New Triffids books launched amid political controversy MARK COLVIN: It's been the day of The Triffids in Perth. I'm talking about the Perth band The Triffids whose past is at the centre of a row over architectural conservation. It centres on a late 19th Century jarrah house called The Cliffe, where the Triffids late singer and songwriter David McComb once lived. There are also two new books involving the band. David Weber went to the book launch for PM. DAVID WEBER: The Triffids seem to be getting more attention now than at any time since the band formed 30 years ago. The large crowd that turned out for last night's launch in Fremantle in terrible weather, is testament to that. Triffid Alsy MacDonald, says the new books fill a gap that's been there for decades. ALSY MACDONALD: I'm pleased that they're out there because there hasn't been a great deal written about the band in a long time. I mean there were things that formed chapters of other people's books maybe 20 years ago or thereabouts; but to have a book that's dedicated, particularly to Dave's writing, is I think a really encouraging step. ('Wide Open Road' plays) DAVID WEBER: Nick Cave, Judith Lucy, Steve Kilbey of The Church and Dom Mariani of The Stems are among those who've contributed to the book about the band. The book's co-editor, Niall Lucy. NIALL LUCY: We wanted to pay respect to the work by creative experimental means, using as you say, a whole series of written pieces which are kind of generically very diverse but equally we were interested in all kinds of visual ephemera. DAVID WEBER: There's an episode in there that's about The Cliffe itself; how important is the house to the story of The Triffids? NIALL LUCY: I guess in biographical terms it's very important. It's his childhood home; it's a magnificent residence, slightly dilapidated these days though I don't hesitate to add that it's structurally very sound. DAVID WEBER: Should the house be saved? NIALL LUCY: Well of course. DAVID WEBER: The Cliffe was removed from the heritage list by Labor and Liberal MPs before the last state election. The house is in Colin Barnett's seat of Cottesloe. A complaint was lodged with the Corruption and Crime Commission earlier this year claiming Mr Barnett's push to have the house de-listed was linked to the current owner's shareholding in a company run by the Premier's son. Clearly exasperated, Mr Barnett said the complaint had nothing to do with the heritage value of The Cliffe. COLIN BARNETT: It's about The Triffids! It's about The Triffids! Don't you get it? It's about The Triffids. DAVID WEBER: Despite the denials of the Premier and the property's owner, the issue was referred to a parliamentary committee, which is still gathering evidence. One of those who made the complaint, Sydney resident Brian Waldron, says it's the Premier who's obsessed with The Triffids, not him. BRIAN WALDRON: The house is a very significant building to Western Australia. It's also attached to the life of Dave McComb and the creation of the band The Triffids. That's a valid association but it's not the sole thing. I mean we haven't gone in and said 'This is all about The Triffids'. The Premier has this obsession with The Triffids and I don't know where that comes from. ('Wide Open Road' plays) MARK COLVIN: David Weber prepared that report on The Triffids..