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From: Emmet O' Briien
Q.Just wondering in the liner notes story in the Lazy Line Painter Jane sleeve is the man with the quiff Morrissey? and I also just want to ask you as a prose writer myself what prompted you to add the piece of prose to your sleevenotes? They're very enjoyable. Were you inspired at all by Bob Dylan and his stream of consciousness liner notes of his 60's heyday? Thank you for your time!

A. It's curious, because the man with the quiff is more likely to be Biff from The Starlets, which I happened to mention in my diary randomly yesterday. Or someone like him.

I was moved to writing notes because I realised I had a certain amount of power over anyone who was listening to the records, so I thought I'd exploit it! That's only half true. They always feel like neccessary footnotes to the musical content. A little bit of extra backround.

It never occured to me that what I might be doing was a carry-on from previous artistes. (Amazingly!) The one that sticks out in my head are the notes to The Brilliant Corners 'Growing Up Absurd' which were cool, adding coolness to a record that I thought was pretty cool to start out with. Coolness squared.

Stuart - 23/01/05

From: Matthew Tennant
Q. Hello all, I have this rather amusing but not altogether ridiculous idea that you will one day cover a Pet Shop Boys track, or at least include one in a live set. What about 'I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing' or possibly 'London'? I hear that Neil Tennant is a fan of yours, so I guess he would be rather, erm , flattered. Thanks, Matt.

A. That would be great fun, I'm sure. I think they have some brilliant songs that would stand up to being mauled by the seven of us. I'd like to have a bash at Paninaro. That gives me an idea...

Sarah - 21/01/05

From: David
Q.Hey Stevie, your new song " I Took A Long, Hard Look" is great. I can't help be reminded of early 70's Beach Boys though which I'm sure you won't mind too awful much. Additionally, I'll be in NYC for my birthday the 27th of January. Can any of you recommend a nice spot in Manhattan to have my birthday dinner?

A. Angelica's..a really good vegetarian place which is actually more of a cafe I suppose..they do a great open tempeh sandwhich..I think it's on 11th and 2nd or maybe 11th and 1st...I can't quite remember.  Have a wonderful birthday.

Stevie - 17/01/05

From: Eli
Q.Hey Stevie, how are you? Last night I saw this band called 'My Latest Novel', really good stuff! Have you ever seen them live? And if so, do you like them?I think they are Scottish, from Glasgow - or at least that's what I got, I am not very good at accents! Have a nice day and take care - Eli

A. Yeah well, I've made a good job of continually missing this band despite the fact that they play every week in Glasgow just about.  The one time I got it together and I was yards away from where they were playing I met their manager who informed me that the gig had been cancelled.  I think they might be playing on Sunday or something..I'll try and give it another go.

Stevie - 17/01/05

From:
Q.I wonder if you been playing a velvet underground song live or recorded one

A.

We've played a few live.

Let's see..

'What goes on' which we played the first time we went to New York.  I think we learned it at the souncheck.

We've also had a go at 'I'll be your Mirror' and 'Waiting for the Man'  neither of which we learned, we just launched into them. 

'Waiting for the Man' was memorably sung by a member of the audience in Belfast. Quite brilliantly as it happens.

Stevie - 17/01/05

From: tim
Q.stevie, do you think mike nesmith is an underrated songwriter/singer/muscician? his monkee songs were some of the best, and his solo stuff was great.

A.

Don't get me started.  Look I really love Gram Parsons but Nesmith is the man, a true pioneer of country rock..one of the greatest singers of all time with a truly destinctive style and a brilliant songwriter to boot.

Every Monkee album contains at least a couple of bits of Nesmith brilliance..some faves...

Sweet Young Thing

You just may be the one

You told me

Don't Call on me

What am I doing hanging 'round

Good clean fun

....and lest we forget, the awesome

Listen to the band..."Weren't they good the made me happy, I think I can make it alone"

Stevie - 14/01/05

From: alex
Q.Hey Stevie - I was just wondering how many times you had seen Bob Dylan, and how those respective times were in terms of concert quality. Take care - a

A.

I've seen Bob 5 times I think all in Glasgow...the last couple were the best...he had a great suit and a great band and was smoking.  I also saw him in 95 I think...and that was great too although not quite up to his present form...I remember he played 'Tears of Rage'  fuckin WOW.

Bob's always good...the first time I saw was 89...he played 'Barberra Allen' in the acoustic set...something else.

Stevie - 06/01/05

From: Mike
Q.Hi Stevie, Because you've professed your love of the album 'New Morning' does that mean there is a chance the band will someday cover 'Time Passes Slowly' or 'Sign On the Window'? I'll bet you guys would do an amazing job with both--sounds so good in my mind I can almost hear it... Of course I could hear it for real if you covered them the next time you play the San Francisco area! Cheers! Mike

A. Those are my two favourites off the album...I do my own kind of version of 'Time Passes Slowly' at the piano in my house...'Sign on the Window' is way too hard.  Dylan's piano playing on that LP is simply out of this world.  San Francisco seems so far away..I really miss it somtimes ( I was there for a party once)

Stevie - 06/01/05

From: André
Q.Oh silly me...in my first mail I was referring to the 2003 Utrecht gig. Of course it was this year, 2004. It says a lot about my age (39), forgetfullness and about we remember things in general. But I wander off and I get too philosophical, please forgive me. Cheers, André

A. You are forgiven..in fact I'm not as old as you but I have the habit of being 10 years out of date..I always think I'm in the 80's..eg. "yeah well, we made our first album, Tigermilk, back in 1986"

Stevie - 31/12/04

From: André
Q.I was wondering (and still am, actually) whether you, Stuart, have been listening to a lot of Motown stuff, because everytime I put on a B&S CD I hear something very "soulful"-(apart from the Scot soul of course). BTW: in the leading Dutch music magazine OOR the B&S gig in Utrecht in 2003 has been dubbed one of the most essential gigs of the last 40 years (which I wholly agree to, but consider that for moment....B&S next to Madonna and Prince and the like!) A very happy New Year to you all and God bless. André

A. Thank you very much for your flattering comments. It will get you everywhere.

Yes, I listen to Motown and Stax and Redbird and a bit of Chess, but not rabidly. Just in the way your uncle would.

Like William Blake, Jerusalem and England, I want to build Hitsville in Glasgow.

Stuart - 30/12/04

From: emily
Q.hi stuart, i've a question for you about morrissey. i read that you lost interest in him after viva hate - why was that? i prefer him with the smiths as well but he's done some great work on his own, i think. i saw him in philadelphia this past october and hearing him do 'there is a light' and 'now my heart is full' was one of the best experiences of my life. best wishes for the new year. xoxo emily

A. I changed, he changed. God, I think his new records are turgid.

I don't like too much though, so best not ask me that stuff.The Smiths records were the very blood in my veins.

Stuart - 30/12/04

From: Liverpoolbud
Q.Afternoon, i know you guys are currently holed up in the studio making sweet music together, but can you confirm whether anyone in the band is currently involved in any side projects that will see them hitting the road , djing or releasing any new material? Also i love watching you folks play live! ive been to a number of gigs .... and i seem to remember when you played liverpool about this time last year there were a number of posters round the gig saying that a video production company were recording on that evening? will the liverpool gig or any of its contents ever see the light of day? hope to catch up with you all soon.

A. Yes, that gig was being filmed for a TV programme, a drama based on the song Lazy Line Painter Jane. Don't know what stage it's at. Maybe Neil will know. If I remember rightly, LLPJ was not very well played that night.

To answer your other question, any side projects like DJ'ing and other records will be on the news section of this site.

Mick - 28/12/04

From: Eli
Q.Hi Stevie, I think that I need your help! I will be DJing at a Xmas Party and I would like the track list to be classy cheese(I was told that classy and cheese don't go together but I don't believe it).I was thinking some Sixties stuff (Dusty, Beatles, Stones, Mowtown...), Queen,Saint Etienne, Smiths, James and so on. Have you got any suggestions? Also..I have a little Xmas suggestion for you...you should listen to the Kings of Convenience's Riot on an empty street, brilliant! Buon Natale! - Eli

A.

Don't go breaking my heart...Elton and Kiki

Feel the need in me..detroit emeralds

Rock me Baby...George Macrae

I feel for you...chaka khan

rebel yell..Billy Idol

Olivers Army...Elvis Costello

Suspicious Minds..the King

Don't forget your copy of Saturday Night Fever soundtrack whatever you do.

Stevie - 20/12/04

From: Tom
Q.To Stevie. Somewhere on this site it says you're into '70s television - any programmes in particular? Just been watching some episodes of 'Budgie' from '71 -great little bits of characterisation, like my favourite B&S songs. Ever watched it? Apart from the name of the band, there are one or two references to old TV programmes on your records, so I'm guessing these are down to you. BTW, The Mausoleum Club - a website dedicated to British archive TV - has a good few B&S fans as members.

A.

I'd love to see Budgie again..they showed the all on Channel 4 in the Mid 80's I never missed it and I've never seen them since.  I guess the older you get the more nostalgic you get..my earliest memories are of the 70's...Starskey and Hutch and the Rockford Files, stuff like it..me and Stuart talk endlessly about this stuff as we are the same age.

Also, my idea of hangover heaven is to bury myself into the couch with a 70's Colombo on the tube....Ahhh Bliss

Stevie - 18/12/04

From: Jessica
Q.I know that Stevie and Stuart are Beach Boys fans, I was wondering what you thought of 'Smile' and if you had the chance to see Brian Wilson perform it in concert? Truly one of the best shows I've ever seen, besides you guys, of course!

A. I never saw the show..Stuart and Sarah did though..I've got the record..I really like it...it's nice to have it presented complete although obviously it's far from definitive...the original versions have the Boy's voices on them and those voices were touched by the hand of God.

Stevie - 18/12/04

From: justin
Q.Hello to all of Belle and Sebastian - I was wondering, are any of you Pixies fans, and if so, have you seen them in concert, in their reunion tour or otherwise? Cheers

A. I love the Pixies. I saw them play Glasgow in 1991, I think, then again a year later, at the Scottish Exhibition Centre, where, 2 songs in, the barrier in front of the stage started collapsing, so they had to cancel the show. The first gig was brilliant though, if a little scary. It was in the Barrowlands, when they used to just let in a seemingly unlimited amount of people, so the crush was pretty hectic. We saw them play again this year at the Coachella Fetival. The sound wasn't great, and I could have done with some more talking from the band, but it was still really good.

Mick - 03/12/04

From: Gleni
Q.Olla, I recently brought a compilation of the Byrds after reading quite alot about them and whilst the middle section was pretty ace the tracks either side of that were a little dissapointing, are then any particular albums of the Bryds you would recommend? Best of's are usually are waste of time..so no surprises on that front I guess, thanks

A.

Younger than Yesterday

Notorious Byrd Brothers

Sweetheart of the Rodeo.

Those 3 are musts...but these are also worth getting.

Mr Tambourine Man

Turn, Turn, Turn.

Fifth Dimension.

Stevie - 17/11/04

From: Kristel
Q.What do you think of Devendra Banhart? I bought the 2 CDs he released this year and finally had a chance to se him play live in Paris last month (which was quite different because he has a band now). I personally think he is a prodigy. Since he was supposed to play with you at Somerset (but never did, bastard), I wonder if opening acts at B&S shows are usually chosen by the band?

A. Well Devendra was suggested by Neil our manager..and yes he's really great..I was gutted that he couldn't play.  Neil also suggested a group called Vetiver who do a similar thing and Devendra plays with them sometimes..they're from San Francisco are are absolutely amazing...we played with them in San Fran.  Devendra was on guest guitar and singing...you should check them out.

Stevie - 15/11/04

From: Christopher
Q.Hello all. I was listening to the flip side of "Step Into My Office..." which is "Love On The March" and it reminded me of a Donovan number. Are there any Donovan fans amongst you? This one is kind of to Stevie... Anyways what are your favourite three Dylan LPs from '67 - '77? I say John Wesley Harding, The Basement Tapes and Desire.. mostly for "Joey". Okay thanks.

A.

Donovon is great, really great...some faves....'Sunny Goodge Street', 'Wear your love like Heaven', 'Mad John' and that one he does with Jeff Beck that I'm not even going to attempt to spell.

As for Dylan, I'm going to give what you asked..my favourites..not what I think are the best..so no John Wesley Harding, no Blood on the Tracks...as wonderful as they are.  The ones I love the most are 'Self Portrait', 'Nashville Skyline' and my all time fave...'New Morning'

Stevie - 09/11/04

From: Will
Q.just curious about what bands you tend to listen to and enjoy touring with,by the way what would it take to get me on that list

A.

I don't know.....are you in a band?

We've had the pleasure of playing with some of the greats...some of my faves have been.....

Elliot Smith

The Aisler Set

Rasputina

Slumberparty

The Rapture

Vetiver

Stevie - 06/11/04

From: David
Q.Cheers Mick for the answer, tis cool to think that you helped form FF in a way! but isnt Alex's guitar a Telecaster Deluxe? cos Stevie's has the same headstock as my regular tele and that is only on the custom model (sorry, i'm a complete guitar geek!)

