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the tears pin up melodic punks

it started back in 2004...



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Greetings to the audience as follows (quotes from forum):
welcome to our new house... ...take your shoes off and make yourself at home. we hope you will be very happy here... love alwaysxxxbrett

Hello! This is Mako!

Oh, go on then...
... I was born in Swindon, in the West Country - please try not to let this happen to you. Favourite pastimes include playing "Dueling Banjos" (you know, from that film) with BB, cleverly adapting it to a neo-baroque style, him on dulcimer, me on a shawm, picked up from the wreck of the Mary Rose. I like Rickenbackers... Dreams burn down, do they not? Playing the bass is good. It makes me happy - get yer flatwounds out and pray for the robins.
Ta,
Nathan c/o thetears website


.....blimey what a lovely bunch of coconuts yall are.........just finished very late this morning a couple of trendy b's.........a new darkness named Branded being my fave cos it sounds likie the soundtrack to a silent tragedy and boy are my ivory lessons paying off.....we finish another on tuesday at the ivory towers of doom then start rehearsing..........we'll only have time to play the best of AB songs.........ie the tears debut album.......so expect heroism torture and poisonous,perfumed noize...... i gonna try and make it to bert 's for a lil blues but there'll be heaps more tears shows in the new year.....so as brook said,keep em peeled,letsbecarefuloutthere,and cue the tears
written by Bernard Butler, producer,contact: www.bernardbutler.com (quote and photographs reproduced with permission, copyright on photos)

(Note: Bert is Bert Jansch - more info about him at www.bertjansch.com)


Factsheet:

On the left: Brett Anderson, on the right: Bernard Butler

Location: London UK

Formed: 2004

who plays in the band: Brett Anderson b. Haywards Heath 1967 (vocals, lyrics), Bernard Butler b. Stamford Hill, London 1970 (guitars, keyboards, music, producer), Nathan Fisher born Devon ...(bass), Mako Sakamoto ... (drums)


middle: Nathan Fisher, on the right: Mako Sakamoto

other bands: Brett Anderson (suede, solo), Bernard (suede until 1994, solo, mcalmont and butler), Nathan Fisher (western electric system), Mako Sakamoto (mcalmontandbutler)

+ string orchestra + Will Forster (live Keyboards)

Equipment used: Gibson semi acoustic guitar, Gibson J200, Rickenbacker Bass, Keyboards with leopard print, drums ...
interests and influences:
Brett: music: Sex Pistols, Prince, Air, Supergrass, The Vines, Stina Nordenstam, Interpol,The Streets, Neil Young, Kate Bush, The Concretes, bits and pieces, own records... plus art: David Hockney, Hans Holbein..., plus authors: Charles Buchowski, Primo Levi, Michel Houllebeq, Monica Ali, Films: Dr Strangelove, Repulsion
more on profile
Bernard: The Smiths, Johnny Marr, Bert Jansch, Edwyn Collins, wall of sound, Neil Young Films: North by Northwest
Nathan: music :Elliott Smith author: George Orwell, TV: Countdown
http://thetears.org (official website - closed in 2007)

discography: signed to Sony Independiente - album: Here come the tears - singles: Refugees/Southern Rain, Lovers/Song for the Migrant Worker - release date: June 6th 2005

gigs
14.12.2004: The Zodiac Oxford
16.12.2004: Heaven London
18.12.2004: Razzmatazz Barcelona
13.02.2005: Manchester University
14.02.2005: Edinburgh Liquid Rooms
16.02.2005: Astoria London - part of NME Shock Wave Awards - Essential new music.

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Setlist at the Oxford Zodiac
Brave new century, refugees, imperfection, 2 creatures, autograph, co-star, fallen idol, feels like monday, beautiful pain, apollo 13, lovers

photo: DKav

lyrics transcribed by Vince

1. BRAVE NEW CENTURY (from lyric sheets)
The pages burn, the babies scream And lovers text in Japanese The more you give, the more they need The more you live, the less you see
Religion breeds like a disease More people spit on refugees (can't get in with immigration) The more you live, the less you see The more you give, the more they need In this brave new century
So mother where do I belong? And mother what should I believe? Look what happened to your son in this brave new century We sit and choke on magazines And worship shit celebrities Lives exposed in publications?
The more you give, the more they need The more you live, the less you see In this brave new century

