THE WEDDING PRESENT SINGLES (Part Sixty-Two)

I’ve mentioned previously how tough an ask it is to release 12 singles across a calendar year while maintaining quality control.   The challenge in 2022, as opposed to 1992 when The Wedding Present had first taken on the task, was that the earlier effort had seen twelve new songs and twelve covers, while the latest take had seen just one cover issued as a b-side. 

Yes, some of the songs did date back to maybe 2018/19 when the band had a slightly different line-up, but there must have been real stresses, strains and tensions as the year progressed for David Gedge, Jon Stewart, Melanie Howard and Nicholas Wellauer, especially given that it was a year when they also went out two long tours – the UK in April/May and Germany/Netherlands/Denmark/France in September, as well as a number of one-off shows in the UK as well as their own Edge of The Sea Festival in Brighton in August.

As such, I’m prepared to cut some slack for some of what I’d call the rather underwhelming releases as part of 24 Songs.  Having been very thrilled and happy with both sides of the September release, the single which arrived at Villain Towers in October proved to be one that was quickly consigned to its place on the shelf:-

mp3: The Wedding Present – Astronomic

OK, it picks up a bit after the opening very dreary minute-and-a-half, but not to the extent that it becomes a song that’s worthy of repeated playings.

The b-side is a ballad.  It also contains some of the most bitter break-up lyrics that David Gedge has ever penned:-

So, let me ask you, let me ask you, let me ask you how you thought you get away with doing something like that
Well, it transpires you’re a liar and I think it’s time to call it a day
And, darling, that’s where we’re at

Because you have stolen something from me that I can never replace and you have caused catastrophe
You’re a complete disgrace

Just a pity that the tune was a bit of a letdown.

mp3: The Wedding Present – Whodunnit (7″ version)

Ten down, two to go.

JC