo revel in the richness of jazz. that is EBTG. Tracey Thome's The legendary sax player Stan vocals soar and dive and their Getz guests on On The Road, emotional impact give the songs while elsewhere brass direction and marvellous depth. arrangements sit alongside Of all the things she sings about, soothing percussion. Smooth one setting sticks out - "Down - and lilting, this is perfect music icy lanes~ u~d~r a gl~s~ b~u~ " for "interesting" cafes and sky/This ts hvmg, thts ts Iivmg . bookshops. This is living. Lyrically there is an Magnus Willis obvious new maturity as Thome music floats on a cloud ot THE BATHERS airiness, in com~ swe~-w?rd, Sweet Deceit we know this boy 1s senous m Island his emotions. NOW nns is a wee bit Sweet Deceit will never special. After Chris Thomson's have the cash tills a-ringi~g first rather left-of-centre merrily. As an encapsulation of excursion as The Bathers a mood it is utterly perfect. (1987's Unusual Places To Die), Everything - Thom.son's he moves from indie obscurity at growling, Tom Waits-root~d Go! Discs to major label vocals, his literate and heartfelt limelight at Island .. .and wordings, the orchestra_l, _ . produces an something of even minimal feel of the mus1c1ansh1p more obscure and rare _ gel in an instance. 1:here are pleasures. Sweet Deceit is that few discernible melodies as . album, and stone me, it's a killer. such moreso that Sweet Deceit That's not to say it's brutal, hell and its composite trac~s have a no. This is 1he gentlest, most specific, yet vague feeling. It unfocussed, most amorphous of affects the head and the heart sounds. It's hazy and lazy, a and the desires (physical and treasure of leisure. mental), never will it affect the Sweet Deceit is 15 feet or, sadly, the masses. tracks long, ranging from the Chris Thomson, The mere seconds' piano lushness of Bathers and Sweet Deceit are PALE SAINTS The Wreck In The Bay, to the what the term "idiosyncratic" The Comforts Of Madness grandiose meisterwork For The were coined for. This album is Delicious, the latter's highpoint on its own, and as is deserving 4AD being Thomson's repeated of all solitary statements of WITII THE drum roll that precedes the opening track, assertion that he is "19 and I'm brilliance, will go down as a Way The World Is, Pale Saints knock firmly on the head the crazy about you". The insertion classic. argument that unless you embrace dance music, in the way The of a "fucking" at one point is an Stone Roses have, guitar music is redundant and implicityly occasion of numbing eff~t. The Craig McLean retrogressive...... Pale Saints, along with Kitchens Of D1stmcuon, mean the guitar, bass and drums framework will always be i~n~vative and exciting. Each of the eleven songs on the Leeds tno s debut acknowledges the uplifting power of guitars, at times reminiscent of the type of songs the ~unnymen, circa_Heave~ Up Her~, w_o~I~ have ended live shows with. The sound 1s unmistakably md1e (1f the phrase is not obselete) - Ian Master's voice echoes that of Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie in its gentleness and sweetness and the guitars are abrasive and melodic. . . . Each song is introduced by an arbitrary collecuon of n01se that both lulls and prepares you for it. Th_e subtlest of bas~ lines infects the glorious Sight Of You from their debut EP, Bargmg Into The Presence Of God, while the far-away drumming punctuates the dreamlike sounds of Deep Sleep For Steven. The album ends perfectly with Time Thief - a vaguely Banshee-like ~top-~tart that builds into a sweeping guitar ru h. Heavenly action, mdeed. James Haliburton

THE RIGHT STUFF and Ghost of My Life are the successful babes of what Wa Wa otherwise appears a TERRY, BLAIR AND Arista troublesome and awkward ANOUCHKA Picture the scene - marria~e. Fresh and clean, Ultra Modern Nursery you've secured a record deal, their's 1s a youthful and sparkling you're touring touring and your vision where rock's presence can Rhymes debut album is about to come be appreciated but not resolved. Chrysalis out. Then out of nowhere a Elsewhere on Wa Wa, "I started off as the pitiful bunch of pre-pubescent rock's pollution has deadened bass player in Hawkwind, then I brats have a hit with a song hopes of charm and originality. was in a 2-Tone group and then that's the same name as your Somehow The Right Stuff have the Fun Boy 3," Terry Hall band. Pretty bad,eh? Well allowed themselves to join the dead-panned to a bewildered thankfully The Right Stuff appear legions of those searching for the Sarah Greene when he to possess enough