Distraction... Video Alphabet "M", Part Two

A few more "M" bands since I wrapped up my previous post a little shy of what I had intended. I wanted to post again much sooner, but getting accidentally locked out of my apartment kind of threw off my day.

Now to the music...

M is for Ian McCulloch - "Proud to Fall"



Echo & The Bunnymen frontman, Ian McCulloch left the band in 1988 to pursue solo work and released the album Candleland in 1989. Released October 3, 1989, this was one of my favourite albums my freshmen year of high school, and I get just as much enjoyment hearing it now. "Proud to Fall" was the first single, I believe. I really enjoyed the single "Faith and Healing" but the video is embarrassing to look at now. I suppose it should have been then too. Considering it probably only ever saw airplay via 120 Minutes, the only viewers subjected to it were those of us desperately trying to enjoy 2 hours of indie/alternative videos on Sunday nights after midnight despite really needing to be up early Monday morning. All others were spared...

M is for Menswear - "I'll Manage Somehow"



Fans of Franz Ferdinand and The Kaiser Chiefs may benefit in checking out this band, but really Menswear were just one of the briefly burning stars of Brit-Pop that looked good, gave us some catchy singles and were then no more. They wanted to be a band in the wake of the success of bands like Pulp and especially Blur, and for the year of 1995 these charming men truly were stars. But for these darlings of Brit-Pop that year and their good favour quickly faded after a few strong singles, one full length album, and then nothing until a Japanese only release in 1998. I'd be curious to know what they're doing now.

M is for Monaco - "What Do You Want From Me?"



For a time there every member of New Order had a side project going and for bassist, Peter Hook, this was his second effort. His first side project, Revenge, recorded two albums but gained little acclaim with fans or the music press. However, when Hook got the nerve to take another go at a musical life beyond New Order, he tapped Revenge guitarist, David Potts, to join him again for Monaco. They recorded two rather decent albums, but called it quits in 2000. Hook rejoined New Order, and the band soon after released their 2001 album , Get Ready.

M is for Morrissey - "My Love Life"



How could I hit "M", and not include Morrissey! Seriously!

I saw Morrissey at the Tower Theatre in 1991, and I really wish to see him in concert again. I thought for a time I was moving on from his music, but his songs and his work with The Smiths is just something I always come back to.

As an extra... live Morrissey doing one of my favourites "Now My Heart Is Full", from the Reading Festival in 2004.



To those "who rush to danger and wind up nowhere" a song for you...