transcribed by Vince c/o tearsforum

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Velvet Underground and Nico, link
Neil Young-Harvest, link
Beatles-Abbey Road link
, Pistols-Bollocks, link
Bowie-Low, link
Smiths-Hatful Of Hollow, link
Kate Bush-Hounds of Love, link
Dylan-Bringing It All Back Home, link
Eno-Music for Airports, link
Nico- Chelsea Girl, link
Pet Shop Boys–Actually, link
Kraftwerk-Trans Europe Express, link
Prince-Around the World in a Day link
Favorite new bands and records: The Concretes, link
Mercury Rev-Deserters Songs, link
Badly Drawn Boy-1st album, link
Interpol-1st album, link
Vines-Highly Evolved, link
Grandaddy-The Software Slump, link
The Yeah,Yeah,Yeahs, link
Super Furry Animals, link
The Streets-Original Pirate Material, link
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, link
Air- Moon Safari link
Favorite artists/authors/actors/books/films/t.v.: Art; Frida Kahlo link
, Hockney link
, Picasso, link
Gaugin, link
Ron Mueuk, link
Paula Rego, link
Modiagliani, link
Francis Bacon link
, Warhol, link
Patrick Caulfield, link --> link
Jake and Dinos Chapman link
, Hans Holbein link
Authors; Foucault, link
Sartre link
, Michel Houllebecq-Atomised, link
Zadie Smith–White Teeth link
, Camus-The Outsider, link
Martin Amis-Time’s Arrow, link
Kurt Vonnegut-Mother Night, link
John Fowles-The Collector link
, William Burroughs-Junkie link
, Primo Levi-If This is a Man link
, Nietsche-Ecce Homo link
Films: Performance, link
Entertaining Mr.Sloane, link
The Idiots, link
Dr.Strangelove, link
The Shout, link
American History X, link
Sleuth link
Record that changed your life: The Drowners links

Achievements: Suede link

Regrets: The production on a couple of records
Beliefs: As Nietsche said “god is dead”. When we die we are but dust.
Hates: Advertising-it shits in your head. List Journalism Bigotry and racism

and now an ad break..... better not --> but sponsored links are on the right, the story continues below.

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The Tears in Barcelona Razzmatazz
Arturo writes: Here's my review again

Barcelona is about 625 kilometres (385 miles) from Madrid (where I live) so I woke up early in the morning to catch the bus to Barcelona. After 7 hours I arrived at Barcelona at lunch time. After a short touristical tour including the beautiful 'Sagrada Familia' I decided to look for Razzmatazz before later going to the gig. I arrived to Razzmatazz at 17:45 and there were a few people waiting outside the venue and surprinsingly for me Brett and Bernard came out from the venue (they've just finished the sound check). They stop for a moment to sign some things (Bernard signed my ticket) and then they caught a minibus and left. I didn't expect to meet them but it was very cool.

Later I came back to the venue's queue (again only a few people, mainly japanese). I think the show didn't sold out but Razzmatazz was quite packed. At 21:00 the doors were open and I managed to get into the first/second row just in front of Bernard. The supporting band were 'The Departure', a very young UK band with a good lead guitar player, a singer with a strong voice and a very stylish bassist. They sound Ok.

Finally at 22:45 the lights turn off and after a strange intro (i guess we'll know more about it when the album will be released) the band entered the stage. Brett (the fringe is back!) was wearing a blue shirt and tie and Bernard was on his left with a zip-up leather jacket, boots and a beautiful black Gibson 330. It's really indescribable the sensation of seeing them together again. Nathan was on Brett's right wearing a striped shirt. Behind Nathan was Will Foster, the live keyboardist and at the back was Mako wearing a vest.

They started with the rocky 'Brave New Century'. The lyrics were familiar as we saw a picture of them months ago and the song included some Brett's 'arse-shaking'. There were a lot of photographers in the gap between the stage and the audience and Bernard tread the head of one jokingly.

Then Bernard change the guitar for his classic red Gibson 355 and started 'Refugees'. The beginning of this song reminds me to Bernard's 'Not ALone'. All the songs were very catchy, the kind of songs you hear it for the first time and you love them inmediatly even I saw myself singing along the choruses.