A. You're right, you are a guitar geek! I hadn't noticed the finer detail, thanks for clarifying. To me, they're both just black, and have the same pickups!

Mick - 04/11/04

From: ryan doyle
Q.hey stevie, i just asked a question under the "our music" category but i have another little question/comment and i'm dying to share. i love the song "travelling light." when i listen to it, it gives me the same feeling as listening to the byrds song, "i wasn't born to follow." they speak to each other in some way. any influence? thanks. you guys are my fave. ryan

A. Oh thank you..I'm so happy you like it..yes I guess so..I got into country via the Byrds and the Monkees so that stuff is always an influence..it's buried deep.  I'm flattered that you mention my song in the same breath as 'Wasn't Born to Follow'...trully one of the greatest records of all time.

Stevie - 31/10/04

From: André Felipe
Q.hi...i'm from brazil and i was wondering if any of you like David Bowie?

A. I do. I haven't got too many of his albums to be honest, but I love Hunky Dory best of the ones I do have. But my favourite song of his is "In the heat of the morning".

Sarah - 26/10/04

Oh God yeah....I love all his 60's and 70's records...Young Americans is my favourite in the sense that's the one I play the most..I can't live without it.

I agree with Sarah..'in the heat of the morning' is also one of my favourite.  Some of the early ones are the best..'Let me Sleep beside you', 'London Bye Ta Ta', 'Karma Man'...brilliant...just brilliant.

Stevie - 31/10/04

From: David Bahlaj
Q.Any new/other Scottish bands I should be loking out for, apart from the usual suspects (Franz, etc)? PS Fantastic gig @ Usher Hall last Dec...

A.

The Stinking Munchkins, V Twin although they're not really new.

I keep hearing a lot about 'My Latest Novel' but I keep missing them sadly.

Oh yeah I like My legendary girlfriend..they've got a great song called Shang a Lang.

Stevie - 31/10/04

From: matthew
Q.stevie - please bore me about the telecaster custom. i prefer the normal one without the knobs but with the big industrial metal switch - but then i get confused sometimes, particularly between "classic" and "american" ones. i was about to buy one but got bogged down by all the choice.

A. Well the custom has got a wider tone range..you can get a kind of  mellow jazzy tone from the rhythm humbucker pick up..and your usual tele sound on the other settings..I guess the USA fenders are the best..I've actually got a Japanese one and I'm very happy with it.

Stevie - 31/10/04

From: Eli
Q.Hi, what's the best gig you have ever been to? During 2004, the best three gigs I have so far been to are: -Bowie - you guys at Somerset House - Franz What news on the new album are you bringing from the bunker? Have a lovely weekend! - Eli

A.

The Stinking Munchkins..last night in the research club Glasgow.

Bob Dylan at Glasgow Barrowlands.

Laura Cantrell at the Queens Hall Edinburgh.

I also dug playing shows with the Rapture in Italy.

As for news from the bunker...Mick's got a really cool Led Zep riff and Bob's playing some nice Soul guitar, Beans is teaching me some jazz chords.

Stevie - 31/10/04

From: karen
Q. you must be feeling pretty bad about john peel today?

A. Hey Karen, I went to answer your question, but I stuck it in my diary instead. I hope you don't mind.

Stuart - 27/10/04

From: Mike Rice
Q.One night at a northern soul club i heard a song that had a chord sequence that you have used in one of your songs.I cant remember either of the songs(bit drunk),any idea what they could be.

A. That's a stupid question. Any idea how common chord sequences are? And you can't even tell me the name of either of the songs you are comparing! How did you stumble into this page? Are you still drunk, man?

Stuart - 27/10/04

From: ELD
Q.I relized that you have no influence from Rush what gives?

A. Well that's not true. Bob and I were huge Rush fans in the past. I played several Rush songs with my old band; Red Barchetta, A Farewell to Kings... I take it you haven't seen Stuart play bass and sing at the same time? He fairly gives Geddy Lee a run for his money, I can tell you.

Mick - 15/10/04

Oh, and Bob informs me he went to see Rush the other week, and they were 'fucking brilliant'.

Mick - 21/10/04

From: David
Q.Is it true that Franz Ferdinand utilise a guitar that used to belong to someone from B&S? I heard this through the grapevine and Nikolas' guitar looks like something Stuart would use....

A. No, but I gave Alex a bass guitar a while back, and apparently (though I can't remember) told him to 'do something useful with it'. So he taught Bob Hardy how to play bass, or more specifically, how to play basslines to some songs he had written. That's when they formed the band. On another note, Alex plays the same guitar as Stevie (well, it's not actually the same guitar, but the same kind, a black telecaster custom). Snow Patrol are using the same guitar too these days. Stevie will bore you at length about it, if you ask him nicely. Oh, and Nick's guitar is a bit like something Stuart would play. But I think Stu's is an Airline, whereas Nick's is some kind of Italian job.

Mick - 21/10/04

From: Damian
Q.I was wondering Mick, being a trumpet player do you have a favourite "trumpet" player that has influenced your playing? Or if not a trumpet some other type of musician?

A. Well probably Miles Davis, but I like the tone and style of Lee Morgan too, he played with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Herb Alpert is great too. As for non-trumpet players, I always loved Robert Fripp's guitar playing, just cos he's so outlandish, and was always trying something new. I read an interview with him where he said he reckoned he had learned all he could on normal guitar tuning, and so was re-learning the guitar from scratch with a totally unconventional tuning. 

Mick - 15/10/04

From: Eli
Q.Hiya, in response to your question in the previous message, Yes I love the Raptures! If I had known that you guys and the Raptures were playing together in Italy I would have flown back home to see you. Hey, now that you are on holiday, what's on your stereo? Do you love Joni Mitchell as much as I do? Ciao Eli

A. Well I've been reading Bob Dylan's Chronicles so at the moment 'Oh Mercy' is on my turntable.  I doubt I like Joni as much as you..I've got a couple of her records..Clouds and Blue...I can't say as I play them much.

Stevie - 13/10/04

From: sarah
Q.To Stevie - Without getting too involved, what are your thoughts on some of Bob Dylan's 1980s material? Keep up the great work

A.

Well I've got everything he's ever done..Recently I picked up Real Live from 84 and Down in the Groove 88 just for the sake of completion.

I think there's a great compilation waiting to be made..every album has something blinding on it but a lot dross as well I'm afraid..Some of my fave 80's stuff is on the Bootleg series especially the Infidels out-takes many of them superior to what went on the album.  Oh Mercy is great and there's some wonderful stuff on 'Shot of Love' (Every grain of Sand) and Empire Burlesque (I Remember You) to give a couple of examples.

Stevie - 12/10/04

From: Austin
Q.Well I'm glad to hear that you have 69 Love Songs. The first ablum is quite good, as is the third, but the second is by far my favorite. Maybe sometime you have some free time you should check out the other two volumes. Of course I'm not expectant, because I cannot imagine having free time.

A. Yeah okay, I'll dig out the second one..thanks.

Stevie - 12/10/04

From: Eli
Q.Hello, I read that you are a devoted Beatles fan, so what is your favourite Beatles' song? Mine is Across the Universe, even though I am quite fond of the sound of the flute in The Fool on the Hill. Also, what do you think of bands like the Shins - saw them at Somerset House and I love them - and the Zutons? Have a fab day! Cheers Eli

A. Favourite Beatles song is Ticket to Ride..I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the Shins even though we played in London with them...the thing is I was really sick so I was staying in bed until it was itme to go on..I was sorry I missed them..i was looking foreword to seeing them.  The Zutons?  Only ever heard one song..I really liked it.  Have you ever heard The Rapture?  We done some gigs with them in Italy..those guys are amazing.

Stevie - 12/10/04

From: rosie
Q.what was it like working on the reindeer section project, mick? how did gary lightbody approach you? and how much say did others have in the project - or was it strictly based on gary's thoughts and ideas? you speak now. thank you.

A. Hi Rosie, It was pretty straight forward really. I've known Gary for a long time, and I used to play with Snow Patrol live occasionally. For the Reindeer Section thing, either Gary had a part for me to play, or he just asked me to jam. It's hard to say how much input everyone else had, because I was only in the studio for a very short period of time. And I've never played live with them. I think the second album worked better than the first. I think the songs are better, and the 'supergroup' thing works better too.

Mick - 12/10/04

From: Austin
Q.I don't you if you like them or have even ever heard of them but purhaps... For Christmas a year or so ago my sister gave me a copy of "If You're Feeling Sinister" by you of course, as well as a copy of "Holiday" by The Magnetic Fields. The both CD's quickly became favorites and I now have quite a collection of your albums as well as The Magnetic Field's albums. So any thoughts on The Magnetic Fields?

A. I should really check them out.  I've got 69 love songs and I really enjoyed the first CD..but I never got around to the other two...I'm not really known for my long attention span.  A friend gave me a compilation with a great song on it...something about two characters in search of a country song...very good!

Stevie - 11/10/04

From: Ciarán
Q.Do ye like Wire? I'm really into "154" and "Chairs Missing" at the moment. Cheers!

A. I'm sorry, I don't know them at all..one of the blaring gaps in my knowledge...one of these days I'll get around to them.

Stevie - 09/10/04

From: Danno
Q.Have you listened to Smile? I was a bit dubious at first but a few good listens later and I love it. Also, everyone seems to despise The Thrills and everything they stand for whereas I just can't get enough of 'em, what do you think?

A.

I've had so many letters asking about the new Smile album I actually went out and bought it..I don't think I was going to bother otherwise.

I think it's great, I really do.  The first listen made me just want to dig out the originals but the more I played it I got the feeling of a completed work which I haven't had before in spite of having all the bootlegs.  I think it's beautiful..maybe only 'Vegetables' being the track that's anything less than amazing.

I think someone else asked whether Brain was exploited by the band.  I don't think so.  Brian is a working musician once more doing his thing and the guys that back him up have such attention to detail the live thing is something to behold. He probably has more support now than he ever did with Beach Boys so it 's hard to see anything negative about it.  I didn't see the Smile show but I did see the 'Pet Sounds' one, it really was wonderful, unforgetable (and other superlatives)

As for the Thrills, I don't really know their stuff and I've only ever heard the hits.  I really think they have something.  I always enjoy hearing them when they come on the radio.  It's a sound quality thing...I think the tunes are nice although I must confess I'm rushing out to buy their album.  I've got too many records as it is..I enjoy listening to the radio these days.  I probably listem more now than I've ever done during any other part of my life.

Stevie - 09/10/04

From: Dave
Q.Stevie, Just read in a previous question that you really rate the new Delgados album, any bias due to the harmonica on get action per chance ?? So if you're going to the Barras on saturday i expect to see you up on stage.. Anyway, i'm probably in the minority in that i prefer the earlier C96 Monica webster / Domestiques period of their career. What do you reckon - old or new ? punk pop or sweeping soundscapes ? ... Something tells me it will be the latter !

A. I don't have any bias, I'm just answering the questions.  I just liked the new record just because it's pretty pop and more up and it's got a more stripped down sound.

Stevie - 09/10/04

From: Barney
Q.I saw the fabulous Delgados in Manchester last night and was wondering if you agree that they are the best band to have come out of Scotland in the last decade or so..after Runrig...obviously?

A. Yeah they're up there alright..I'm going to see them tomorrow night in the Barrowlands with Sons and Daughters..can't wait...The new Degadoes record is really great I think.

Stevie - 08/10/04

From: Dave
Q.Hi guys Morrissey playing the SECC? Great to see the old fella popular again and well worth the cost just to hear "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" live or, alternatively, what a complete rip off- 35 quid to see a once untouchable legend desperately seek validation from a new generation in the most soul-less hanger/venue in Britain? Couldn't make my own mind up so got tickets anyway but just wondered what your thoughts were. I'm in turmoil. Oh, and do you think it's finally time for them to get some new tables in Brel? Cheers Dave

A. Rozanne and I reckoned it was worth the journey to Glastonbury and all the mud and mouldy toes that it entailed to hear 'there is a light that never goes out' live, in the rain. But then we didn't pay £35 for the privilege. Also I think I'd take standing out in the rain at Glastonbury over the SECC. As for the tables in Brel... I haven't been in for a while, but I can't imagine they've become any less wobbly. I blame the floor though.

Sarah - 28/09/04

From: Robert Bacic
Q. Hey B&S Folk, I just witnessed a magical gig by Bonnie Prince Billy down here in Tassie (Tasmania)Australia but was stunned by some of the idiots in attendance that kept talking all thru the gig saying how lame it was & shouting out play some Metallica!!! No wonder it's very rare that we get any quality artists touring our li'l island, surely you don't have yobbos like this at gigs in Scotland?

A. Actually, we do. You would probably find that on closer inspection the yobs turn out to be from Dundee or Peebles or something. Certainly wherever in the world we show up, there's always an intrepid Scot ahead of us who chooses our show as the moment to make his or her presence felt. But actually gigs in Glasgow and Edinburgh can be the worst - and its always our friends making most of the racket! Once, from the stage, I heard my friend Lucy over at the bar ordering "fourteen pints of lager, please".