creative ultimate rock anthem. Tiresome appeared with his previous band, acumen to shake of the stigma of journeys to discover the "real The Colour Field, on a Saturday that particular association. America" are rarely fruitful while morning kids show. Later he Their credentials are the stale imagery of the lyrics of was to tell her that the umbrella impressive with names such as Miles From Home In This they were offering as a prize Deacon Blue, His Latest Flame Nicotine Hotel should remain the "would be useful if it rains". and Love and Money croppin·g up preserve of third division See that Terry Hall, I but that talent lacks direction. aspiring Lloyd Coles. When The like him, he makes me laugh. Throughout the contending Right Stuff realise that their's is You know it's going to forces of rock and soul struggle a vision with more soul to it than be a good year when he gets to discover a union and only rock, their dreams of success round to releasing a record. occasionally discover that might be realised. After the final Colour Field compatibility. Ministry of Love Magnus Willis album, Deception, things have been quiet but now he's back with a new band and new collaborators - Blair Booth and Anouchka Groce. The music has been polished and perfected but the lyrics are still drily humorous, detailing the nightmare that is life in the twentieth century. Singalong tales of divorce, dying dogs, the flu, paranoia - everyday nursery rhymes, in fact. Inoffensive sounding songs with a viscious bite. "If life was fair, I'd be a millionaire" he sings on Lucky In Luv', but life's never fair in Terry Hall's book. Every 'Once upon a time ..' ends with 'and they all lived unhappily ever after.' Bittersweet cliches of ridiculous simplicity. Makes me laugh, so it does. James Haliburton substance 15

THE BLUE AEROPLANES Swagger Ensign Last seen in these parts opening in spectacular style for REM, The Blue Aeroplanes seem to have learnt something important from their American buddies: the art of the song. Whilst previous Aeroplanes' efforts have sounded fragmented, revealing only the slightest flashes of their true capabilities, Swagger has an altogether more cohesive feel to it. Of course Gerard Langley is still rambling on about God-knows what in a virtually incomprehensible narrative style which is totally unhindered by the conventions of rhyme, rhythm or tune. Nowadays though he's doing it over what is, for the most part a solid and well- constructed backing. There are certainly moments where they simply don't manage to gel together, as on the strangely empty-sounding Weightless, but that is to highlight a small tarnish in an otherwise sparkling crown. On songs like Love Come Round (surely the next single) and Anti-Pretty, The Aeroplanes and producer Gil Norton, who also twiddled the knobs on The Pixies' superb Doolittle, have come up with some of the finest British pop songs in years. And if there's a better climax to an album than the mantra-like chant of Cat Scan History, I've yet to hear it. Surely now The Blue Aeroplanes, having made the transition from stagger to Swagger , can only move upwards. Watch them fly Robin Mitchell

JUNGLE BROTHERS TANIT A TIKARAM Done By The Forces Of The Sweet Keeper Nature WEA THE FOLLOW-UP to Warner Bros the beguilingly successful_ . . African awareness and Ancient Heart is a consohdatton its historical relevance to the for Tikaram, Basingstoke's pop Black American is undoubtedly oasis. It's a neat step sideways the main message pushed by the move which confirms an Jay Bees who align themselves undoubted though embellished closely with the beliefs of songwriting talent. Marcus Garvey. They also Witness the lyric sheet, believe in respect for the HIS LATEST FLAME addictive. In fact, three HLF which reads like Joyce on a bad individual through the power of fans exposed to repeated · day, or bad Joyce on any day: its education like other rap acts In The Neighbourhood blastings of America Blue are contrived, tortured poeticism such as KRSI and BDP. London currently undergoing cold turkey sits uncomfortably on some However on a· wider level they PAY A TIENTION fact at a rehab centre somewhere in fresh, bucolic arrangements. espouse more teUurian values fans. The miaowing harmonica Dunbartonshire. Tanita thinks "it's a simple love where humanity and the mother on His Latest Flame's In The For the rest of us, In story", and it probably would be earth are mutually Neighbourhood comes straight The Neighbourhood is a drug of to Ezra Pound, but I'm lost. interdependent. We're talking from tho same mouth that blew diluted but lasting effect The Only when the sentiment is as seriously ozorie friendly boyz. its way through Karma aforementioned guitar frenzies , honest as in Little Sister This is an album of Chameleon. Judd Lander is he, like on Londonderry Road, are Leaving Town does the rest of it ideas put to a powerful groove. and what a star he is. certainly frenetic, but not in the .