Next one was 'Imperfection' with lyrics like "your imperfection is so beautiful". Sounds like it's gonna be a single. Brett smiled a lot and was very grateful with the audience "Muchas gracias... amigos".



'2 Creatures' was really cool. The sound reminds me to McAlmont & Butler. Bernard sang backing vocals on almost every song and the 'starring role' on the stage was quite shared between Brett & Bernard.

Then Bernard changed his guitar again for a gibson Les Paul and played 'Autograph' (nothing to do with the Bernard song from his first solo album) which ended with a brilliant guitar solo.

Next one was 'Co-star' featuring beautiful vocals from Brett. His voice is better than ever. They played the song quite closer and it's very catchy "When we're together.... when we're together...."

Bernard got his black Gibson 330 back again and played 'The Ghost Of You', one of the highlights of the night. The song is a slow one and ends with some Brett's screamings that really paralysed me. I've never heard him singing like this. Absolutely amazing.

Next was 'Feels Like Monday' a very poppy song that everybody will love.

'Beautiful Pain' is another poppy song with Bernard really enjoyning playing guitar. The song has nothing to do with 'Beautiful Loser' as someone said before.

Next one was the indescribable 'Apollo 13', another highlight of the night: "If you follow me, I will follow you into the unknown. Like Apollo, like Apollo we'll fly to the moon". The song is absolutely epic and beautiful with Bernard playing incredible notes with his guitar. Nathan was doing backing vocals on this song.

To finish the main set they played the catchy 'Lovers'. 'Cos we are lovers...'. The song included some 'la la las' at the end. It'll be a good single and the perfect song to end the main set. Brett apologizes for being a bit drunk (I'd swear he said that) and told Barcelona is one of his favourite places to stay in.

Then the band left the stage and after the technicians installed a keyboard next to Will's and some clapping from the audience, Brett, Bernard and Will entered the stage again to play 'A Love As Strong As Death', a beautiful epic ballad featuring Bernard on piano, Will playing some sound effects with his keyboard and Brett singing beautifully well. Then they wave bye-bye and left the stage.

The outro over the PA was the "A Love As Strong As Death" tune.
Well that's all. I left Razzmatazz and went to the bus station to get back home to Madrid trying to sleep in the bus.

Thanks to Brett, Bernard, Nathan, Mako and Will for an unforgettable night.
Can't wait to hear the album.

Arturo Arturo's website more concerts by the tears:
13th of february: Manchester University
14th of february: Edinburgh liquid rooms
16th of february: London, Astoria
all sold out

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review: a brand new band!
a new chapter has opened. The past is history.
Special thanks to Simon Swan.
I arrived at the Oxford Zodiac Club in the afternoon to take my place in the queue. Fans from Japan and other places in the world and the UK were already there and so we engaged into a discussion on what we would expect. Not everyone was enthusiastic because two of the musicians in the band used to make music together a while back and some are nostalgic. As far as I am concerned, I was excited because I have been able to catch up the story of The Tears since september 2004, getting updates by reading the band members forums, getting to read bits and pieces of lyrics, looking a photos of the instruments used. So to say the least my expectations were high but even more so going to a band's very first concert. The venue, The Zodiac in Oxford is well-known for being the place in town to host alternative clubs and concerts. The capacity was 450 - the sound equipment was adapted to the surroundings so we had quite an indie sound with a few technical adjustments, some people in the crowd were puzzled because they did not know any songs. But as the set unfolded with verve, energy and enthusiasm, the applauses and the cheers got louder because the band looked visually effortlessly stunning. These people do not need to dress up much, less is more and this made the music instruments, notably Bernard Butler's cherry red gibson shine. The melodies of these songs were very catchy, but did not detract from the lyrics, which as we can expect from Brett Anderson are always original, poetic, fiery, humane and set in a twisted world which is a cruel as it can be beautiful, with characters full of love even if some passions are doomed, or even if some of the characters are not likeable. He is also a very heartwarming singer with an expressive voice. Many people who do not understand the exact lyrics, understand the emotions. And these songs ring true.

"I am trying my best" Brett said to this writer two days later after the second concert at Heaven London. The unassuming remark contasted with the sheer quality of the singing and the music, as the sound equipment and the acoustics were much better. None of the character and the charm experienced two days before got lost, in fact, the songs at second hearing were already familiar and some words are memorable. I can still remember the melodies to Brand New Century and Imperfection, and the conciseness of the songs made them easy on the ear. In fact so much, that once I see the artwork of the album, I shall definitely read the lyrics before putting the music on. To me songs like that are always the best, I keep on thinking that such music should be played on the radio for casual listeners to hear. I am sure many of them would be as charmed as I was.