Sarah - 28/09/04

From: David Roseburgh
Q.Hi. I noticed that in last months uncut magazine Alex Kapranos had Tigermilk as one of his top ten debut albums of all time (at about number 5 I think). A cheeky question first- do you agree with him? And would you feature anything in particular in a similar chart? And I'm getting a bit long winded here, but... any thoughts on why Glasgow has (always) been so musically vibrant while Edinburgh has, recently at least, been a bit stagnant?

A.

Yes I agree absolutely, it's always been my favourite..I think it's up there without a doubt

I don't really know what I'd feature in a similar chart..I'd have to think about it.

With regard to the vibrancy of the Glasgow Music scene I think we'll go back to Alex.  At the Mercury music awards he said something like..

 "Glasgow always has and always will have good bands..it's embedded, it's in the bones of the place"

 I'm paraphrasing here but I really couldn't put it any better than that

Stevie - 19/09/04

From: sarah
Q.a hard day's night or help!? i'm undecided at the moment. although i do think AHDN is quite a campy film. but in a good way, that is. hope all is well!

A. Help! is good fun and looks really good and when I was a kid it was my favourite but 'Hard Day's Night' is a masterpiece...the dialogue alone is fantastic never mind the music.

Stevie - 19/09/04

From: Sergio
Q.The riff of guitar in "Your cover's blown" reminds me "Long train running" by Doobie Brothers. Is it possible?

A. Yeah, when we finished the record it was pointed out to me that the sounded a bit like the Doobie Brothers and I could hear it but it certainly wasn't an influence.  Actually the riff was an attempt to do a Stones Disco kind of thing (like 'Miss you' or 'Hot Stuff') but the Doobie Brothers is fine by me...mid 70's Plastic Soul Bowie was also a bit of an infuence on the tune..well as far as I'm concerned anyway... but you know, each of us are influenced by different things and as we all play on it, it's a bit of a mixture I guess.

Stevie - 19/09/04

From: Nayo
Q.Hey Stevie, I too am a huge Beatles fan. Although they're not from my time at all, I still love them dearly. Rubber Soul was indeed a brilliant album (one of my favorites as well). I was wondering though, what you thought of their post-Beatles solo careers. Was there a member of the fab four whose musical career you followed after the break up? If so, who and why? By the way, ur truly awesome ;)

A.

Well when I was in my early teens I was so obsessed that I bought just about everything solo that John, Paul and George had done up until that time...I've always kept those records as they're part of my life but there isn't too much that I would really go out of my way to recommend to anyone else to be honest. I think after the Beatles each of them done 2 really great albums a piece.

John-'John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band' and 'Imagine'

Paul-'McCartney' and 'Ram'

George-'All things must Pass' and 'Living in the Material Wold'

These are essential...also pretty good are 'Band on the Run' by Wings and 'Mind Games' by Lennon.

Come to think of it I think I'd find it quite hard to part with 'Red Rose Speedway'(Wings) and 'Sometime in New York City'(Lennon) as well.

Some of McCartney's best stuff is on early B sides the top of the pile being 'Oh Woman, Oh Why' (B side of Another day...I think it's a bonus on the Ram CD...although you really need the vinyl..Know what I mean?) Absolutely amazing.

Stevie - 19/09/04

From: anna wallace
Q.Hi Chris, I saw that you are a fan of Northern Soul. I was wondering what song off "Come to my Garden" is your favorite. I was also wondering if you like Freda Payne and if you had heard her record "Contact" ? Also, any recomendations for someone who is a huge fan of Charles Stepney, etc? i love the Rotary Connection, Terry Callier and Riperton's solo albums, but i am having a hard time finding more stuff out there like it. I have been a B&S fan for almost six years, keep it up! Also, please come and DJ in the states again, i missed you last time. -Anna

A. Thanks Anna, it's really flattering to hear that someone who likes that amazing music is also into what we do.

If you like that stuff then you might also like Jon Lucien.  He did a few albums I think, I've only got one, Rashida, it's very much in the vein of Terry Callier.  David Axlerod productions are also well worth looking up for.  He did records for Lou Rawls, David McCallum, The Electric Prunes and also under his own name, and uses a similar blend of hip-hoppy drums and funky bass lines, sweeping strings and jazz brass.

There's loads of albums on the label Cadet from that time that are ace.  Apart from those you mentioned have you also heard any by Dorothy Ashby (jazz harpist), the Dells (male vocal soul group) or Ramsey Lewis, especially his album of covers from the Beatles white album, 'Mother Nature's Son'?  And of course there's Marlena Shaw's 'Spice of Life' album which includes California Soul and Woman of the Ghetto.
The Roberta Flack lp 'Feel Like Making Love' also has a lovely lush sound and orchestration.

A lot of my favourite hip hop is either inspired by or samples from that stuff.  The productions of Madlib (Lootpack, Quasimoto, Madvillain), People Under the Stairs and DJ Shadow come to mind.
It's also worth checking out websites like www.soulstrut.com or www.vinylvulture.co.uk.  People with mad amounts of knowledge about records post on those.

My favourite tune on 'Come to my Garden' has got to be 'Les Fleur', but I don't know the Fread Payne record.  I'll look out for it.  And I'll definitely be bringing records next time we come over to the states.

Chris

Chris - 13/09/04

From: Ken
Q.Hi, I checked out the Devine 13 CD and really liked it right off. A great mix. Hoping either Devine has other releases & or he plans a further new mix. Regardless, for all those who wanna catch up, an excellent intro to classic Soul. I would really appreciate it if you have any good recommendations for Salsa tunes. Am keen to get my body in shape, (just one more time), and I reckon plenty of Salsa could just be the thing to do it for me............and maybe open up so many other opportunities.

A. Hi Ken,
yes Andrew Divine is indeed a dj of genius.  I was helping him put together the Divine 14th Birthday CD a couple of weeks ago and can exclusively reveal it's ace.  I was going to mention a couple of tracks, but since it's not out yet I'd better not spoil the surprise.  The birthday is this Saturday, September 18th at the Glasgow School of Art.  CDs will be handed out on the night, and I'm sure the surplus will soon be available through Banchory.

Chris

Chris - 13/09/04

From: j
Q.what do you reckon to the following... the libertines the coral????

A. the coral, every time.

Sarah - 10/09/04

From: mary
Q.who is the "dylan" in "like dylan in the movies"? we are betting on dylan mckay, but they never made a 90210 major motion picture, so that's probably out. so who is it? we wanna know!

A. Oh come on! 'Don't Look Back, Like Dylan In The Movies'. The answer is in the song. 'Don't Look Back' is Dylan's tour film from... sometime in the sixties. It's very, very watchable.

Stuart - 05/09/04

From: Matt
Q.Stu I have always been a fan of B&S for your lyrics as much as your music...was just wondering whether you have a favourite song in regards to the lyrics (or a favourite few)? Personally I am a big fan of "The State that I Am in", "Chalet Lines" (just because I think it reflects absolute anguish more than any song I have ever heard), "Expectations", yada yada yada (heaps more really). ?

A. Check out a song called 'The Lady With The Braid' by Dory Previn. Also there's a song called 'Free Man In Paris' by Joni Mitchell whose words are very cool and liberating and tell a story. I think 'Common People' by Pulp has a fantastic lyric. I love the lyrics to 'Chestnut Mare' by The Byrds. Morrissey is the incomparable lyricist to give him his due, while with The Smiths. 'Frankly Mister Shankly' is a good one. I've got a soft spot for MacCartney's 'stories of everyday people' such as 'She's Leaving Home' 'Penny Lane'. I like the lyric to 'Outdoor Miner' by Wire though they don't make any sense. I could go on and on...

Stuart - 05/09/04

From: gabriel
Q.hey stuart! so, what do you think: "sunlight bathed the golden glow" off of "strange idols pattern..." or the single version with female backup vocal? i'm also personally convinced that "lazy line painter jane" is an unofficial sequel to "primitive painters." they sound brilliant back-to-back on a mixtape. on that subject, do you dislike denim as much as most levelheaded felt fans seem to? i think they get a bad rap, but that's just me...

A. That's Amazing! I just came back from a friends house and on the way back I was listening to "Sunlight" and pondering how naff the female vocals were. What's the chances of that, as this is the first time I really put my mind to it?

My favourite version is slightly different from either, and appears on the original 'Gold Mine Trash'. I was wondering tonight why Lawrence stuck the single version on when he compiled the recent cds reissues.

I liked Denim's first album when it came out but I must admit I don't listen to them much now..

Stuart - 05/09/04

From: steve
Q.So you don't like Pink Floyd? Why?

A.

This might be aimed at me, I seem to recall saying that I didn't like them somewhere along the line...I think I was probably generalising.  Let's see...what have I got?  I've got 'Relics' which is great...I really, really, really love 'Arnold Lane' ...I've also got 'A Nice Pair' which is the first two albums...and I really wouln't be without that...I've actually sanctioned a cover in the past which was 'Lucifer Sam'

But overall I'm not that keen...it could be because a friend of mine used to get stoned and try and force their genius down my throat..I think that put me off a bit.  I guess these days they're a bit of a 50/50 ball with me...I heard the song 'Wish you were here' and I thought it was beautiful, exquisite.....the next day I heard..'Shine on you Crazy Diamond' and I thought it was the most overblown tosh I'd ever heard....so there you go....I'm still a bit wary...the thought of sitting through 'The Wall' still fills me with dread.

Stevie - 03/09/04

From: Dave
Q.I was wondering if the band has ever thought of joining forces iwth another band to form a "Super Groop" of sorts. If y'all could, who would y'all picture (or hear) yourselves almagamating with (if for but one song....)?

A. Nahhh!...Supergroups are a bad idea...things happen naturally...anyway we all play with different people quite often. There's enough of us already...we're still discovering each other.

Stevie - 31/08/04

From: dave
Q.After years of nothing but the Bangles cover, I've just heard the original of Simon and Garfunkel's "Hazy Shade of Winter" and, I have to say, it sounds spookily like a B&S song in embryo. Not so much the tune, as the dynamics and arrangement. Was this song an influence, or is it just one of those coincidences? Also: the new Morrissey album or the new Sonic Youth?

A.

I don't think I'll be ushing out to buy either of these albums as I've never been a huge fan of either although that last Morrisey single was beautifully sung( something about Hector or something)

I think the S+G song is one of the greatest records ever made...I love it, I love it, I love it....It's so good...the vocals, the guitar....man!  I'd love to do something as good as that...I'm going off to listen to it...maybe it will inspire something...probably my retirement......'Fakin it' is a great song as well....both on 'Bookends'

Stevie - 31/08/04

From: Michael
Q.When I listen to "Your Cover's Blown" I can hear 10cc. Any influence for you? By the way, I loved both shows you have played in Detroit the last three years.

A.

Thank you...I think we all really enjoyed Detroit...went to a good party there once out in the middle of nowhere...and the Motown Museum was a bit if a Gas.

Anyway, I can't hear 10cc in 'Your Cover's Blown' to be honest although it is quite 70's in places but no I don't think it was an influence...Yes I do like 10cc...'The things we do or love' is a big favourite...with Stuart too I think.

Stevie - 31/08/04

From: Dave
Q.Sarah, I read somewhere (maybe on here even) that you're a big fan of Eugene Kelly. I was hoping to be a bit cheeky and pick your brains. I know he's recorded an album and i know its out in Japan. Have you heard it ? Is it good ? Did you buy a copy whilst you were there (or do you get a free one 'cos of your 'connections') Oh, and do you think you can convince the Vaselines to reform and take them on tour with you like Nirvana did ? Go on, you know you want to.

A. I got one free, yes - but I would have bought one anyway. Eugene was actually on tour with us there - he's played with us in scandinavia a few times too, and somewhere else i'm sure. You should buy his album, and see if you still want to petition him to reform the Vaselines. For my money, he's plenty good enough by himself.

Sarah - 10/08/04

From: Rosario
Q.1-What kind of maturity's album do you like to record? "LET IT BE", "OH MERCY", "EXILE ON MAIN STREET","AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE" ? 2-Do you like R.E.M.?

A.

The last thing I want to make is a maturity record..I'd rather go the other way....I don't know if I think that 'Let it Be' and 'Exile' are mature are at all..they were both recorded in pretty chaotic circumstances apparantly.

Never a huge fan...obviously they are great and I've got a few of their records...I really like Monster actually...I like the sound of the guitars...'What's the Frequency..' is a great song

Stevie - 10/08/04

From: Arnaud - Belgium
Q.Hi, I've seen your video for "Dirty Dream # 2" and there's a bunch of musicians from Athens and from the Elephant 6 Collective in it. I recognized Will Hart, Scott Spilane, Julian Koster and maybe Jeff Mangum under the blanket... But I'm sure there are a lot more in the video so, could you tell me who they are and how you came to know them, cause I'm a great fan of the Collective (especially Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, The Gerbils and Of Montreal...) and a great B&S fan. So it's great to know you guy know (and like) each other... Thanks for the answer and see you soon in Belgium again I hope...

