Latest Stuff and Tings

Meet Me In St. Louis Split. This has upset me. Can’t deny it, I loved this band, still do. Although it was half expected, I know myself and a great many other people (probably including yourself) were hoping they’d manage to keep it going after Toby left towards the end of last year, but I guess Paul leaving was the final nail in the coffin.

The split is a great shame because I really enjoyed listening to and watching them perform, Toby’s dancing and Lewis with his dangerously tight pants.

I and some friends put them on at a couple of shows a while back (in fact one of the posters I designed found its way inside the album sleeve, I’m so proud), just before they released their full length album, and before Toby’s BIG bushy beard, and we were completely blown away.

I’m still amazed every time I listen to them how the hell they keep time, they’re one of the few bands I’ve heard who have managed to fuse ridiculously complex rhythms, harmonies and structures and still manage to create a sound that is infectious and not hard work to listen to.

Both the album and the EP are still two of my most listened to cd’s and will probably continue to be for a long long time. The full length album Variations on Swing is a great follow-on from the original EP, including an awesome re-recording of a demo track called I Am Champagne And You are Shit which has to be one of my favourite songs on the album, probably ’cause I’m a sucker for beautiful lyrics.

Although it is a little frustrating knowing there won’t be any more music released from these guys I guess we’ve still got Toby’s solo project Shoes And Socks Off to look forward to and with any luck the remainder of the band will get something going before we have to wait too long.

I’m still going to miss Meet Me In St. Louis.