- Tanita's breathed vocals, It pays homage to African vibes In The Neighbourhood way of death speed crush grind Helen O'Hara's definitive violin, and the hard immediacy of hip is the much-delayed album from metal muthas, more frenetic in the luscious strings - feel hop. Afrika Bambatta is their His Latest Flame. Its essential the way of lots of other polite natural. inspiration and their mentor but components are woah woah Glasgow bands. But HLF stand Mood songs work well, their true soul brothers have to woah harmonic chants, scorching apart by virtue of their rich too. Consider The Rain lilts be De La Soul who are. as they Hazel O'Connor chants, never- vocals and backing harmonies along in Celtic swirls that Mike put it themselves "our parallel ending guitar frenzies, and a (see Take It In Your Stride), and Scott would be proud of, but and somewhat related". There brace of charging choruses that the fact that their songs are otherwise Tikaram is coming is a similarity in their styles - are frightening in their never too catchy to beco~e close to creating a work that is the use of daisy hop rhyming hookiness. irritating and sugary, but mstead all style and no content (they . which was a feature of 3 Feet America Blue, for they're written and delivered said the same thing about Sylvia High and Rising is also a feature example, is good, damn good. A with precision and passion. And Plath's early poetry though, of this record. However The tale of US servicemen, GI brides as for that moothie, whoo-eeee. didn't they?). True, at one point Jungle Brothers are more and tan tights, it is glorious and Graig McLean she seems to be singing about structured in their writing and so "lots of fucking", but it turns out they avoid the sprawl of DLS. to be her diction pained and The influence of rap-swing acts, mutated by a "philosopher king". like Bobby Brown, who have VOIVOD have transformed themselves And until she drops the songs with rap in them is also Nothingface into a very puzzling, elusive, Jabberwocky and failed and evident However The Jay Bees slippery thingy, almost Woolf-isms, her albums are are rap with songs. MCA impossible to categorise. destined to gather dust beside The political beliefs of FOLLOWING the last Each song has about Fleetwood Mac CDs and The Jungle Brothers may not all LP Dimension Hatross, in which fifteen different tunes and forgotten copies of "The Ragged be logically reasoned but they do the' Voivod creature was doing changes in speed, stopping, Trousered Philanthropist". She raise points of discussion and something or other in outer starting and altering direction almost got it together. any pop music that does that space, confronted by a horrid like nobody's business. There's Now I hope you all can't be bad. The last word has world rules by malicious even a (not particularly good) appreciate my pseudy literary to be left io the Jay Bees, "All of technology, 'technocratic version of the Barrett period references. yo minds have been set into a manipulators' and _the like, . Floyd classic Astronomy Stuart Walker trance, so instead of fightin' out Nothingface sees 1t, erm, domg Domine just for good measure. your problems, we order yawl to something else in space and ... Altogether, though, Voivod are a well, I won't spoil the Story fo~ band who still strike me as more dance." 1 Scott McFarlane you. Besides I haven t a sodding interesting than actually good. clue. Nonetheless, Nothingface once From a band that again establishes them firmly at started off attempting to be the the vanguard of, enn, French­ most extreme thrashers in the Canadian avant-garde metal. world, but who succeeded only in Hah! being labelled the most awful Stephen Barnaby thrashers in the world, they substa.nce 16

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"Hey, yeah, we're in .a band, we've just been signed, here's · fifteen pints of expensive lager for you." How many times has that happened to you in a pub? Not m_any, I'll bet. ·That's because, as Craig McLean reports, the chasing and wooing and signing of bands involves far more than just wads of dosh and loads offree meals. We are entering the shadowy world of A&R.