A. Lance Bangs directed that video, while he was still living in Athens. We don't actually know everybody who appears in it - although shortly after it was made, I became very good friends with some of the kids in there - Dan Donahue and Ben Crum from Great Lakes in particular, and spent a few holidays there meeting the rest of them. Until I met Dan I'd never even heard of the E6 thing though... how do YOU come to know all those guys?

Sarah - 10/08/04

From: Luis
Q.Hi there. Thanks for your great songwriting. Does any of you guys know a portuguese singer/songwriter named Sérgio Godinho? If you don't, you should. The man is a poet, and wraps his words in astonishing melodies. Try listening to his song "O primeiro dia", for a start. Greetings to all of you from Portugal, you have quite a legion of fans here.

A. I'll look out for this guy Sergio....It's nice to know we have a legion of fans in Portugal..we must get back there one day...thanks for letting us know.

Stevie - 22/07/04

From: Dawn - Minneapolis, MN
Q.Hi Stevie: Have you ever thought of making the pilgrimage to "Dylan Days" in Hibbing, Minnesota? It's held each year at the end of May to celebrate Bob Dylan's birthday. You should go next year! They usually hold talent contests for Dylan cover tunes as well. With your marvelous talent, I'm sure you'd win. x Dawn

A. Thank you Dawn...I can't tell you how much I'd love to go...that and Garaceland...maybe next year.

Stevie - 14/07/04

From: Matthew
Q.Stevie, During the band's first Coachella appearance, you said 'Darlin' is perhaps Carl Wilson's finest vocal performance, which I might be inclined to agree. However it seems unfair to discount his excellent vocal delivery on 'Long Promised Road', 'The Trader', or 'Breakaway' for that matter. How would you rank those songs in comparison? Is their a Beach Boys song in particular that's your favorite? And what do you think of Blondie Chaplin's contribution to the band? I know he didn't get a shout out in 'I Love My Car', but I think his and Rikki Fataar's songs completely elevated so-so album's like Carl and the Passions.

A.

Yeah Blondie Chaplin is a great singer...'Sail on Sailor' is amazing and your right,  the contributions to Carl and the Passions are really good...esp...'There she Goes' or is it 'Here she comes'...anyway...that one.

As for Carl...yeah 'The Trader' is up there. You know when I think about it...Carl was the man...certainly as far as vocals go....Much is made about the McCartney-Brian axis of Genius....but McCartney and Carl can't be topped for sheer range of vocal power....the ability o be smooth and blistering at he same time...it's amazing how it's the same guys singing  'Yesterday' and 'Helter Skelter' or 'God Only Knows' and 'Wild Honey'.....Christ 'Wild Honey' is Incredible...actually that could be the best......."MAMAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!"

Stevie - 14/07/04

From: markus bleutge
Q.Dear Stevie, I love your song "travellin` light"! It´s great. Is it influenced by fab Stephen Duffys band Lilac Time? Hope I can see you at Stuttgart again, Cologne was wonderful Markus.

A. Actually no...I guess it's just the sound I naturally make whenever I pick up the acoustic..kinda country, croony I guess...after we recorded it...it dawned on me that the chords were kind of similar to 'Mother Nature's Son' by the Beatles...now there's a tune!

Stevie - 14/07/04

From: Leonardo Pereira
Q.Hi, Mick My name is Leo and I'm from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I used to have your email address, but my old email account has been closed and I no longer have access to my old email address. I exchanged some emails with you before you came to Brazil in 2002. I have the Amphetameanies album, which I love, and I sent some emails to you at that time. Well, I was just wondering if Belle and Sebastian have some plans to play in Brazil again. I loved the new album and I can´t wait to see you again. By the way, do Amphetameanies have a new album? Looking forward to hearing from you, your big fan from Rio, Leo.

A. Hi Leo. We'd love to play Brazil again. Unfortunately there's no immediate plans to go back. Watch this space (well, not this space, but the tours section!). The Amphetameanies are working on new stuff, and we're going to release an EP pretty soon, with an album to follow.

Mick - 14/07/04

From: joe
Q.so what do you guys think of guster and their frequent cover of boy with the arab strap? also, come back and play in the US...soon

A. I've never heard them. I would be interested to hear that though.

Mick - 14/07/04

From: Bobby
Q.Hello to 'the band', i would love if each of you could please state one Artist or Group that have influenced you the most, mine would be Yourselves, Nick Drake and the Small Faces. What about you? thanks for your time! bobby

A. You just named three, Bobby. It is hard to name just one, because you are influenced by everything you hear, although some more than others. My standard answer is always Led Zeppelin, but seeing as I get slagged by the rest of the band for saying that every time, this time I am going to say Sly and the Family Stone, because I never tire of listening to them. Although funny thing is, I only own the Best of, and one album. I had the Best of first, which I love, then bought There's Gonna Be a Riot, which was a let-down to be honest, and I only listened to that a couple of times. Anyway, they wrote some crackers, and I just love their approach, which is that music is for enjoying.

Mick - 14/07/04

From: seb (really)
Q. Josef K have a reference in 'belle and sebastian', orange juice in 'legal man,' the go-between have 'shoot the sexual athlete' and alan horne and his cat are always popping up - are aztec camera going to get a song? And seeing as we're talking about the 80's scottish scene, what do you think of lloyd cole? I'd say he's the most underrated muscian of the 80's, but i'm no pop star and thus, my opinions are not interesting

A. Far from it Seb, your opinion is all that matters. I L.O.V.E. Lloyd. I had the good luck to meet him last year in Northampton, Mass. and he was very nice and kind and interesting. We gathered round him like a cat round a lady with a bowl of milk. At least I did, and Sarah, and someone else.. Then I saw his solo show this year; he's reforming the Commotions to tour Britain also, which will be a trip.

Yes, I like The Commotions a lot. Just before we made Tigermilk I was driving in the Ayrshire countryside listening to 'Rattlesnakes', wondering at the driving beauty of the production and the zing of the words. I doubted very much that we could make anything even approaching the quality of this amazing debut album. I didn't despair, and decided to use this as a spur...

I was thinking about Lloyd the other day, and how it is that often wordy and clever songwriters get a bad rap...I've had to defend him quite a few times on the streets of Glasgow. I LIKE WORDY AND CLEVER SONGWRITERS! I like a smartarse who can paint a picture and put a good tune to it. Therefore I'm fond of MacCartney's narrative songs, eg She's Leaving Home, Eleanor Rigby, Penny Lane, etc, all the 'good' Divine Comedy singles (of which 'Absent Friends' is an absolute peach!), most of the Pulp singles. I even rooted for that band Sleeper for a while, though I didn't love them.

Anyway, shit, it's too late to be talking about Sleeper when I should be sleeping.

Will try to drop an Aztec Camera ref into a track, just for the completeness...

stuart

Stuart - 02/07/04

From: Andrew
Q.I'll be hopefully making the journey along the M4 from South Wales to London in July to watch your good selves and my other favourite band, The Shins. I'd just like to ask if it was a band decision to get them to support you? How much do you like them? Favourite songs? (Personally I think New Slang is their best). Also, who are your favourite artist that has supported you?

A. Jonathan Richman's my favourite - no contest.

Sarah - 20/06/04

From: steve
Q.Hi Stevie. I know you love Bob Dylan (as do I) and I was wondering what your track-listing would be for a Bob Dylan compilation, if I were to make one for a special friend. Feel free to encompass all his albums (even the 80s ones) wax lyrical, and put on as many tracks as you like. Cheers.

A.

I'm sorry..but you're asking too much...this would take me a couple of weks of quiet deliberation...this is a major project...AND you want me to wax lyrical about my selections?  My God.......I could never find the words...this is a job for Norman Mailer......Bob means too much......I'm sorry.....well if I can find the time I might have a go.....I'll keep you posted.

Stevie

Stevie - 08/06/04

From: Logan
Q.Hi, Perhaps you've already been asked this, but are any of you fans of Elliot Smith? I've found his music to be quite beautiful & sincere, just like your own. In reading his interviews, people often asked him if he listened to your group. I was just wondering, if you listened to him. His death, of course, was an absolute tragedy. On a less serious note, I was living in Berlin with my girlfriend this past year, only to break up with her a week before your March show! I went stateside in a real hurry. But I had been coveting my ticket since December. Oh well. Just visit NYC or Boston sometime soon, please! Keep up with the wonderful work -Logan

A. Yeah, he was great...I heard him on a mix tape in late 97 I think..the song was The Christian Brothers. At that time his records weren't out in the UK but I picked a couple up when I was in the US early 98 (Elliot Smith, Either/Or) Either/Or was the one that I especially loved..it's kind of perfect in a way..as a listen from start to finish. He was great live to..especially when it was just him and his guitar..in fact he played 3 shows with us in 98...amazing. I didn't know him..only talked to him a couple of times...very shy but very sweet...kind of unapproachable. I'm not sure he liked us very much..poor guy we'd leave him hanging about for hours...doing one of our legendary all day soundchecks..I don't think he was very impressed...fair enough...I was sad when he died...what can you say?

Stevie - 30/05/04

From: Alcides Capatti Cortez
Q.Hi Sarah, I do like Belle and Sebastian band, and all my friends are starting to know your band... ( I really want they to know because good music must to be always listened by good ears. heheheh) Well, I'd like to know if you know and like brazilian music. If yes, tell me please which band or singer are you used to listen to, ok?? Thank's a lot and it's a pleasure to me. waiting for one answer of yours!!!

A. The Tropicalia boxset is the mainstay of my Brazilian section. I really like the Gilberto Gil album in particular. 

Sarah - 14/05/04

From: giles
Q.Do you (mick) still have no time for Radiohead? I dont know if the 'current state' refered to in a previous question is the bleak darkness of the past few years or the more joyfull work theyve been doing recently. The crowd reception certainly isnt cold anymore. I personally feel their recent stuff is pretty comparable to some of your more expansive moments (sleep the clock around springs to mind)? Although I have not had the privelige to be snubbed by them backstage at benacassim. Do the rest of you have similar feelings towards them? anyway cant wait to see you at glastonbury (or at brighton a few months ago, for that matter), if its half as good as last time it'll make my year. again.

A. Hi Giles. I saw them at the Coachella festival in Palm Springs last week, and I have to say I did enjoy it more than at Benicassim. And I did give it my full attention, just to make sure. You certainly can't knock the show they put on, whether or not you like all the music. But I don't know, I just can't get over the whole 'moaning in a minor key' thing. It just gets too much. There certainly are flashes of brilliance in the music, but overall it just kind of leaves me cold. I can't remember what I said about  the backstage thing at Benicassim, but it wasn't that they snubbed anyone, as much as they mis-read the atmosphere of the festival, which is very laid-back, and they did the whole police cordon thing, immediately before they went onstage. Before that they had been walking about freely, happy as you like. Anyway, everyone at Coachella seemed to be loving it.

Mick - 12/05/04

From: Patrick Doyle
Q.hi there, firstly - what are everyone's favourite albums/songs by Love? Secondly, and most importantly...Daddy or Chips?

A. sorry to be boring but I only know the first three records. Side one of de capo is pretty much where it's at for me esp. orange skies. From Forever Changes, the red telephone is my all time fave. The first album is great as well apart from hey joe although it's marginally better than the byrds appalling attempt. the answer: daddy.
Stevie.

From: Patrick Borezo
Q.Philosophical one for you here: Who is more undeservedly underrated: the Lovin' Spoonful or the Turtles? both groups having their heyday squarely within the brief window of American post-beat boom/pre-psychedelic bust. In the Spoonful's favor, a raft of John Sebastian's effortless songs (written in a variety of styles, from jug band to faux-Nashville to Mersey styled rock and roll) like Didn't Want to Have to Do It, Younger Girl and Daydream, to name a few. With regard to the Turtles, one must acknowledge the fantastic harmonic prowess and biting satiric wit of Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, not to mention some first rate material, self penned and otherwise, like Elenore, Me About You, and She'd Rather Be With Me. Thoughts, qualifications?

A. Sorry can't answer that, as I don't know the turtles apart from 'eleanor' which is a good soaring pop song, did they do 'happy together' ? that's a good song. I don't know if the Spoonful were underrated at all, they were quite successful with at least one number 1. and were fairily influential The Beatles liked them and paid tribute with their good timey 'Good Day Sunshine' Personally I dig 'em esp. 'rain on the roof' and 'do you believe in magic' I think there is a bit of spoonful in our early sound, on 'she's losing it' and a couple of other things like that.
Stevie.

