Chumbawamba - Un

  by Dixie Ernill

published: 12 / 4 / 2004

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Here is a list of things that I knew about Chumbawamba prior to hearing this record:- ·They once had a no.1 hit single with 'Pissing The Night Away' (actually called 'Tubthumping', I’ve since learned). The sort of song you go crazy to with your drunken mates at the end of a night in a tacky disco pub. ·One of them once chucked water on John Prescott at some do or other a few years back. ·One of them is called Danbert Nobacon……I think it was him with the water! ·I once saw them supporting the mighty Cud at a free gig in Leeds about 12 years ago and they sounded pretty good. So what do I know after hearing this record? Well, if you ignore the lyrics and just let the music wash over you, its quite a poppy little creature with much to get you humming along or your feet tapping. Classic indie-pop with liberal splashes of trumpet, violin and accordion added to the mix to give some tracks an Irish or even Latin feel. Chumbawamba are, however, a very political and socially aware band and the lyrics need to be heard (or read with the aid of the glossy booklet that comes with the CD) for the songs to have their full effect. To make things even more blatant, the inspiration for each song is included alongside the lyrics. I am not going to spoil the fun by highlighting the subject matters covered, but there are some truly fascinating insights into things that your average musician or I are blissfully unaware about. Of the 12 tracks showcased here it is hard to highlight a weak one, but equally so there aren’t too many really great moments either.This is just a good, solid album that will probably slip by unnoticed before disappearing, which is a shame because, for the stories behind each song alone, it’s worth buying. The band are promoting the record with an 8 date UK tour in June, taking in such musical outposts as Whitehaven and Bury. It’s worth popping along, because from memory they are a decent live band and they deserve our support.

Track Listing:-

1 The Wizard Of Menlo Park
2 Just Desserts
3 On eBay
4 Everything You Know Is Wrong
5 Be With You
6 When Fine Society Sits Down To Dine
7 A Man Walks Into A Bar
8 Buy Nothing Day
9 Following You
10 We Don't Want To Sing Along
11 I Did It For Alfie
12 Rebel Code

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