I joked to my companion Simon Swan that I must have lost my critical faculties and if I did, forgive me, reader, but you will have to admit that guitar/keyboard music, with a band that visibly enjoy their music and as ordinary people prove to be unassuming is a gem. This is the diametral opposite to celebrities and showbiz you. If you follow them, follow them to the unknown and you could fall in love with this music which is shameless beautiful with lots of character.

I have to give a special mention to The Subways who supported The Tears at Heaven, they are a young threepiece guitar band from london and worth a listen. Also the DJ set before the two concerts was imaginative and very beautiful, I noticed a song by Beth Gibbons and the Rustin Man at the Zodiac and the wonderful Roadrunner by Jonathan Richman.

Unique. Later on, at Heaven as we were listening to a late DJ set, Simon Swan and myself we told ourselves that we found our favourite band. I remember Helmut from Cafe Yesterday in Vienna who told me two years ago, go and find your own Beatles because the past is where it is, the future belongs to people who move on, look to the future and live life. The records are on the shelves, the music is live.

special thanks to Brett Anderson, Bernard Butler, Nathan Fisher, Mako Sakamoto and Will Forster (live keyboards) for my favourite concerts of the year. Also thank you Zodiac and Heaven staff for accommodating this decrepit writer (crutches - in fact I would like before I leave this review to point out that it's not because one is not good on their feet that they cannot enjoy a good concert, most venues if you inform them will let you carry in your.. stuff. Anyone who cannot stand for long is well inspired to take a collapsible chair). I also enjoyed both concerts a lot because I felt safe. Thank you Heaven and Zodiac for hospitality.

Tour in early 2005
13th february 2005 Manchester University
14th february 2005 Edinburgh liquid rooms
16th february 2005 London Astoria (part of NME Shockwave essential new music)

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Brett Anderson updated the section "cultural profile" on thetears.org.... The Departure - Be My Enemy link
Arcade Fire - Funeral link
Joy Division - Closer link
Tom Vek - If You Want link
The White Rose Movement - live link
Talking Heads - Remain In Light link
Brian Eno - Another Green World link
Films:
The Corporation link
Dogville link
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind link
Watching TV:
Newsnight Review - BBC2 link
The Politics Show - BBC1 link
Not watching: Fucking irritating list programs . The top 100 films, the top 100 albums , the top 100 most boring soap moments. These programs pose as quality tv but deliver lazy, second hand opinions and present them as fact. I don't like being told what I am allowed to like. Reading:
Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell link
Popular Music - Mikael Niemi link
The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Milan Kundera link
Nietzsche - Why I Am So Wise link

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some more quotes by the rest of the band: Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 12:18 pm Post subject: Evenin' I'd just like to quash any impending fervour about the brilliance of my banjo playing. Unfortunately it only extends to that bit in 'Old Man'', at a push, on a good day and at a point by which I've had less than three pints. Off to master over at blue jay way now... Nathan.
The Tears in Edinburgh, 14.02.2005
our review -
)..
how could I describe the music to you... there are 5 of them on stage. The guest keyboard player Will Foster plays roland keyboard, the bass player Nathan Fisher also plays for a band called Western Electric System and likes Merseybeat music - Beatles and co., the drummer Mako Sakamoto adds a soulful beat which added to some bits of tambourine that Brett plays makes some bit of music sound quite like an updated wall of sound (Mako and Bernard Butler both play on the McAlmont&Butler albums), Bernard Butler plays two types of guitar a Gibson Black and a gibson Les Paul, and on one song "A love as strong as death" he plays the hammond organ, his music in this band can be described as playful and cinematic, there are upbeat songs and more reflective ones. Brett Anderson as said plays tambourine on a few songs and has quite a sense of rhythm which you can see when you watch him perform, the vocals are between shouty and melodic in quite "heart on your sleeve way", the words are a mixture between reflective remarks, descriptions of situations, intersped with details which place the words in a certain place and time and some of the lyrics are quite reflection of a personal style and there is a general senses of accessible artfulness.