Out of the two it's definately the Turtles that are undeservedly underrated. I can take or leave the Lovin' Spoonful, apart from 'Summer in the City', and even at that I don't think their version is the best (I think it was Quincy Jones that did the version I like but I'm not 100% sure). On the other hand The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands lp is a genuine lost classic. It's kind of a concept lp I guess, in that every song is a different style. There's the blue eyed soul of the title track, the heavy organ funk of 'Buzzsaw', the UK style pop-psyche of the afore mentioned 'Eleanor', the monster beat -fest that is 'I'm Chief Kamanawanalea', and a blissed out version of Gene Clark's 'You Showed Me'. I'm not the only fan of this record, the latter two songs having been sampled The Beastie Boys and De La Soul repectively. Although De La are probably not as keen on the Turtles as they once were, since they sued them.
That reminds me, I was listening to 'Fallin'' the other day, the collaboration between De La Soul and Teenage Fanclub. That's a great record, two great bands at their peak. It's off the soundtrack of a movie called 'Judgement Night'. When I was in halls at university loads of folk had the record, but no-one saw the film.
Chris

From: Beatriz Folly
Q.Which are your most influences and which were your past bands?

A. Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis (but not all of his stuff, he made some pretty uninspired, run-of-the-mill records too), Joni Mitchell (this is after I deliberately scratched my brother's copy of Court and Spark following an argument- he then scratched my Marillion LP - I was 15), Trojan ska and reggae compilations (can rarely remember names of songs or bands). I had a Metal Past (see my 'Who' entry on this site)- Deep Purple, Rainbow, Rush. Bands I've been in- Terra Firma (see 'Who' section again) at school, Perambulator (a bit Sonic Youth, a bit Orange Juice) at uni, Tetsuo (we described ourselves as 'death-metal reggae') then Hardbody (quality songs from a talented girl singer, varying from jazzy trip-hop to indie-rock) after uni. I also played briefly with Solomyn Flynn, a Glasgow ska band, and with Snow Patrol for a few gigs. I still play with the Amphetameanies. At school I played in the orchestra, concert band and swing band. I also played with the Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra. I really miss playing swing music- possibly the best dance music ever written. 'Count' (cheesey pun) that as another influence, then.
Mick.

It was my grandfather that made me want to play the piano. I've learned a lot from the times I've been lucky enough to work/play with Bill Wells, and from everyone else in the group of course. I've also learned loads of Mark Trayner, who looks after my keyboards when we're on tour, and who showed me how to tell one end of a hammond organ from the other. My first band was called Penfold. We used to bitterly reflect that we could have been as big as echobelly.
Chris

Beatles, Stones, Dylan, Townshend, Mike Nesmith, Costello, Byrds, Neil Young, country music, Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, Jimmy Cliff, reggae music, stax, motown, mary j blige, Bill Wells, Miles Davis, Gill Evans pop music in general, destiny's child, r'n'b, hoagy carmichael, frank sinatra, the bee gees, soundtracks, bernard herman, theme from the proffesionals, john barrry, john lee hooker. can't stand the floyd. Past bands include- 'the opal october, the bourbon blues breakers and the moondials'
Stevie

I replied to the first half of your question in a reply to Natalie Jones, not far back in the archives. But I've seldom revealed my secret musical heritage. It's not terribly impressive; my friend Kate and I both got acoustic guitars for our birthdays one year, and started a... well, I'm not sure if even merits the word 'band'... Anyway, we started a something called Teacake Fetish. We were living in the shadow of a very talented and prolific classmate of ours who had a recording project sometimes under the name of Tartrazine Frenzy. We knew we could never compete with his songwriting gift ('Daphne is Dead', featuring samples from Neighbours, was a bit of a hit around our school) so we basically stuck to Mudhoney songs. And then I was Belle and Sebastian. I still am. But for a while me, Gerry Love from Teenage Fanclub and Eugene Kelly had a group called the Two Brothers. It was primarily a drunk thing. We used to repair to my place after a night out, and sing our little hearts out all night, while drinking gin and tonic from Star Wars mugs. Gerry never turned up for our second gig, and we split up.
Sarah

From: natalie jones
Q.Sarah, what are your favourite bands and who are you influenced by? Is it weird being the only girl in the band now, and do you still get to see Bel at all? And also, I just want to say that I think you're extremely cool and I totally adore 'Waiting For The Moon To Rise'!

A. I was always totally crazy for Sonic Youth (particularly the period spanning Evol - Sister - Daydream Nation - Goo. in my opinion there has never been a band who created so many consistently great albums). I've got a big thing for Tom Waits too, and Jonathan Richman is a favourite. Not to mention The KLF, Love, Teenage Fanclub, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, The Zombies, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.... All that stuff is quite influential, but I think it's the guys in the band who are the greatest influence. One of them will play a couple of chords and your mind starts racing.

And in answer to your last question: yes, it's taking a bit of getting used to, not having Isobel around. I was so disappointed when she went home from the American tour. But sometimes I think I'm more of a man than some of those boys. Put a drink in them, and they giggle like schoolgirls. It seems inconceivable I know, but once I beat Stuart at arm wrestling (although he's erased it from his memory, and may well have been humouring me anyway). The differences between the boys and the girls show up more in some situations than others. Just now, it seems relatively imperceptible. I think it's going to be alright. I've run into Isobel from time to time. I think she's been almost as busy as we have, though, so maybe not as often as I'd like.
Sarah.

From: Adam Kandle
Q.I was just curious if anyone in the band has read, "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life: A History of DJ's" It's brilliant and documents the entire history of DJ's and the various musical movements that have been affected. You guys are actually mentioned in the section on Nothern Soul. I would be more than happy to send you my copy if you are interested. By the way, great show in Philly, but what was up with no one dancing, did everyone swallow Xanax before attending? Can't wait to hear some knew music from you, it warms the "cockels of my heart" (Woody Allen reference)

A. Yeah, thanks Adam, I've read the book. I thought it was totally inspiring, and when I do a night always endeavour to put in the same love and attention as the great Larry Levan, but usually with less drugs. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a music book whether or not they have a particular interest in djing and club culture. Bill Brewster's analysis of the way modern music has been shaped by djs and their audiences makes a refreshing change from the usual mojo type emphasis on the importance of 'serious' album artists in contemorary pop culture. By making connections between such diverse strands of club culture as northern soul alnighters, dub reggae sound systems, early hip-hop block parties and warehouse parties the book is a fitting tribute to the open minded djs and punters who've been prepared to go the extra mile for the sounds to make a perfect party. On the subject of which, it's always hard to get people dancing at shows. Folk seem to treat music being played by a band differently to how they react to a dj i.e. by standing watching. The exception being playing 60s covers at a wedding or bar mitzvah! It's great to get folk grooving to the uptempo numbers, but I suppose at a show the audience have to settle down for the quiet stuff. If people want to dance I'll keep taking a box of records on tour and looking for parties after the gigs.
Chris.

From: Mark - Manchester
Q.Here's a tough one for you... Who is your favourite Beatle? What is your favourite Beatles album? & what is your favourite Beatles song?

A. Favourite Beatle....All four Beatles are the greatest but if push came to shove.....George. Favourite Album.... Ah Fuck...eh......Rubber Soul. Favourite Song.....Ticket to Ride.
Stevie.

From: Josue Sakata
Q.This is Josue in Miami, Florida. I got a question, well it's really kind of a request. We'll, it's a request that I will put in question form. You guys played the Free Jazz festival in Brazil in 2001. Did you do a cover of the Os Mutantes song Minha Menina? If so, is that on any compilation that you know of? Did anyone record it and put it on CD? I got it on mp3, but I am afraid of passing it on to CD and losing the quality. Plus, it cuts off short. The reason I am asking about obtaining a copy is that I want to dance this song in my wedding. I want to dance it with my soon-to-be wife, Denise. The Gentle Waves' "Pretty Things" will be our first song as man and wife; it has sentimental value for us. But I wanted to throw this song in too. So,if you could help me, it would be swell.

A. Yeah we played that tune at both our Brazil shows and we also done it at a Brazil MTV thing. I have no idea if it is available. I know our version was played on the radio a few times so someone might have a good quality version of it. I personally have never heard one. To be honest if I were you I'd stick with the original, my pidgeon Portuguese on our version was pretty brutal. I'm assuming you have it but if not, you can pick up a copy of it on Gemm.com or Amazon.com. Congratulations by the way.
Stevie.

From: Jim DeRosa
Q.I saw the band in Los Angeles and you surprised us all by doing a great version of Creeque Alley. It was a treat and I was wondering how you came up with that one.

A. Well, we sometimes like to get cover versions together by artists who originate from the town we happen to be playing if we have at the time at soundchecks or whatever, so at our two LA shows we picked Love and the Mamas and the Papas. I think it might have been Isobel that requested Creeque Alley.
Stevie.

From: Shane
Q.Chris, now, I don't really know what to say about the whole downloading music thing. See, for me, it turns me on to new groups and bands. The only way I can tell if I like a band is if I hear a song from them. Groups like you guys, who are virtually unknown here in Maine, aren't worth taking a risk and spending $15 on just for the hell of it. But I downloaded some of your songs, and fell in love. So I went out and bought The Boy.... then eventually Sinister followed by the Lazy Line Painter Jane box set. That is where my collection is now, since, well, I have only listened to you guys for about 2 months. Also, I have something to ask you, Chris (or anyone else in the band). What is up with all these phantom lyrics? I mean, lyrics that are put down in the booklet, but aren't there. For example, when does anyone accept anyone's confession in the Boy With the Arab Strap??? That is just one example. It's crazy, I tell you.

A. Crazy indeed. If you're going to write something you might as well sing it, that's what I say. His mind probably drifts onto lower division Scottish football, or Barry Bonds' hitting stats at the cruicial moment. Rest assured I'll do my best to make sure any un-sung lyrics are removed from future cd inserts and lp sleeves.

I hope folk realize my anti-downloading rant was somewhat tongue in cheek, and mainly directed against the short-sightedness of the major record companies, rather than the kids. I'm well aware that a lot of people get into stuff by downloading it first, and then buy the cd, and I've no problem with that. It's insane that the music industry makes criminals of the very people who support it most. But Ben from Leeds specifically mentioned downloading stuff he didn't think meritted buying on cd, which does seem a bit less admirable. To be quite honest it was the thought of Gloria Jones getting ripped of that really got my heckles up, if that's a real phrase. It might mean something rude for all I know, which is not what I intended. The folk that made records like 'Tainted Love' deserve their due.
Chris.

When we do a new song, often I hand out lyric sheets. By the time we have arranged and recorded the song, often the lyrics have been squooshed a little to fit. Lazily, I often just give our layout man the original lyrics when we put the sleeve together.
Stuart.

From: Terry - Perth
Q.What Australian bands do you think you may cover when you get around to touring here? And what is everyone's favourite Go-Between's song? And should I do Honours or travel next year? I can't make up my mind about either of those last two questions.

A. 'I need you tonight' by INXS is a pretty cool song, I'd like to do that one. Favourite Go Betweens would have to be 'Part Company". Do your honours and then travel.
Stevie.

From: Andrew Irvine Stuart.
Q.I know you are a huge popstar and everything but I was wondering if you could acknowledge the Cure as being an influence to you? I know the Smiths have had an impact on you but have you ever got into the Cure? You must have! Listen to Distintegration for fucks sake! They were definately a more important band than the Smiths. I wasn't really around when the Smiths and Cure battle was going on but I have all the Smiths and Cure albmums and can safely say that the Cure definately had more to offer. Is it too late for me to become a songwriter? I am 22 years old.

A. 22 too old! You obviously aren't even old enough to form a mature opinion! 'Disintegration'? I'll disintegrate you! I did buy 'Kiss Me..'(free orange six track ep!) but I was instantly bored of the next one.
Stuart.

From: Jeremy G - Kilburn
Q.really enjoyed the show in paris. it made my year there in some ways. Just been to see the film Donnie Darko. thought it was quite nice. Any idea as to what it was about?

A. Donnie Darko seemed to inspired by Bill Drummond's vision of the rabbit spectre behind the Bunnymen. Check out the appropriate chapter in his book '45'. He managed Echo & The Bunnymen in the early eighties and was haunted by a similar vision to Donnie. Film was pretty good. Don't know what it was about. I could have taken a little more impressionism actually.
Stuart.

From: ben machell - leeds
Q.Sorry for Ripping of Gloria Jones. I only downloaded the one song out of curiosity, and have now put it onto a party cd for my mates birthday because it's really good and eveyone should get a listen (although everybody will probably be far too busy assessing who they've got the best chance of a cuddle with at the end of the night to notice whats being played). On a different note, good prediction on Sutton scoring against Blackburn. Would you like a routund Australian striker back, in return for a truckload of cash?

A. Hi Ben, yep, a career as a football pundit awaits. I've not seen much of Leeds this season, but Viduka's a moody bugger, and an egomaniac to boot. You can keep him. As I said in a later posting, I hope you didn't take my ticking off too seriously. My main point was that record companies have screwed things up for themselves. Just by the way, if you fancy hearing some fresh funky party tunes I recomend you check out the output of the labels Desco, Daptone and Soul Fire, especially releases by Lee Fields and Sharon Jones (her 'Make it good to me' has featured on the Premiership highlights a few times). Over the past few years they've put out a sucession of funk and soul 45s, most of which have been compiled on CD, and a few excellent albums. respect always,
Chris.

