BLESS MY COTTON SOCKS

One of my fondest memories is going to see a Queen gig at Ingliston in Edinburgh in 1982. But before anyone reports me to the bad-taste cops, I need to say that I went along purely to see the support act – The Teardrop Explodes.

Whoever came up with that line-up certainly had a fantastic sense of humour. Julian Cope came on to a barrage of abuse and taunted the crowd like I’ve never seen before or since. The band (which was more or less session musicians by this point) played a stormer. Julian would say things like…’Here’s the one of mine that I’m sure you all know and love’ before launching into an obscure b-side….which he sung in French!  Magnifique.

Sadly, I only have the english language version….but you’ll see from the pace and mood of the record that this was not what the rock fans had come to heae….

mp3 : The Teardrop Explodes – Use Me

The Teardrop Explodes were only able to release two LPs at their peak, both of which have dated incredibly well while their one smash single remains instantly recognisable and enjoyable more than 30 years on.  I think it is fair to say that interest in the band has remained reasonably high long after their demise, largely due to the quality of that material and also for the fact that Julian Cope remains such a curious yet charismatic individual whether as a musician or writer including  two incredibly readable volumes of autobiography as well as more obtuse and difficult books on  cult German and Japanese music .

In 2000, he was asked if he ever envisaged his band reforming. In reply, Julian said : “Would you ever return to having your mother wipe your asshole?”

I think we can safely assume he meant no.

mp3 : The Teardrop Explodes – Reward
mp3 : The Teardrop Explodes – The Culture Bunker
mp3 : The Teardrop Explodes – Tiny Children

Enjoy