Quite a watchable band, I'll say.

You may recognize the singer from somewhere, but don't ask him to sing some old faves, many of the lyrics are about discovering and exploring, as in travelling or travelling inside your mind. The multiple meanings - I am left riddling about the word asylum and these lyrics about the gates, a frightening word and a comforting word. Finding asylum is finding a refuge, but an asylum is also a old-fashioned word for a place to lock up those deemed mad. Asylum in both meaning of the word is related to the notion of "safe haven", so in these songs we have recurrent themes of running away and finding a safe haven. By treading delicately on difficult subjects both with poetic realism and escapist music, these songs are comforting.

It's brave and new stuff.
The venue is another poetic name: such fluid music found a home for a day in a place called The Liquid Rooms in a town called Edinburgh which has lots of steps, and steps and steps. One step at the time and it might just work, as someone said.

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brett anderson's current choices:
Listening to:
Bloc Party - So Here We Are link
Deep Soul Treasures - Various (a present from Mr. Butler) link
Le Tigre - This Island link
The Tears - Autograph link
Futures Burning - Various link
People's Revolutionary Choir - Demos link
Bob Dylan - North Country Blues link

Reading:
Saturday - Ian McEwan link
The Line of Beauty - Alan Hollinghurst link
The Human Stain - Philip Roth link

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - Jean Dominique Bauby link

Watching (film):
Closer link
Vera Drake link

Watching (TV):
Breakfast With Frost (BBC1) link
Channel Four News link


Visiting:
Paula Rego at the Tate Britain link
The 2004 Turner Prize Show link

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The producer speaks: bernard butler the tears

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 7


Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:51 am Post subject: ... the winner of the Craggy Island lovely girl award is...

.....refugees.......out in mid april......take a wild shot we play gigs the same week.....then the album a couple of weeks later........we're in the lab redifining crystal fission and hoping to blag another lady for the record.......it;s a long shot but someone;s got to do it.......thankyou for throwing eggs this week.....we had a great time at the shows and loved the audiences.........looked forward to chucking cabbages at you all in april .........tune in to bb lamacq on monday evening for the universe exclusive of refugees.......have your tape recorders ready on pause and dont forget to take the tabs off.......ill let kazaa know to what to expect...... what are you crazy? you calling me crazy? im just busting your balls....see you in the charts you can hear refugees on the bbc1 steve lamacq programme on monday 21st 2005, and it is possible to hear the programme on internet and it is also recorded and available. here
preview of single Refugees out on April 18th, here
from Refugees by The Tears
lyrics, singing and stuff: Brett Anderson
music and production: Bernard Butler
bass: Nathan Fisher
Drums: Mako Sakamoto

(Vince's transcription)
You stain the pavement
I’ll take the blame
Our love is our saviour
Our life is our grave

Let’s take to the streets,
You and I... the last refugees


Like Bonnie and Clyde we will be free
Cause there is nothing between us

We're all refugees
We’re all drifting like leaves
Like Bonnie and Clyde we're free
Cause there's nothing between us.

Live for the sunshine
Smile through the rain
We're all refugees
And we're all drifting like leaves
Like Bonnie and Clyde we’re both free
Cause we both say there's nothing between us.
Here it is, an exclusive preview of the debut single for The Tears, 'Refugees'. Please choose the link that best suits your type of connection and media player:

The Tears - Refugees (Preview) - Broadband etc, Real Audio: The Tears - Refugees (Preview) - Broadband etc, Windows Media Player: The Tears - Refugees (Preview) - Best for dial-up etc, Real Audio: The Tears - Refugees (Preview) - Best for dial-up etc, Windows Media Player:
and on this site called youtube :


THE TEARShave revealed the inspiration for their forthcoming debut single ‘REFUGEES’.

The track, which is due out in the spring, was written by the pair in response to immigration policies and public attitudes to refugees in the UK.

“It started off as a song of identification with the hoards of refugees who were flooding London a few years ago wiping car windows and selling counterfeit cigarettes,” Brett Anderson told NME.COM. “They became an underclass which people decided to look down upon. The song was saying that although these people are wiping your windows and doing these shitty jobs doesn’t make them any worse or any better than anyone else.”

Anderson confirmed that The Tears, which he formed with ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, are keen to stress their political views through the single, and are encouraging fans to get interested too.