Win

process which becomes game. If a few companies they need to survive. Bands though, such as C::BS, have a · mysterious and glamourised happen to be interested in a have to buy equipment, rehears~, reputation as being more because bands and A&R people band, discretion and covert be on a stage, pay their lawyer, ' concerned with attracting bands shady, mysterious want it to be. There shouldn't accountant, you can't begrudge to their fold through enorm9us wor1a or recora company dealings may mean the difference really be. any mystique involved between harvesting this latest any of that." . financial incentives, rather than big business, little is more at all." crop of young talent or missing But have the amounts of building a stable, personal, puzzling than the process Such mystique, out completely. Behind this cash on offer to bands risen in committed relationship with the through which bands are however, is impossible to avoid discretion the amount of money the past few years? artists. Kenny MacDonald, actually signed to label, when all those involved remain being offered can rise to "I don't think so. manager of The Proclaimers and so tight-lipped - bands, Bands were getting signed for recent Chrysalis signings The and the role that A&R ludicrous sums. Which, in the managers, record company view of van Emden, is not £100 000 six or seven years ago. Liberties, rejects this money­ people play in such personnel, all are extremely necessarily good for the bands or The Roaring Boys at CBS were based ethos: "It's got more to do ,, transactions. A&R reticent to divulge even the the business: "Say lots of record signed for £300 000 if I remember with the shape.and style of the people? The initials stand slightest inclination as to who is companies are looking at a band correctly in 1981-82. But they individuals and the company. for Artiste and Repertoire, chasing a particular band, what . and they're all winding each are probably rising with But there are artists and · stage negotiations are at, or inflation." managers who think that the and what that means is other up, this so~ of bidding whether this band is in fact the starts and everybody gets egged Figures like £100 000 larger the initial offer, the more seedy, unshaven low-lifes next big thing. And if you want on by it. Sometimes, the highest and £300 00 slip easily from the attractive the record company. In (of both sexes), who skulk any actual figures, forget it. bidder ends up with the group tongues of A&R people. But my experience that's never been around clubs and pubs and Probing questions will simply be and they might not even be the where exactly does this money, the case. With The Liberties, for venues, dispensing their met by a welter of stock phrases company that wants to get them "the advance", go? On coke, example, I know for a fact that I - advance, development deal, most. It becomes like cadillacs and concubines? could have gone to certain other cynical "wisdom" to no­ publishing rights, long-term companies and got more money, hope dead end groups, or investment, unrecouped, pick up "Really it's a very simple process which becomes but these people tend not to be the option - all designed to plying would-be pop stars mysterious and glamourised because bands and A&R in long-term interests of the further confuse the outsider and band. There are companies that who posess that certain people want it to•be." - Danny van Emden. something with free pints romanticise the whole business. are easy to get money out of and of snakebite, the odd posh So what is the lowdown, not very good at doing anything what exactly is involved in the brinksmanship and I try not to "The core_of any else after that." . meal and vast sums of cash process of a record company get involved in it" advance is what the band want James Oliva, manger of if only they will sign to this signing a band? to pay themselves," says Gurr. Win and ex-manager of last "If it's £150 a week, which after year's EMI hopefuls~ or that record company. "It depends on the tax is £100, that's not a huge Edinburgh's Syndicate, is less . The band sign for an situation," says van Emden. ronnie Gurr, Virgin's wage in this day and age. If it's dismissive: "From the way astronomical figure, are "Sometimes a band are at a A&R manger in Scotland, is a six piece band, immediately record companies work, a band really early stage so you might instantly mega-rich mega­ more pragmatic. "It's a market that's a £900-a-week wages gets signed and the lesser · go and see them a few times, stars, the A&R person place," is how he puts it; yet bill, which is £3600 a month. people in the company hear the take it very gradually. Maybe points out that this doesn't mean Multiply by twelve and there's word that, 'Oh god, ·they cost us scores another coup, and the band's not ready either. that a band will necessarily go the best part of £50 000 before a fortune'. It creates a little the record company has Other times it's a real rush the highest bidder. "We signed anything." -~- magnetism, people tend to sit up another world beating because you suddenly find this Danny Wilson and it wasn't a £50 000? That's and take a bit more notice band and they're really good and band. Everything is