So a new compilation ‘London Conversations’ coming out on Heavenly/Universal on February 16th, talk us through the album…..
“We’ve done compilations before (but not for a few years!) so this covers our entire “career”, with singles and stand out tracks from all our albums. The 3 disc set comes bound like a ladybird book with wise words by Jon Savage and photos, artwork and memorabilia from across the (nearly) two decades we’ve been going.”
The Times newspaper described you once as something like “fusing the swinging sixties London and post-acid house backbeat” – what did you think of that quote?
“That would certainly describe one dimension of what we have done. There’s always a fair amount of fusion (in a non naff jazzy way) going on.”
Some amazing tunes back in the day, the Neil Young classic ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’, ‘Nothing Can Stop Us’, ‘You’re In A Bad Way’ and ‘He’s On The Phone’ – all sitting comfortably on my i-Pod…what do you think were your best releases and what was behind the tunes you are about to name?
“Avenue” is one of my faves – we were attempting something symphonic like Macarthur Park. The melody and surreal lyrics came from our secret patented automatic writing method and if you listen carefully there’s some backward messages in there. Nothing Can Stop Us is the first song we actually wrote, the previous ones were covers, and the first time we worked with Sarah – so it remains a favourite.”
Best London club you have ever been to?
“Has to be the Sunday Social when at The Albany. I missed out on Schoom and the like, but this felt like one of those epoch defining clubs.”
Why the name? A cool footy club for sure…
“We had the name when me and Bob were at school, just in case some kind of technology would appear that would allow cack-handed music fans to be in bands. The named seemed evocative and exotic.”
Some major albums over the years, what are you most proud of?
“They all have their merits and flaws, I find it hard to separate the music from the what was going on in our lives at the time. Been listening to Foxbase Alpha recently because we’ve remastered it with out-takes etc and have been enjoying the trip down memory lane, a pretty foggy trip.”
What did you think of Opportunity Knocks winners’ Candlewick Green’s version of the song ‘Who Do You Think Are’?
“I love the Candlewick Green one. The songwriters sent us flowers when we were on Top of the Pops.”
What was it like working with Kylie Minogue?
“We weren’t really used to / comfortable in big studios or working with famous types so a lot of it was spent skulking around and nodding appreciatively. We did all go out to lunch but there was always a lot of people around so I don’t think we said more than a few sentences to each other. With more experience I think we could have done something much better.”
So excited about your ten album back catalogue being re-packaged with unreleased recordings as double CDs coming out over the year?
“We’ve been trawling through all the out takes looking for gold dust and even came across a song nobody could remember recording as well as some quarter baked nonsense which will stay buried. I’m excited that everything will be available again and sounding at its best. Nothing’s really been on itunes yet so looking forward to that too.”
Best Ibiza party you went to?
“Never managed to go at it’s height. Only time I went was in 2000 when I was asked to DJ in a Spanish restaurant for a load of German record execs. Only managed to get some local children and the aging owner to dance, then scampered off to Pacha and woke up in the hotel pool next morning.”
Was Tim Burgess from The Charlatans a nutbag?
“He was always charming, easy going and non starry. Think the nuttiness set in a bit later.”
What was the reason from making ‘Balearic-styled’ tunes to crossing over in 2000 and working with Trance god Paul Van Dyk?
“I think what we liked about the Balearic idea was the fact that as long as you have a guiding aesthetic, you can pick and choose music from any area you like. A lot of our tunes have been remixed in various dance styles so it didn’t seem alien to work with Paul.”
How was it working with the legendary Marc Almond?
We worked together on an album for PJ Proby (bizarre times!) and he’s one of the nicest men in pop. We were all big Soft Cell fans.”
You are also known for your soundtrack/production of films – ‘The London Nobody Knows’, ‘This Is Tomorrow’ etc. Films that portray London life, the latter shown at The Royal Festival Hall – the former focusing on the despair at the Lower Lea Valley… tell us about your love for film…
“Watching a film, when all the ingredients are in harmony is a very emotional experience. In the cinema you can cut out all distractions and totally focus on what’s being presented to you. I nearly always cry when watching films – even if it’s a particularly good action scene.”
What is the best and worst thing about living in London…
“The river, the parks, architecture, food, stuff going on / congestion, prices, moaners”
Best country you have ever played in?
“Was amazing playing in Japan in the early nineties…”
Best 3 records ever made?
“Impossible to answer but today I will say…
‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ by Roberta flack
‘Your Love’ by Frankie Knuckles
‘Can’t Hide Love’ by Creative Source”
Best live band you’ve ever seen…
“Was pretty blown away by My Bloody Valentine last year”