In reference to your first question: I don't think it makes you bad people, no. No more so than making cassette copies of records for people. I don't do it, because I've got a mac, and haven't found a mac-friendly download site - can anyone help me out here? I think it's not going to be downloads that threaten music, it's CD writers, and the cheapness of blank CD-Rs. And no, I haven't heard Jump Start. What's it like then? If I could download stuff maybe I could find out.
Mick

From: John Robertson - New York, NY USA
Q.The season is coming, so...Recommend a slew of holiday albums, how about? P.S. I already have the XFM one...

A. James Brown made three Christmas albums between 1966 and 1970. Some of the most festive moments from them have been compiled on a cd called, unsurprisingly, 'Funky Christmas'. It really is superb. And of course no Christmas is complete without Phil Spector. Even though you can't avoid hearing the record in shops for months, I still love to put it on when I'm wrapping my presents.
Chris.

From: Mark - Sunderland
Q.Hi, three questions really! I was wondering what you lot thought of Radiohead, I know that you both played at Benacassim (sp?) in the summer, did you watch their set? (they had horrible sound problems, dunno if that affected your set as well). They just seem to be an influence on almost everybody these days, i know that your and their sounds couldn't really be any different but still, wondering if you respect their sheer might ;). Also, the reindeer section, is it ever going to be possible for them to play a gig with the entire line-up? i know it probably seems a little far fetched, but in the right environment, i think it would be a fucking ace gig! and why isn't stuart involved, please? GUEST VOCAL SLOT IS IN ORDER ON THE NEXT ALBUM! And, final question, fancy playing a gig up in newcastle any time soon?

A. I don't have a lot of time for Radiohead in their current state. I did watch a lot of their set at Benicassim, which I had been looking forward to. But it all came across as too meandering and self-indulgent, there appeared to be no 'entertainment factor' to them. There was no connection with the crowd, which I think was obvious from the cold response they received, certainly not the kind of response you'd expect from a crowd witnessing The Biggest Band on the Planet (TM). And backstage they were acting like the Messiah, with police cordons and whatever else. At Benicassim in particular, that is wholly unneccessary. Sheer Might? Mere Shite, more like. Sorry, poor pun. It's just not my bag, is all. As for the Reineer Section, I really don't know if there will be a full line-up gig. It would be a nice idea though. Newcastle, yes, it has been mentioned in the past. Maybe the next tour we'll actually play there.
Mick

From: Matt
Q.I am the world's worst at getting to sleep at night and usually lie awake for a few hours first. The only thing that seems to help is listening to music (counting sheep never did it for me).

A. My favourite going to sleep cd is Saso - Big Group Hug and I would reccomend it if you haven't heard it before. I was wondering if any of you had similar problems and what bands/albums send you into the land of nod? My brother used to find Slayer's 'Reign in Blood' album did the job. And that's not a joke,
Mick.

I rarely suffer from such a problem - and even if I do, music is the last thing I need. As a student, I used to keep a copy of Descartes'"Meditations" beside my bed for such an eventuality. That invariably doesthe trick. Sleep well.
Sarah

From: J.C. - London (Canadian ex-pat)
Q.I am a bit of an ignoramous on this topic, but what happened to Bowlie Weekend? Did it change to All Tomorrow's Parties and are you still involved in the festival? If not, any plans to start another festival?

A. We're not still involved in the festival, no. It's now run by a promotions company, who ask a different band every year to host it. We may decide to do another festival in the future,
Mick.

From: Mazza - Ontario, Canada
Q.I have a slight obsession with Christmas and was especially pleased to see Elvis mentioned, for he did provide the world with the best Christmas music ever. I did love so much your rendition of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and wonder if the band had any more designs on Christmas songs? If I may be so rash as to suggest some possibilities: The King of Cardigans himself, Perry Como, did a lovely song called something like "Love is a Christmas Rose" or perhaps a rousing rendition of the Huron Carol or the band could even get really drunk and try their hand at some Dean Martin suggestions.

A. We're currently in this very predicament, as we have to choose songs for the Christmas Peel session...
Mick.

From: Patrick J. Elshaw - Brewer, Maine USA
Q.Have you folks ever thought about doing an epic prog rock album? Not bombastic like ELP or Yes. More on the order of early Genesis or Strawbs. I always thought some of your music sounded like them.

A. A friend told me that a bit of Consuelo from the Storytelling LP sounded like something from a Genesis LP, which is entirely possible, because those albums were played a lot in my house when I was younger. I think we have definitely strayed down the prog path on more than one occasion - ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I give you 'Judy is a Dickslap'.
Mick.

From: Andrew Ecker - Irvington NY
Q.Thank you Stevie for acknowledging Rubber Soul as the inspiration and guiding light for any Beach Boys album! (Segway) Rubber Soul is one of my all time favorite albums but I read the reviews for Beatles albums and it is always behind Revolver, "White Album", and Abbey Road. Not that the opinions of critics matter to me, but do they matter to you guys? And what is the worst and best review the band has ever received?

A. As far as reviews go, I think the group has actually been treated pretty fairly. I very rarely read one that I totally disagree with and a lot of the time they reflect what I actually feel about the record or the gig or whatever. For instance the lukewarm response that greeted FYHSCYWLAP I thought was pretty justified because in my heart of hearts it reflected my own feelings. I was delighted that 'Storytelling' got a lot of positive reviews because I really liked it and thought it was a nice piece of work. You get the odd review where the reviewer clearly just doesn't like the group and just calls us twee or whatever or in a live situation it usually involves slagging the fan base with the usual stereotypes which is kind of annoying as I can see from the stage what a mixed bag the fans actually are. But on the whole I've got no complaints. Reviews shouldn't be taken too seriously whether good or bad if you are actually the subject of the review. You know yourself when something is good or bad and you have to live with it yourself. The reviewed party should be wary of both cruel words and flattery. The effect of one can be just as dangerous as the other when believed. Yes, I'm talking pretentious tosh, let's cut to the chase. 369 seconds getting the single of the week in both the melody maker and the nme. Man that was SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEET.
Stevie

From: Cabot
Q.You guys should really cover Led Zep's "What is and what should never be" it would be so perfect live. Don't you agree that it would rock?

A. Obviously, being a huge Led Zep fan, I am enormously in favour. However, I might have plumped for Thank You instead, it being the best song ever written,
Mick.

From: Lucio
Q.A couple of months ago, I saw a film made in Scotland called The Wicker Man and the folky atmosphere made me remind all the time Belle and Sebastian. Did you see that film?

A. I think I kind of prefer the film actually. It's a really good film. I recently loaned a copy to some Polish friends of mine, who I was worried might have had some problems with the dialogue. But they understood it fine, and loved it. What do you mean, the Wicker Man reminds you of Belle and Sebastian? Must be all that pagan love ritual we constantly get up to I suppose, not to mention the human sacrifice...
Mick

From: Richard - Melbourne, Australia
Q.OK, in the last couple of months we've had Mogwai come through town, and last night I caught Idlewild playing at one of my local pubs The Rob Roy (and no it's not a tacky Scottish theme pub where bands are forced to play 'Flower of Scotland' over and over again, as Roddy W. was afraid it might be - or so he quipped last night). Two questions for you. One. Any news on an Australian tour yet? And, Two: Who are some other good Scottish bands I should check out, apart from The Reindeer Selection, who I already know and love?

A. no news yet on any touring as far afield as australia. or anywhere else, for that matter.

the greatest scottish band of them all is Teenage Fanclub. not a shadow of doubt. i hadn't seen them do a proper gig in 3 years or so, but caught them at the Barrowlands on friday night. i'd almost forgotten how great it was to see them play. i needed another fix. and then decided to make a night of it last night and went to their edinburgh show - which was even better than friday's do - followed by several bars, each one more surreal than the last. when they played 'radio' i thought i was going to wet myself.

and they ARE headed down under very soon - they go to japan at the weekend, and to oz from there i think. do yourself a favour and go and see them.

they're playing in aberdeen tonight. it's tempting. if i jump in the car now, do you think i'll get there in time?
Sarah.

From: Bryan - Bremerton, Wa
Q.Hey I just wrote this to let you guys know, that I've been listening to your music since 1998, and you haven't let me down yet.I particularly love the instrumental pieces you did for the Storytelling soundtrack, and I was wondering if you were at all influenced by Vince Guaraldi. He did the music for the Peanuts cartoons, and the soundtrack has the same kind of feel to it..

A. That's quite an accolade. Chris will be delighted in particular. he valliantly learned how to play "Christmas time" for our Radio 1 Peel session just before xmas, and the rest of us sang as high as we could. Guaraldi must have had quite a pair of hands on him. Personally, I think the words to "Christmas Time" are pretty spot on. 'Oh, that we could always see such spirit through the year'. Hats off to that.
Sarah

Hi Bryan, I've been to Bremerton! I took a lonely ferry ride there in 1994. I wandered around and got the next ferry home. Me, Richard and Beans have been listening to Vince Guaraldi recently as a matter of fact. I'd like to aspire to his level of musicianship and lyrical ideas!
Stuart

From: Dave
Q.1. which musicians did you most enjoy touring with? 2. is there a chance you might perform with Jonathan Richman again?

A. 1. Jonathan and Tommy 2. god, I hope so.
Sarah

From: Kit Chan - Hong Kong
Q.I used to love the graphic design of your album. 1) among all, which u like most? 2) which type face u like most? 3) any other artists album's cover u like also? 4) any graphic designer u are into? 5) who do the graphic design works for your band?

A. Does that mean that they suck now?
1) I like any of the big gatefolds. We design the record sleeve first, and the other formats follow. It's a shame so few records are sold these days.
2) I like a nice "Century Schoolbook"
3) Many many. Bluenote and The Smiths are the obvious influences on our sleeves. It's much easier to like a record sleeve than the music inside because it's easier to take in. It's maybe easier to list records that I have bought on the strength of their sleeves, before I knew the music. Records that you just knew you were going to like. The Raincoat's first lp, "You Can't Hide Your Love Forever" by Orange Juice, the Violent Femmes first lp, "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" by Joni Mitchell.
4) I can't think of any names. I love Pauline Baynes, but she's an illustrator.
5) Me and Andy Symington.
Stuart.

From: Justin - Canada
Q.What are some contemporary films which you particularly like?

A. I've seen a couple of really good ones recently. "Talk To Her" is the best I've seen by Almodovar, and the new Mike Leigh is classic. It's called "All Or Nothing". Watching a new Mike Leigh makes me feel the same way that I used to feel about Smiths records. You pretty much know what you're going to get, but you know instantly upon listening/seeing that you are in the hands of a Master. In recent years there have been a few films which have threatened my top 50. I have a soft spot for "Amelie", I liked "Dear Diary" by Nanni Moretti, I usually like Richard Linklater's films, and thought the recent adapted play was very good. "Tape" it was called. I don't think I've loved a British film apart from Leigh since "Withnail & I" though I stand to be reminded.
Stuart.

From: Nigel Underwood
Q.What is a good Felt album to get for a first time buyer?

A. Mmm. Buy "Strange Idol Patterns" and "Poem Of The River", but give them a little time. I could recommend more flashy or immediate ones, but these are the best. But into the bargain "Down But Not Yet Out" and "Rain Of Crystal Spires" "Penelope Tree" and "Ballad Of The Band" are the best tracks to hear in a disco. And if anyone ever does hear any of these in a disco then mail me because I need to go there.
Stuart.

From: Mark - King's Bench Walk Chambers
Q.How about some Nick Drake covers? I think you'd do a lovely version of Saturday Sun....

A. Well you know I did go to the Nick Drake tribute concert at the Barbican a few years ago. Some of the peope did a suprisingly good job of the songs, such as MacAlmont (from MacAlmont and Butler) and the guy from 3 Colours Red! And I thought, well I could've done that, but then I thought, no I like just listening. It was funny, like all lot of hippies and folkies crawled out of the seventies to come to London for the day. But I don't mean to be disrespectful. I liked it. I half expected King Arthur to be there.
Stuart.

From: Dave Lyman
Q.Who would you rather work with, Henry Rollins or Tool?

A. I'd rather work out with Rollins.
Stuart.

From: anon
Q.Where you ever a fan of the Cocteau Twins or Saint Etienne??

A. Right up till today I am the biggest fan of the Cocteau Twins. "Victorialand" is one of my favourite records. "Lorelei" is the closest I came to sex when I was a student! They go up in my estimation everyday. I sent her some Edinburgh rock a few years ago, but never heard back. I wonder if she got it? I used to like Saint Etienne and I went to see them recently but was a little bored.
Stuart

From: Zach Beutler
Q.I attended you guys' concert in Detroit in May/2002 and went to the party afterward where Chris DJ'd and I LOVED the music you were playing then - probably one of the best experiences I've had. I read your list of songs you have on the band website and was wondering if you could help me find more good music like that - I'm kind of running into a wall because I can't remember and specifics of who you played when you DJ'd. Please help me out - I'm starving for more music like this.