“There’s a lot of scaremongering right-wing politicians that will tell you that your country is being destabilised by refugees, just to win a few votes," declared Anderson. “It’s a load of old bollocks. Immigration is essential to living in a healthy, diverse, multicultural 21st century society.” nme.com

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http://www.shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk/empire/gigs/tears.cfm :
Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler back together? Who'd have thought it? Well, Bernard for one apparently. "I always knew sooner or later it would happen," he says. And Brett too, for his part, seemed in the end to almost hasten the demise of Suede that he might meet up with Bernard and pop the question no-one else had ever dared form in their heads for the past 10 years.

"The first time we met [again] in December 2003, he said he wanted to form a band," says Bernard. "Obviously, for years, I'd always wanted make the record." And so they began, the best British song-writing duo since Morrissey and Marr, working together once again, writing with no particular aim in sight. Only later did they realise they were really onto something, something they had left undone in 1994, when Bernard walked out of Suede ahead of the release of their second album, 'Dog Man Star'.

Slowly, yet inexorably, 'Here Come The Tears' came to be a shared labour of love; the thing that would define 2004 for both Brett and Bernard. "The music is really, really inspiring," says Brett. "I don't want to get dewy-eyed, but it's so exciting to work with someone who cares so much about it. For years and years after Bernard left Suede it was me running the show, but now the stakes are raised. I feel like we are duelling with each other, in some kind of friendly competition. When we were at our best it was always like that, each trying to better each other."

From the outside 'Here Comes The Tears' certainly feels like a work high on confidence, and performed by people at the peak of their artistic powers. Largely it is dominated by pop songs; brazen and beautiful pop songs, delivered in perfectly formed packages.

For Brett, as well as occupying all 2004, much of 'Here Come The Tears' is literally about 2004 and what is was, and is, going on around us. It was produced by Bernard and largely recorded at home. For him making this record as he wanted to make it was a huge part of a long healing process. Now, , Bernard has been able to intricately build songs according to the grand vision in his head, and the result is an astonishing wall of sound that at times feels like Spector producing the Spiders From Mars covering 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', only bigger.

The other thing that Bernard didn't bargain for is that, fantastic as it can be to define the essence of an idea into single piece of work (The Tears into 'Here Come The Tears'), it's a bit like decorating your house, and once you've done one room all nice, you realise how much more work there is to do on everything else.

Oh, and that big rock guitar blasting out? Yes, The Tears live are, half a dozen shows in, already a fearsome proposition. "Playing live is a really big motivation for me," says Bernard. "If there's one thing I feel comfortable with is being on stage and playing a guitar.

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bernard butler the tears
Joined: 21 Dec 2004 Posts: 9
Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:45 pm Post subject: Here Come The Tears
....ears hits your top shelf May 2nd,and Refugees is available under the counter from April 18th......apologies that you didnt get the big news from the horse's mouth......it should always be here you find out the big goss....ok fuck it since the lid is blown the first b-sides are called branded,feels like monday,break away, and southern rain,and they wont tell you different because we only just finished the last one last night and nobody's heard it but me.......so stop all the whinging and whining about venezuelan coup d'etats and how many records we might sell because nobody gives a fuck about all that.......like it and get into it or go and find some much better records.......in fact i might just do that....stick on you cant hide your love forever and say a prayer for edwyn.......this is a hotel....not a borstal
Hello everyone, loved the gigs recently. Manchester was the one for me. We reached something that night which we hadn't before. Hopefully there'll be more of that in April. My personal highlight was The Asylum probably cos we didn't play it in December.There are plans to keep this tradition going, to constantly change and devellop the set. No one wants this to turn into a tears by numbers/ greatest hits/ karaoke experience.
Watch out for Southern Rain on the B side of Refugees. Recorded in a few hours it's one of my favourite thigs we've done so far. A dark, tearstained elegy that will touch the winter of your soul.

