Number Two: David Devant & His Spirit Wife- Ginger

David Devant was a magician in the Victorian era. Obviously this isn't by him though. This is by the indie band formed in the early nineties.

Known for their elaborate stage shows, which featured many props and onstage theatrics ably organised by the band's spectral roadies. They released their first album, the cassette only Don Spirit Specs Now! in 1993. This was followed by their first widely released album 1997's Work, Lovelife, Miscellaneous, and it was this collection that featured our track for today, Ginger.

Featuring a wonderful, driving, organ sound, it's a "tribute" to those born with red hair.

They followed it up with Shiney On The Inside in 1998, Power Words For Better Living in 2004 and The Lost World Of David Devant in 2008.

Who?- David Devant & His Spirit Wife (The Vessel- vocals, Foz?- lead guitar, The Colonel- bass guitar, Professor Rimschott- drums and Lantern- projections. Also the spectral roadies, ICEman and Cocky Young'un).

What?- Ginger (released as a single, March 1st 1997 on Kindness records).

Where?- On the album Work, Lovelife, Miscellaneous (Kindness, 1997).

When?- February 1997

Listen to it: removed

Number One: The Charlatans- North Country Boy

Right, where was I? Sorry about the slight delay. On with the first record (or more accurately worm). Actually, it wasn't quite the first. The lads had filled in for Chris Evans on the breakfast show a few times throughout 1996 and had, accordingly, a record of the week each time (I'm planning to do some special bonus features on these tracks at some point). But the first proper Worm Of The Week was North Country Boy by the Charlatans.

You're probably aware of the Charlatans, they've been around for ages. Formed in the late Eighties in Wolverhampton, they soon moved to Northwich (the home of new lead singer Tim Burgess). They released their first album, Some Friendly in 1990, followed by 1992's Between 10th and 11th, 1994's Up To Our Hips and their eponymous fourth album in 1995.

Tragically, keyboardist and founder member Rob Collins was killed in a car crash in July 1996 and the single One To Another, released August 1996 was the first release since his passing. This was followed by the track we're looking at today, North Country Boy.

It's actually an excellent example of the band's sound at that point. Sort of baggy, cross with Britpop but with their trademark swirling Hammond organ sound. But not nearly as horrible as that may sound.

It was released on the album Tellin' Stories in 1997. The band have subsequently released the following LPs: Us and Us Only (1999), Wonderland (2001), Up at the Lake (2004), Simpatico (2006) and You Cross My Path (2008).

Who?- The Charlatans (Tim Burgess- vocals, Mark Collins- lead guitar, Martin Blunt- bass guitar, Jon Brookes- drums, Rob Collins- keyboards).

What?- North Country Boy (released as a single, March 24th 1997 on Beggars Banquet).

Where?- On the album Tellin' Stories (Beggars Banquet, 1997). Also available on the compilations Melting Pot (Beggars Banquet, 1998) and Forever: The Singles (Island, 2006).

When?- February, 1997.

Listen to it: removed

What is this madness?

The purpose of this blog is simple. To publish background and opinion on all the records chosen by Mark Radcliffe as worm or record of the week during his tenure on Radio 1. I will post MP3s of the tracks for a limited time. These are for evaluative purposes only, if you like the tracks please support the artists by purchasing their work. If you don't like the tracks, purchase them for your noisy neighbour you've never really liked. Or someone. I'll aim to post a couple of new entries per week, but I do get lazy, so it might be less, or maybe it will peter out all together. Questions, opinions, comments etc. are always welcome.