hunky huge deal - it was sizeable but nothing. Van Emden: "I would because they know_there's inore you feel that the time is right for dory. not a six figure deal. Granted it say that a lot of people think money flying around." them to sign, and you want to Or at least that's how was a few years back, but I think Oliva should know. get in there before anybody else that unless you sign a band for a they actually signed to us for Rumour has it that during their the story goes. But Danny van does." six-figure amount they're not Emden, A&R manager at Virgin , less than Warner Bros were taken seriously within a stay at EMI Syndicate spent is keen to point out the reality This then, is part of the offering. company. But I think that's something approaching £750 OOo behind the facade. "Really, it's a reason for the cloak of secrecy "The bottom line is that rubbish." of the company's money. Since ~ very simple and straightforward that surro~nds the signing-up you have to give a band what Some record companies, signing in 1986, the band worked substance 17 with, in the words of Oliva, "four scene, and the rest is recent pop somebody in particular likes or five producers" in "endless history. ''London would much .------. them. People move around so studios" before eventually rather let that £250 000 go than WHAT THEY GOT: much in record companies that producing their album invest another £250 000 in the · they might end up on the label themselves. Dilly-dallying such same group; they'd rather pick without the support they started as this does not come cheap in up another group and spend the .he record company advance reputedly off with." the music business. As it money they would have.spent on received by several Scottish acts: Indeed - two months transpired, Syndicate's Keep this second album on developing after signing The Proclaimers, album, despite enthusiastic a new group." .their A&R man promptly left the critical responses, fared poorly in Such are the hidden WET WET WET £140 000 (Phonogram1 Chrysalis, leaving the band the sales stakes, and the band dangers of apparently huge without that vital inside contact. split shortly after its release. amounts of money being lavished BLOOD UNCLES £ 80 000 (Virgin) But as MacDonald says, "We upon a band. The record didn't suffer through not having company, obviously anxious to DANNY WILSON ( ) that, if anything we probably Sim ilar instances of see a return on its investment - £75 000 Virgin benefitted. It made my work a bands incurring huge debts are and it is important to remember bit more involved and a bit well known, although few people that record companies are GOODBYE MR MACKENZIE £70 000 (Capitol EM/) harder, but I didn't object to that, concerned, for obvious reasons, money-making concerns above I probably learnt a few things are too willing to disucss them. anything else, not simply PROCLAIMERS 'C faster." Love and Money, for example, unlimited sources of funds to £70 000 I' hrysalis) What, then, should the are reputed to have incurred enable bunches of kids to play at aspiring band, on the verge of a "substantial" costs while being pop stars - will have to TEXAS £60 000 (Phonogram) signing a major contract with a recording their two albums for think long and hard about the major label, do? "You should try Fontana. James Grant himself ~uture of any act that isn't cutting GUN £40 000 (A&M) and meet not just one A&R has put the figure as somewhere 1t. man," thinks Clark. "Try and in the region of £2 million - and "It's very difficult," meet other people in the still that elusive hit evades the concedes Danny van Emden. "If DEL AM/TRI £35 000 (A&M company and find out what the band's grasp. Likewise, The Big I signed a band for a helluva lot feeling is about your own stuff." Dish left Virign amid rumours of of money and they were DEACON BLUE £35 000 (CBS) The secret, then, is to a signifanct debt hanging over unrecouped," that is, not raking get your "stufr' heard by as their heads. As for'Win's in the dosh to pay off their debts, HUE AND CRY £30 000 (Circa) wide an audience as possible, checquered career, Oliva "then I think the worst thing is both inside and outside the describes their difficulties with to panic them because then you record company. And, in the London, the band's first label: lose the essence of the band. All IND/AN GIVERS £30 000 (Virgin) view of Kenny MacDonald, "We ran up a bill of the signings I've made while bands must plump for the record £250 000 there and it got to the I've been at Virgin," including WIN £25 000 (Virgin) company that offers the best all- point where London were saying E{linburgh's Indian Givers, round deal, not just the most they wanted us to change the "have been, by the standards svNDIC:A TE money. For The Liberties "there lyrics on various songs for that you read about in the press, ,.