A. Hi Zach, thanks for getting in touch, I'm glad you ejoyed the party in detriot so much. I made a point that night of playing a lot of Detriot stuff, from Motown through to Carl Craig, but I don't know if too many folk noticed. I've just put put another list of some stuff I've been liking on the website in response to someone who asked for some top tens, so you might find something of interest there. If you buy cd's a couple I would recommend are 'the funky 16 corners' on stones throw records, any of the 'dynamite' or 'studio one' reggae compiltions on soul jazz, 'brainfreeze' and 'product placement' by dj shadow and cut chemist. A guy called norman jay who is a great dj does a show on bbc radio two called the funk factory which you can hear on the bbc website, and my friends andrew and neil do a show called circuit breaks on a radio station called radiomagnetic which is on the web early friday evening uk time. Actually that reminds me, you should get one of Andrew's mix cds off Katrina at banchory. Also if you like us you should check out the 60s band the left banke. They are a lot better! peace,
Chris

From: Jay
Q.What are your TOP 10 albums of the 80s, 90s, All-Time? One can never have TOO much music.

A. I'm not sure if I can stretch to top 10s but some records I like are:
80s- ESG 'come away with', Beastie Boys 'paul's boutique'. Mmm, actually I don't much care for albums, but some 80s tunes I like are: derrick may 'nude photo' (in fact any derrick may record, ever); kraftwerk 'tour de france' and 'numbers'; bomb the bass 'beat dis'; grace jones 'nipple to the bottle'; sun palace 'rude movements'; universal robot band 'barely breaking even'; wayne smith 'under me sleng teng'; young mc 'know how'; double d and steinski 'lessons 1, 2 & 3'; umcs 'one to grow on'; schooly d 'psk'; wire 'outdoor miner' (maybe 70s?); ian dury and the blockheads 'spasticus autisticus'; liquid liquid 'cavern'; the tamlins 'baltimore'.

And some 90s records I like are black science orchestra 'new jersey deep'; deep sensation'soul heaven'; dj shadow 'organ donor'; chemical brothers 'loops of fury ep'; bassbin twins 'volumes 1, 2 &3'; kenlou 'moonshine' (and the Nu yorican soul album, and many other masters at work productions). There's a few albums I still like from when I was a wee kid at the start of the 90s too, like teenage fanclub bandwagonesque (and all their other records too), primal scream 'screamadelica' (but not most of their other records), my bloody valentine 'loveless', beastie boys 'check your head'

At the moment my favourite albums of all time are carlton and the shoes 'love me forever'; walt dickerson 'this is...'; s.o.u.l 'what it is'; terry callier 'occasional rain', nuggets and the n*e*r*d album.

Sorry that is just a big list of titles and artists, maybe I should have put a short review of them all, but it's probably easy enough for people to get hold of this stuff and have a listen if they're intersted, or a least find information on the folk on the internet.
Chris.

From: Nils Humpack
Q.STEVIE - the video for 'The Wrong Girl' sort of got me here asking you these questions as there are: (a) What does Bob Dylan and his music personally mean to you and what records of his are your personal faves? (b) Where does your comic talent come from, I mean, the whole 'Wrong Girl' video and you sitting on the bench in 'Lazy Jane' and scenes from 'Jonathan David' as well as performing onstage. Humour in making music, writing lyrics and performing, is this important referred to yourself? and (c) What was the very first record you had in your collection?

A. Hi Nils, Thanks for writing. Yeah Bob means a lot, I first heard him when I was 15 when I got a loan of 'Blonde on Blonde' and that was it, I was in a dream world. I bought all his records and embarked on a search for the perfect 'Blonde on Blonde suede jacket with which I would blaze a trail through the teenage Glasgow scene. I never did quite find the perfect one but there was a period Bob was all I could talk about. At college I think i was a figure of fun to the second years on my course, I didn't care, I was living on Planet Bob, the 'Wrong Girl' video was pretty accurate, we shot on exactly the same streets where I walked whilst under the influence of my obsesssion. I love all his records and wouldn't be without any of them.

Comic talent? I don't know about that. Apart from 'The Wrong Girl' I received acting direction on all those videos so I was just doing my best, it's kind of fun although I seem to be typecast as the loser in love, so it's a bit like that song-"all i gotta do is act naturally"As for on stage, I used to talk a lot on stage just to fill up some of the time in between songs which seemed to go on for hours sometimes-downright ineptitude. Thankfully I don't have to do that so much since we've gotton a bit more profesional. I'd much rather play music than peddle some pretty lame stand up comedy routine.

Ah yes the first record in my collection was 'Reggata de Blanc' by the Police. I still have it and I still love it.
Stevie.

From: Nigel Underwood
Q.Hi, There are too many books in the world to read them all. In fact it's tempting to give up and not read any at all. But I'm sure that's not something that would be wise, or that should be encouraged. So perhaps you can help. What books have had the most significant impact on you, or that you'd recommend to a well-meaning ignoramous... Many thanks, Nigel. I'll tell you what Nigel, I'm a bit worried about recommending books. It's such a weighty responsibilty. If I say Rabelais, then there will be at least a couple of you who will embrace a heavy volume, and it might just not be for you. It's not for me either, you see. But I will tell you of some books that had a bit of an impact. There's always the nice feeling of honest serendipity that comes with a loved volume. Maybe a new lover gave it you, or maybe your mouldy old Aunt who you now think better of because she sent you a racy thriller.

A. I never think I'm that much of a reader, but we've all read more books than we think if you remember that you looked at books at school and you've probably read Adrian Mole, and you've read one of your mum's Dick Francis's even though she said it was 'probably too old for you', and you had a look at 'The Rats' for the sex bits. My favourite books when I was young were the 'Narnia' books by C.S. Lewis. My Aunt Jean, not mouldy but nice, gave me four for Christmas. I never looked at them till June. They looked vaguely boring. But I stumbled in, and I stumbled through those fabled fur coats into the snowy wood and I never looked back. I read all seven breathlessly, blissfully in a short time.

When I was about 19 or 20 I read 'The Screwtape Letters' by the same author. Not religious, and definitely not a Christian, I ought to have wondered why I was bothering with it. It's a stuffy old book these days. It doesn't have much of a plot. Every chapter is a letter. They are written by an old devil called Screwtape to his young nephew. He instructs him in the way of tempting.

I stuck with it. I felt a bit like the writer himself. He used to wonder why most of his favourite authors just happened to be Christian when he was agnostic himself. C.S. Lewis had become my favourite author by writing a handful of kids' books and a funny wee volume about devils and humans. Maybe in my late teens it was just what I needed. Some talk about morals and community and a hidden magic. There wasn't much of that in my bedsit!

'Jonathan Livingston Seagull'
'Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance'
'On The Road'

There you go. Three more books that twisted me and stayed with me. Three exotic books about America that made me feel like a part of me had been brought up there. As American and 70s as Peanuts. Actually, 'On the Road' can not be said to be 70s at all. I'm just getting carried away with the decade in which I grew up.

'The Unbearable Lightness Of Being'. I'm going to read that again to see if it's as good as I thought it was in my 'being influenced' phase. By God, if there's a man who can steer the ship of a philosophical novel away from the rocks, it's Milan Kundera! A sure and certain hand upon the tiller!
Stuart.

From: Dave Wu
Q.Stuart, which Morrissey do you prefer: Smiths or post-Smiths? What other lyricists do you admire?

A. The Smiths. I lost interest after Viva Hate. He's the best though. My favourite. Other lyricists I like are Joni Mitchell, Robert Forster, Leonard Cohen, Gerard Langley (I think his name is, from The Blue Aeroplanes).
Stuart.

From: Krista MacDonald - Canada
Q.Stuart and gang, When you have the time, what/who do you like to read and what are you reading right now?

A. I answered that above I think. Right now I'm starting 'Sophie's World'.
Stuart.

I'm reading George Orwell's '1984' for the first time in years, and finding it even more chilling now than ever.
Chris.

From: Gavin Stephenson - London
Q.How magical are The Zephyrs? and Have you (Stuart, I guess) got any more plans to work with Camera Obscura?

A. Don't know The Zephyrs. How magical are they? I've got no plans to work with Camera Obscura. I've got no plans.
Stuart

From: Marta Serrano - Spain
Q.hello!! i am trying to find the belle et sebastien book, in the french version, but is beeing a difficult task. could u please tell me where can i found it??

A. I'm not too sure. Maybe try amazon.fr
Stuart.

From: Kevin O'Brien - Canada
Q.I had two questions. First, I had the pleasure to see you live in Toronto on this last tour Immediately I was awed by the music playing before B&S came out. In particular, I recognised the Free Design's "Kites Are Fun" (which has always reminded me of your band) and the Cyrkle's "Red Rubber Ball" (which my father used to sing to me as a lullabye when I was a child). My question is this: Who compiles these mixed tapes/CD's? Or was it just that someone from the Warehouse in Toronto had an extremely apt and amazing mix in their napsack that they just threw on? Also, I was wondering how big of JD Salinger fans the band are. For some reason, I don't know why, I would expect that you are.

A. The tape could well have been made by Chris our piano player, that's his domain. Yeah, I've read Catcher in the Rye. It's great. That's about as much literary anaysis as your getting me from me. I think a couple of other members would have more to say on the subject of Salinger.
Stevie

From: Lesley Jenike
Q.I was curious about your favorite movies. What have you been seeing lately (or in the past) that's particularly interesting and/or inspiring?

A. biblical epics, spartacus, ben hur, el cid, fall of the roman empire that kind of thing, musicals are a big deal with me, guys and dolls is probably my favourite but also west side story and singing in the rain. bogart movies, the falcon, casablanca, big sleep, in a lonely place. Also off the top of my head- dazed and confused; hard day's night; pulp fiction; a bout de souffle; manhattan; last tango in paris; buffalo 66; dog day afternoon; anything with pacino- godfather, the insider, donnie brasco, insomnia. he's the greatest; bergman movies are great- seventh seal, wild strawberries, through a glass darkly; comedies- big lebowskie or however you spell it, woody allen, bob hope, peter sellers, dr stangelove. airplane is a masterpiece; british movies from the sixties, saturday night, sunday morning- anything in black and white; if....oh lucky man; mike leigh films; renaldo and clara; bond movies- ohmss, diamonds are forever, from russia with love are the best. there's plenty more. I recently enjoyed bowling for columbine and donnie darko.
Stevie.

From: Pete - Australia
Q.Stevie, I read an review of the latest Bill Wells album were I saw you were featured on it. What is it like in comparison to working with Bill Wells in comparison to say Belle and Sebastian? Is it a more organic process ie jamming out songs or is it more like Bill works out your guitar/harmonica parts for you?

A. Bill gives me the parts most of the time especially on the records, I've done gigs with him where he'll say, " Well, there's two sets- the first is for forty minutes and we'll improvise" That's pretty far out and scary, I mean he's on another planet from me in terms of ability and vision, but he's great, I've learned a lot from Bill, he's a real gentleman as well. He deserves to be more greatly appreciated, anyone reading this, should check him out.
Stevie

From: Patrick Hurley
Q.Being a big Who fan, I have to ask, what do you guys think of the Who? For the most part, I find that when I ask this question to other people it's split between those who really like them, hate them, or are the ones who have no strong feelings but still make that horrible joke 'The Who?' over and over again (feel free if you want to make that joke in your response, at least I'll know my email was posted.). I realize they're not the Beatles, but albums like Quadrophenia, Sell Out, or singles like 'So Sad About Us' or 'Kids are Alright' are still quite good.

A. I think we all like the who, most of us anyway, I know that chris and bobby's cut off point is 'the who sell out' and stuart likes a lot of the singles, I don't know about sarah. I think they are a bit of a boys band, in fact when I saw them in Glasgow a couple of years ago the audience was about 80% male. I love them, I love the early stuff esp. 'sellout', I can take or leave the rock opera stuff although they contain some amazing songs. Funnily enough my favourite has to be the 'who by numbers' Townshend's album about turning thirty, I've loved it since i was 14 and now i'm in my thirties I've finally caught up with the songs or the songs have caught up with me. Rust may never sleep but pete made art out of it in a way that all of those guys from the 60's never quite managed apart from dylan i suppose.
Stevie

From: Steve - London
Q.I was wondering, have any of you been to see Arthur Lee recently?

A. Yeah I saw Arthur at King Tuts which is a fairly intimate venue in Glasgow. The tickets were sold out in three seconds before I'd even heard about it, I knew I wouldn't have a hope in hell of wangling my way then and then a miracle happened. It turned out that our manager had arranged to borrow out all our gear to Love free of charge, he didn't think we'd mind- he was right, The guest pass was mine, there wasn't even a guest list, I could have wept with my good fortune. The gig was wonderful, Arthur's voice had not diminished a jot, talk about drop dead cool, the band were great as well, two guitars, bass and drums, even the Forever Changes stuff sounded great, I didn't even miss the acoustic guitars and the orchestra. Well he's coming back soon with an orchestra and I've got my ticket- send it on!
Stevie.