Thinking constantly about the new album. It's gonna be stark, it's gonna be emotional , it's gonna take this whole thing somewhere else.
Anyway I'm of to the Serpentine Gallery to see Tomoko Takahashi's pile of junk but before I go I want to remind those of you who live in the UK to remember to register to vote. Don't be one of the brain-dead masses who are more interested in the outcome of Big Brother than the general election. Don't let mindless American TV shows and adverts numb you to what's happening outside in your street. People have died for the right to vote. Don't insult them. Don't be lame. HAVE AN OPINION.

brett anderson the tears
Joined: 21 Dec 2004 Posts: 4
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 6:37 pm Post subject:
brett anderson the tears
Joined: 21 Dec 2004 Posts: 4
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:15 pm Post subject: favourite all time read Atomised - Michel Houllebecq
Enduring Love - Ian McEwan
The Outsider - Albert Camus
Mother Night - Kurt Vonnegut
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - Bauby
Girlfriend in a Coma - Douglas Coupland
White Teeth - Zadie Smith
The Line of Beauty - Alan Hollinghurst
The Magus - John Fowles
The Music of Chance - Paul Auster
If This is a Man - Primo Levi
The Secret History - Donna Tartt
The Rebel - Joseph Roth
Concrete Island - J.G. Ballard
The Rotters Club - Jonathan Coe
Buddha of Suburbia - Hanif Kareshi
The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Milan Kundera
Brighton Rock - Graham Greene
Norwegian Wood - Murikani
London Fields/ Time's Arrow - Martin Amis
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert M. Pirsig
1984 - George Orwell
Disgrace - J. M. Coetzee
Whatever - Michel Houllebecq



message from Craig Peacock, administrator of The Tears org on their website: We are in the process of completing a new official website, please be patient while we finish it and in the meantime visit our forum for news and a wild array of views.
A message will be posted on the forum when the new site is complete. In the meantime here are Brett and Bernard's cultural habits...
BRETT...
Listening to:
The Killers - Hot Fuss
The Engineers - Forgiveness
Gruff Rhys - Yr Atal Genhedlaeth
Antony and the Johnsons - I Am a Bird Now
The Tears - Here Come the Tears
A Silver Mount Zion - He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts of Light Sometimes Grace the Corner of our Rooms
Kraftwerk - Trans Europe Express/ The Man Machine

Reading:
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius - Dave Eggers
The Sea, The Sea - Iris Murdoch
A Million Little Pieces - James Frey
The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
Another Bullshit Night in Suck City - Nick Flynn
The Book of Laughter and Forgetting - Milan Kundera

Watching (TV):
Help (BBC2)
South Bank Show(ITV1)
The Culture Show (BBC2)

Watching (Film)
The Woodsman
Sideways
Amores Perros
Waking Life
Before Sunrise
The Sorrow and the Pity


Visiting:
Arcade Fire - London ULU
Joseph Beuys - Tate Modern
Anthony Caro - Tate Britain
Marc Quinn - White Cube


BERNARD...

heyeverybody,ivebeenlisteningtoantony&thejohnsons,boom bip,phantom buffalo,fourtet,meridian1970,savages box of tricks 1966,smithsdvds, mark'snewordertvsgigglingall thewaythroughsideways, trying tokeepupwithdesperatehousewives, boredbynathanbarleyand justhowmanynathanb arley'sworkon thatprogramme andhangoutwithchrismorris andwhatkindofashitdoe sthatmakehim?
like,movehouse,mate?...... sawthethingatthewhitecube, founditcoldanduninte restinguntilireadaboutitafterwards whichiswhyilikemusic becausereadingabou titislikedoingthegardeningontheinternet.......... iwantoseethecaravaggiot hingbecauseithinkthereslots ofmusicinthere........ oneofmyboyssangyouaremy sisterdownthephonetoantony,canitgetmuchsweeter?

ifistartreadingbooksillhavetotakemyeyesoff ofyouandicanttakemyeyesoffofyo u...... justwhowasthatstudentshittaking picturesofmeatthequiz lastnightandh owdegradeddid ifeelbyhim......youareawanker andimgladitoldyouso....stillwh o'scruisingtoasecondleague championshippal?

lovemynudiejeansandcanihave somemoreplease? whoremembersmodernenglish?
ifigetthatrecordoutafteralltheseyears willitbeabigletdown?
howcomesitsonlymeandantonythatknow marc&themambas?
everseenmywifemakingtoast?
andthatswhayiamleavingthecountry......verysoon.......happybirthdaynathan

Nathan, Mako and Will's contributions will be on the new site.