___'_, ______£_1_5_o_o_o __ (E_M_1) __ _, is no doubt that the people at singles because they felt they , fairly modest." Chrysalis are the best people for were a bit too strong for daytime · So as far as the creative courted by a rabid pack of A&R also the people in the company the band to be involved with. Radio One. We didn't happen to side of a band is concerned it is people_ indeed, 27 record who are committed to them and But every band needs a different think that They wanted us to do prudent to seek a more "careful" company scouts were present at are going to make it work for the thing; The Inspiral Carpets, as a one song and we wanted to do · advance to offset, at least one of their gigs in Calton band are important too. The young band, need something another for the next single, so partially, any future pressure Studios. The band, however, band is going to have to work different from what The Liberties we did the one we wanted to do, from the record company? - took a measured approach, with them for a long time." need in a record company." thought we did a great job on it, "I'd say so. That could refusing to be swayed by the Ronnie Gurr agrees that Yet still crucial to the but because of the financial come across as a record more extreme offers of the it is important for the whole business is that engimatic pressure ... " company being stingy, but I think chequebook-wielding brigade, personalities involved in signing A&R person. They hold the key "London are a good the most important thing is that . opting in the end to sign to Virgin a band, particularly the A&R that unlocks the doorway to the example," says MacDonald. you give them enough to live on off-shoot Circa Records (home of person, to stick by them: promised land that is the Record "They were the ones that and enough to make the album Hue & Cry, Paul Haig and Neneli "You're the one they deal with Deal. Huge sums of money wanted The Proclaimers to cut ·that you want and that they Cherry). In an interview with initially, the first contact they beckon (apparently) and down the accents, get crew-cuts, want. Most intelligent groups, Substance at the time frontman have with any record company, overnight success is just ~und and wear designer shirts. These that's what they want to do Nick Robertson outlined his you're the first person that goes the corner (so it is said). Plain kind of ideas from a record these days ... " position: "I want to get the ball to their gig and talks to them · speaking by the likes of Danny company just make it a non- Certainly this seems to back in my court as soon as about their demo." van Emden ("I try to paint a starter situation." be the line that an increasing possible. I don't want to take a "A good A&R man is realistic picture of what Virgin As for Win, they left number of rising stars seem to lot of money off the record not there to command the can do for a band and what we're London, the label wrote off the be taking. Last summer saw company 'cos it costs the band direction of the band," reckons like") reveals only a tiny debt, Virgin appeared on the Edinburgh band Slice being at the end of the day. If you MacDonald, "or do anything to glimmer of the reality behind the don't take too much you end up the detriment of the band. facade. A self-perpetuating . in profit quite quickly. A lot of They're there to bounce ideas myth will always shroud the bands will have to sell millions of off. The A&R man is the guy whole business of signing bands: albums worldwide to break even. that is passionate about the with secretive company people, It happened to The Big Dish, it's band's affairs and will be a bull-shitting managers, and happened to Love and Money." bridge between the band and the evasive band members, it is Such a money-oriented record company." inevitable that half-told stories approach to the making of music But there are problems of astronomical financial may attract accusations of a cold here too, as Gary Clark of Danny enticements and shadowy and calculating attitude, but the Wilson, Gurr's most notable wheelin' and dealin' will merely reality is, as Robertson says, signing, points out: "I think it's add to the generally furtive and "anyone who sees themselves probably more difficult for some enticing mystique of the music as a potential pop star must see hands that get a deal 'cos biz. themselves as starting a business." After all, the A&R people treat it as a business, their record company superiors Moray House treat it as a business, so why Edinburgh should any band suffer delusions , sPooKs Saturdays as to their purpose: they are there to make money for the Feb 24th · label. If this is so, why shouldn't Frenetic pop-funsters, The Spooks & the band themselves profit at the invite ~ to the ultimate '60s April 21st same time? Furthermore, as multimedia experience at their very 10 - 3 am shown by the case of Win at • own BIKINI CLUB. London, and undoubtedly in Admission £2 . numerous other instances too, · financial subservience to a record · company can quickly translate into their control over a band's direction, content and output, which should never be the case.

W ith reference to Slice, van Emden is approving: "It would have been so easy for them to go to the highest bidder. Gary Clark Somebody in their position has to look for a reasonable deal; but substance 18- • • •

Edinburgh's former 'sonic art terrorists', Fini Tribe, have recently released their debut album for One Little Indian, Grossing JOK. James Haliburton caught up with the trio just before the commencement of their tour and discov­ ered the humour behind the politics. Photos by Nicholas Schad.