From: brad - winston-salem, nc
Q.as a film student, i often find that listening to your music inspires imagery in my head, and often helps me through road blocks while making my films. i was wondering if there were any filmmakers that inspired you guys?

A. God yeah, Ingmar Bergman. It's like discovering the Rolling Stones when you're fifteen and you work your way through their oeuvre marveling at the body of work as it unfolds. Bergman is totally like that, I'm buying his movies every week, their all great, I love the black and white photography the fact that the same actors keep re-appearing, I love the look of Sweden, I love the darkness and the melancholia and the meditations on God and Death. I'm not sure if all of this will have an impact on my guitar playing but God I hope it does!
Stevie

From: Derek - Ottawa, Canada
Q.I saw the B&S show in Montreal last spring. It was amazing. I told this to Stuart when I met him outside the bar. I mentioned to him that I enjoyed the show more than the Morrissey show that I saw. I was just wondering if Stuart or any other band member caught a Morrissey show on his last tour and if so, what did he/she think about it?

A. I'm not really a fan, but I did see him at the Albert Hall last year as my girlfriend had a spare ticket. I quite enjoyed the show, he did a couple of Smiths tunes ('I want the one I can't have' and 'There is a light that never goes out' if I remember correctly) and apart from a couple of brand new tunes most of the songs were early hits like 'everyday is like sunday' and 'suedehead', so I regognised more of the tunes than I'd expected to. We were right at the back though, so we didn't really get much of the atmosphere, but he did seem quite a performer. I think Fiona had a much better time when she went to see him at the Glasgow Barrowlands a few weeks later. She came home missing a couple of toenails from folk jumping on her feet, but I guess thats what happens if you go near the front at gigs when you get to our age.
Chris.

From: John Robertson - New York, U.S.A.
Q.Have you considered doing an album of covers? I love hearing my favorite bands play other people's stuff, along the lines of Yo La Tengo's "Fakebook". And if you were going to (hypothetically), who would you cover?

A. We've done a lot of covers at gigs: the Zombies, Mamas and Papas, Shangri Las, theme from Rocky, Os Mutantes, Love, Sly Stone, Herbie Hancock, Booker T, Thin Lizzy and Dinosaur Jr spring to mind. Actually we did a whole covers show last Christmas. I can't remember all the tunes we did there. I bet Stevie can. Then at the Peel session before Christmas just there we did some more, Christmas numbers by Vince Guaraldi, the Sonics, Elvis and James Brown. I doubt if we'll do a covers record in the near future but you can probably make your own off bootlegs. I'm sure the peel session is on the internet somewhere, so there's a start for you.
Chris.

From: William Rt Taylor - Sussex
Q.just been reading some of the old q's for the band, and happened upon sarah's "ennui" in sussex. just to say that sussex is a great place - so you must have been wrong! only kidding, but where did you stay and what did you get up to? second question, which is the band's (or each individual) favourite song to play live? finally, i am really into sad and emotional songs (e.g partisan by leonard cohen) what is everyone's saddest and most emotional song that always makes them cry?

A. The Partisan!!! THe Partisan!!! It's one of my favourites too. I wanted Stuart to sing it when we were in Montreal, but he made me sing 'Hey, that's no way to say goodbye' instead.

The whole sussex ennui thing could have been easily alleviated, I know. probably the best thing we did was when Stuart, Beans and I went to Rye and got some Spike Milligan books from a second hand bookshop. Our sense of duty drew us back to the studio, a couple of miles outside Battle, but in retrospect we should have pressed on and driven out to Dungeness - I went there once to see Derek Jarman's garden, but didn't make it to the lens room in the lighthouse. So I know Sussex has more to offer. But really - anybody would have started to go off their head doing sussex the way we did. The next time we go away to record, in march, I hope we'll turn it around, and learn to love the country life.
Sarah

We were staying quite near 'Battle' but we just stayed in the studio playing pool and watching TV, oh yeah and a bit of recording. Favourite song to play live-Lazy Line Painter Jane. Saddest Song-Begin the Beguine-Cole Porter.
Stevie

From: Paul - Adelaide, SA
Q.I also look forward to you touring Australia and in particular Adelaide (If you come?)I never thought I would see the day when Kraftwerk would tour here or anywhere again but incredibly they are coming here early in the new year.I agree with everything you guys say: Rubber soul is the greatest,the smiths were the best 80`s band,the cure were and are crap etc,etc.But when it comes to football we don`t see eye to eye because I believe its Rangers year(Decade).Incidentally when are we going to have a new album out on the new record company?My Storytelling disk is well worn and running in at 34:54 was oh so short!And one other thing-what do you chaps think of the beta band?Considering you were a bit rubbished in "High Fidelity", and they were kinda lionised.

A. Well, We're recording our next record in a few weeks so probably September is a realistic time to put on it. Do you know, I've not heard that much of thr Beta Band. I'm afraid I don't get to hear much comtemporary stuff, the modern stuff I like tends to be black music, Mary J Blige things like that. They're certainly nice guys, I've had the pleasure of meeting a couple of them. Hi Fidelity was fine, we knew what they were going to do with the song as they had to ask our permission, I thought it was funny, I didn't mind, besides we've been lionised on Brookside and as far as I'm concerned that's worth 5 Hollywood Movies.
Stevie.

From: Jonathan Shields - Essex
Q.When I first heard your stuff, apart from liking it a lot, the other thing that came over me was how much it sounded like both Love and Nick Drake, but in a good way. As you are obviously fans, what is your favourite song by each one? Just thought of something else too. I liked the Storytelling album, but not much made it into the film apparently (I haven't seen it, but I hear it isn't as good as Happiness....). Were you pissed off about that? I bloody would be....

A. Love - Orange Skies; Nick Drake - Hazey Jane 11; I was disappointed, more than anything. But it's ancient history now. All we've left is the album and I must admit I'm rather fond of it.
Stevie

From: a confused guy from italia called andrea
Q.I was really astonished and sorry in discovering Mary Hansen's dead last week. What do you think about Stereolab? Have you any relationship-friendship with other english super bands like them?

A. I've got a couple of their records and really like them. I don't know any English bands really. Sorry.
Stevie.

From: Nick
Q.Seeing how you did the soundtrack to Todd Solondz's "storytelling" I guess your fan, Todd aside, what's your favourite movie?

A. Gregory's Girl, by Bill Forsyth.
Mick.

From: keith mclachlan
Q.have you seen the episode of 'Gilmore Girls' where part of the plot is devoted to getting one of the characters the new Belle and Seabstian ep? They used Legal Man as the pursuit quickened.

A. Haven't seen it, no. I don't even know if it has made it to the UK
Mick

From: Jeremy Wright - Greenville, SC
Q.The FAQ was a little vague on the inspiration for the band's name, was it the book or the cartoon? Personally, I've never seen/read either of them (bad luck I guess) but I am a great fan of cartoons, well, books too. But since you've already been asked about books, are any of the band members cartoon fans? Favorite cartoon? Also, although I was speaking of animated cartoons, I also enjoy the comic strip type. I especially like the cartoon adaption of the forming of the band "the story of sebastian." So, who is this Laura Molloy who holds the copyright/drew it (presumably)? Is she cute? I won't believe you if you say she's not.

A. The greatest cartoon of all time has got to be the Simpsons. I can't think of any other tv series that comes close, cartoon or otherwise. We were lucky enough to attend a script read through by the cast a couple of years ago when we were in LA. They took a note of when we laughed. Then we laughed again at the same gags when the episode we'd been to was on the tele. I also love Roadrunner, Ren and Stimpy, Battle of the Planets and Mr Benn (showing my age there). I used to go out with Laura. You can check out more of her work at girlygoo.
Chris

From: Gary "Sarge" Sargent - Ormskirk Lancashire
Q.Been to see you a couple of times now, courtesy of a friend of mine Chris Goodwin, he's been into you for years and he introduced me to you about two years ago. Both gigs have been good, first was Preston Guild Hall, when you did an improv of the Snooker Music, I thought the gig was excellent. Second time was at Manchester Apollo, good gig, but what was up with the sound, I'm sure you couldn't have been too happy about that? Anyway, the reason I'm writing you is that I hear you like Northern Soul, which is one of my great passions and from listening to your music I can hear the influence. Couple of things, what's a few of your favourite Northern tracks? (I know this is a difficult one because there are so many) One of my favourite tracks is called "I'm Comun' Home In The Mornun'" by Lou Pride, if you know this why don't you guys give it a go, I'd love to hear you do it at a gig, because if anyone could carry it off I reckon you could. Also, We have just finished remixing a copy of a Northern Soul track and was wondering if you would like to cast a critical ear over it? If you would, what address shall I send it to?

A. Ormskirk, eh? That's certainly a good Northern Soul address. Off the top of my head a few favourite Northern tracks at the moment are Betty Moorer 'Speed Up' on Wand, the perrenial 'In Love' by Tony Gala on Swan, Edwin Starr 'S.O.S' on Ric-Tic (an old classic, but I only got it yesterday), Kim Weston 'A Thrill a Moment' on Gordy, and 'Amazing Love' by James Bell and the Highlighters on Ro-Jam. Nothing you've not heard of I'm sure. The Lou Pride's certainly a belter. Top drawer you could say, although I don't keep my records in a drawer. I never attempt to cover a song I've not got on original 7 inch single though, so if you can get me one we'll have a go. Deal? I'd love to hear the track. Katrina will give you an address you can send it to.
Chris.

From: Jason Klekovic
Q.I saw your show at the Congress theatre last spring here in Chicago and that was one of my favorite shows of 2002. Will U guys be releasing a new album this year w/ an American tour again?! I'm also wondering if you like any Chicago bands. We have a pretty cool music seen here ranging from Tortoise, The Sea And Cake, The Aluminum Group, Chicago Underground Duo, Wilco etc,

A. Loads of music I love has come from Chicago: the legendary Chess/Cadet label, home to Ramsey Lewis, Marlena Shaw, Terry Callier, Etta James, Minnie Ripperton and the production genius of Charles Stepny and Richard Evans; the jacking house records from Frankie Knuckles ('Your Love' is one of my favourite records ever, of any style), Fingers inc., and Lil' Louis. Sun Ra started in Chicago too didn't he? I like Tortiose, but I've not heard any of the others you mention. Too busy looking for old stuff I ashamed to say. What about Chicago (the band)? Are they from Chicago? The song 'Streetplayer' on their self titled thirteenth album is a belter. No joke. Dig the Little Boy Blues too.
Chris

From: Shellie Williams
Q.Anyone: I think my favourite song at the moment would have to be the loneliness of a middle distance runner, I think it is excellent, I really love the instrumental bits, it always stops me dead. Do you guys have favourite songs that just knock you out?

A. Cool, I knew all that time I spend doing the Herald crossword when I should be practising would come in handy. 'Baby Don't Cry' by the Third Guitar is a song that gets me every time I hear it . Check it out at Funk 45 if yous want. Also one that's snuck up on me is Orladivo's Ondo Anda a Meu Amor. It's on a compilation called Brazilian Beats that Mr Bongo put out a couple of years ago. it's from the 70s but sounds like it could be a new record.
Chris.

From: john belles - USA
Q.Hello all. I was saddened to hear of the recent death of mary hansen from steroelab. did you folks happen to know her, or are you northeners at odds with the steroelab camp?

A. I was also greatly saddened by the death of Mary Hansen. Any death is sad, but for someone like her to be killed in such a pointless way seems especially so. Stereolab are a band I've loved for many years, both for their own records and the music they've pointed me towards.
Chris

From: Jake Chris
Q.I'd be interested to know what's your favourite song for DJing? I mean, what you like to hear or what the 'crowd' seems to like. Personally I find Madonna's 'Holiday' always goes down well.

A. 'Is it all over my face' by Loose Joints is a favourite of mine, which usually rocks the crowd too.
Chris.

From: Nancy - Cleveland
Q.Loved your shows in Chicago and Detroit...there was a real energy palpable in the band, and a real cameraderie between the band and the audience...I was wondering about bands you've seen live and just loved...is there anyone you've tried to model your live performances on, or felt inspired by? Or was it just the natural love of what you do that touched me (and probably most of the folks in the clubs those nights for that matter) so much? And on a related topic, is there anyone you'd love to see live that you haven't had the chance to see yet?

A. I'd love to see the Jurassic 5. I've always been away when they've played in Glasgow the last few years, and eveyone says they put on a great show.
Chris.

From: Niall - Dublin
Q.Hi guys, great gig in Belfast last year, any more planned for Ireland? I was at the Witnness Festival in Co Meath this summer and spent most of the time in the campsite because the music really depressed me (apart from the Reindeer Section, funnily enough). Why can't more bands be good? When will the next album be out? Chris, how do you rate Sly Stone? He is the best, no? Sarah, Jonathan Richman is God in disguise. But not a very good one. Stuart, Queen Is Dead or Strangeways? Me and Johnny Marr reckon it's Strangeways.

A. Yeah I love Sly Stone. We even covered Everyday People a few times a couple of years back. We played in Dublin in 1999, it's probably time we went back.
Chris.

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