IIT rying to be shocking just doesn't work released the single Curling And Stretching on their own say, and make them all run in time. We used to have to any more. Jumping around on stage, record label, Fini Flex. At this stage the usual line-up of get everything played by someone and by the end often the screaming and taking your clothes off guitars, bass and drums were still very much in evidence. idea was lost" are things that have been done so much they Six years later and Fini Tribe are reduced to a three-some · At the beginning of this year the band released · of Philip, David Miller and John Vick; as the personnel Grossing IOK, their first album for One Little Indian and have no impact Our approach is more satirical." has changed, so too has there approach to music: follow-up to their debut, Noise, Lust & Fun. The albums Philip Pinsky is talking about Fini Tribe. A few "First of all we got a small sampler and it could do good have little in common; both are dance based and both years ago most people would have thought 'jumping things," explains John "but it could never do as much as exploit technology but the moodiness and inpenetrabilit)' around on stage etc' a fair description of the band. Their we wanted it to do. Now it's becoming easier because of their debut is completely absent from Grossing lOK and live show.s were as dramatic as they were rare, falling we've got some more machinery. has been replaced by an array of obscure samples and somewhere between art and noise terrorism, they confused "We don't have to have someone drumming the glorious hooklines, most of all the album is funny. The the inquisitive and excluded the unadventurous. whole time because we have the computer to do that - we humour is seen by the band as being due both to an The barld formed in 1984 as a six-piece and can edit and change it We can use sounds from cartoons, increase in confidence and a desire to avoid being ignored. substance "We decided we had to 19 bring the sense of humour to the about and we could get on with front to reflect our personali­ the new Fini Tribe as opposed to ties," decides Philip," and it's a the old Fini Tribe. way of making people listen." "Unfortunately, Fast John takes the point even Forward [former Scottish further: "We can do really distribution company] went bust angry songs. In fact, it's quite so we had to look elsewhere. easy. Now we've got all these We went to Rough Trade for ridiculous vocals and ridiculous distribution for the label but they guitars you can still be schizo didn't think we'd be able to do but it's really funny. all our own work. One Little "We ridicule serious Indian were really interested and matters because they deserve it. we worked out a deal. Now, The end result is people are Fini Flex is the music production entertained but take home a company; we get the finished point. Everyone knows this is item and give it to them and Mrs Thatcher's wasteland," he they then promote and market it" laughs" but you've got to move • ust as the band's music on from that." has undergone serious And ridicule they do. changes so too have ·Nothing is sacred from religious ir live performances. During fanaticism to private health care l the first two yea.--s of their and corporate business. Each ex::.tence they p!ayed regularly song a collage of heavy dance but by 1936 the/ had grown dis­ beats, personal J?Olitics and sillusiooed by sta.,dard rock seemingly irrelevant sampled venues and show:;. Drastic voices. Their most famous measures were called for and target to date is, of course, they only performed three times MacDonald's. The first single over the following year- ex­ from the albwn, Animal Farm, is travagant and expensive theatri­ based on the Old MacDonald's cal multi media events. How­ Farm song and their advertising ever, the money involved campaign for it featured the Big became a prooiem mid the live Mac logo together with the self­ shows t.hey do now are more explanatory logo - 'Fuck Off relaxed events. MacDonalds'. Not surprisingly "We used to give the the company was none too wrong impression to audience pleased but the controversy the because we were afraid," posters generated at least gained continues John, "and instead of the band some much-needed becoming exciting because we media coverage. were afraid we became very ''That was good," en­ angry. Now we're just as thuses John, "because we were frightened going on stage but in the press for a while. In the we can laugh about it because of end NME did jump in there the the ridiculous sounds . As because they obviously needed soon as you start laughing you to fill a bit of their paper. They get that communication. wanted to write about us but "One thing we were were waiting until the other doing with all the aggression papers did That's the problem and images," offers Philip, with the press - they're so safe." "which seemed to some people David: "MacDonalds fairly Fascist, was the idea of was just an example of a corpo­ presenting things to people in rate business." the most horrible way and that Philip: ''They do the lot, "We're trying to do what the Pet Shop Boys would bring out the absurdity of burn down rain forests, use lots it All that happened was of wrappings ... " did with £50,000 ... but with £50." people couldn't decide ifwe David: "And they're were pro or anti." very proud of the fact that Now the shows are they've spread all over the world. There's a MacDonalds played. To get a record in a certain shop the guy's got to looser affairs but still as ambitious as Philip is keen to in Moscow." give the guy in the shop free T-shirts and to get in the demonstrate:"Most bands at this stage would just play Philip: "Burger King would have done just as well papers Liz [One Little Indian press officer] has to maybe their guitars and rock out and then when they get bigger but there isn't an equivalent to Old MacDonald's Farm. give them 50 Sugarcubes albums. That's just how it all put on a show with lights and props. We're trying to do ''We're quite a moral band. A lot of the songs are works." what the Pet Shop Boys did with £50,000 but with £50! aimed at this attitude, which is really a Thatcherite attitude Press has, in fact, been a problem for Fini Tribe, It's just as important to for us to put on a really good of 'Don't take what you need, take what you can get'. many journalists and music papers only remember one of show. We 're not just going to go out and play our instru­ That's what we go against We actually think about it, their songs, De Testimony, which was originally released ments there's got to be something to see as well. Our most bands don't." in 1986 but gained infamy in 1988's Second Summer Of personalities are more on show." Love when it was mercilessly sampled by the Acid House What can be the reason for this new-found confi­ ow then do a band with such definite morals cope and Balearic Beats crowd. It's belated success is still a dence, John thinks it's quite simple: with record companies, hardly organisations sense of bemusement and slight annoyance to the band, as "I think it's been the technological advances. h blessed with the highest moral codes. Is an inde­ John points out: Instead of just being guitars, bass and drums some of the pendent label, like One Little Indian, the only company "It was a bit strange because there used to be six songs we play live are totally sequenced - all we do is the they would do business with? people and by the summer of '88 three people had gone vocals. Some people say that's a cop out but it's the only John, however, is unconvinced with the idea that and this song we had done two years ago was popular. way we can do it We can't play all the instruments and independent labels are somehow more trustworth~ We just wanted to move on from it because we didn't feel sing at the same time, we just can't physically do that, so ''The thing about independent labels, they're great, it was wholly ours." we try to make it a show. The alternative is to have ten they get things done but you also get corrupt independent Philip recognises another problem this brought: people playing and us just singing. How could you afford labels who can fuck up a band much more than majors. "It still is an albatross. There was pressure on us to to do that? Plus, we want to bring the technology to "A major has to be honest, it has to be up-front do Acid/Balearic Beats tracks and if anything was a people." Majors are safe, they might not promote you, but they bandwagon Acid House was that The worst thing for us Their singing is something they weren't always so have to pay you. But, of course, a good major is much was the pressure that brought Mostly, though, we just keen to let an audience hear. The Noise, Lust & Fun better." ignored it and carried on." album featured guest vocalists (Annie Anxiety and And as David points out it's not enough to just During the success of De Testimony the band were Rosaghn from Bop Sh'Bam) but Grossing lOK sees them consider record companies in terms of Britain: concentrating on revitalising the Fini Flex label and, exercising their own vocal chords. ''Territories, like America. You need majors to get basically, ignoring the interest De Testimony had gener­ "What happened," elaborates John, "was that we your records into the shops. There's just simply no ated. John explains the details: weren't confident about singing so we didn't do it We alternative." He recognises too that even with the amount · "Because Fini Flex is such a small thing we were did some little bits ourselves but we couldn't take every­ of control the band have with their products on One Little doing quite well with it and we made a video for Elec­ one with us so we tried to do it ourselves, trying to Indian, there are certain things there is just no control trolux. It got loads of TV play and loads of people found recreate the songs using our own voices. By the time it over: out about us through that. Although, it wasn't as success­ came to do this LP we wanted to try it ourselves." ''There are horrible things they do to get records ful as De Testimony it was something for us to be proud Fini Tribe - funny ideas, seriously executed. .r

GOODBYE MR MACKENZIE THE NEW SINGLE Available from March 19th on 7", 3 track 12", 4 track CD and cassette