All enquires to: admin (23/3/05)


http://www.provinssirock.fi, picture by independiente records www.independiente.co.uk

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brett anderson the tears
Joined: 21 Dec 2004 Posts: 6
Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:53 am Post subject: WHY I WILL BE VOTING FOR LABOUR
Ok , let's start with all the criticisms of new labour. For me one of the overriding problems is that they represent a vacuousness in politics . They are a ruthless vote winning machine obsessed with occupying the centre ground and managing the country using focus groups and demographics but with little actual political content. History will probably show Tony Blair to be a prime minister who actually stood for very little except Tony Blair. Unfortunately this is exactly what we deserve. A superficial, media obsessed society which is more interested in the outcome of Big Brother than the general election and which still lives in the selfish shadow of Thatcherism will inevitably find itself governed by essentially passionless politics.

The one time that Blair actually tried to lead rather than be lead by his focus groups was during his decision to take this country to war. In making this huge mistake he displayed an arrogance and a stupidity which was almost breath taking. To see this essentially intelligent man playing the role of that smug idiot Bush's little pet poodle I found humiliating and disgusting.' Special relationship' my arse.

I could go on. The catalogue of criticism against any serving government will inevitably be huge because they are dealing with real issues not theories. I, like many others, felt personally betrayed when it became apparent that Labour had turned it's back on the working class in it's obsession to win over swing voters like 'Mondeo man' and 'Worcester woman'. 'The cold touch of the right ' was back in a new cynical and compassionless politics.

So why am I going to vote for them again? Well to put it bluntly because the only alternative is the Conservative party . When you enter that polling booth you have to remember that any romantic notions about voting for the Green Party , the Liberal Democrats or any other fringe party are just that - romantic notions and a vote for anyone else except Labour is a vote for the Tories. Despite Labour's catalogue of crimes I find the idea of returning to a Conservative ruled Britain incredibly scary. They are the party of prejudice,they are the party of greed and if elected will plunge Britain back into an economically unstable world where selfishness is celebrated and ethnic diversity secretly frowned upon. 21st century Britain should be aiming to become a meritocracy but under the Tories all of those old fashioned social hierarchies will be put back firmly in place . I for one believe that you should succeed based on what you achieve rather than who you went to school with.

I have always personally hated the Right for it's hypocrisy , happily droning on about 'family values' while engaging in just the opposite betrays the awful truth at it's core. If I was to list everything I hate and fear about the Conservative Party I'd be here till Christmas so I'll stop there . Having lived through 18 years of Tory rule I just can't believe that any sane, compassionate person would ever want to return to those bleak and soulless times.

I know this must all sound a little sad that I am voting for one party just to keep the other party out so I will say that despite their numerous betrayals and fuck -ups I still feel(probably stupidly) positive about Labour. I believe that this country is slowly going forward under their stewardship and that Britain in 2005 is a better place to live than Britain in 1985.

The opinion polls are currently suggesting that this election will be a lot closer than many people at first thought. I could not forgive myself if I felt that I had in any way contributed to a Tory victory by abstaining or tactical voting. When you go into that polling booth you must remember that there are only two possible outcomes : a Britain under Tony Blair or a Britain under Michael Howard.
All I am trying to do with my position of influence is start the debate (on TheTears org forum, edit). I'd like to think that no one here is stupid enough to vote Labour just because I am.Ultimately it's up to you. If you don't agree with my point of view that's fine but don't accuse me of trying to corrupt people's opinions.

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Terminal Young Thing off Tearsforum said: It's my birthday and I couldn't think of a better way to spend it... interviewer is Paul Anderson bbc radio6 the hub

Paul: Fantastic! Err, dare I say, just like you've never been away! Erm, so, is it, you two guys...refugees…I’ll just take a point out of that, if you don’t mind. Paul: Erm, which one’s Bonnie and which one’s Clyde out of you two, then?
[Brett laughs]
Bernard: I dunno… sorry
Paul: Erm, getting back together, was it like putting on your familiar t-shirt, familiar pair of jeans; did it just slot right back into it, Brett?
Brett:…um yeah…um…kinda… think so…
Paul: Yeah?
Brett: quite surprisingly, yeah, I think we had a, the first sort of writing session we had was very, pretty fluid and we kind wrote a lot of songs. In fact, yeah, in fact we wrote pretty much the whole album, in about, I suppose, in about four months or something like that, roughly
Paul: That’s pretty quick, innit?
Brett: yeah… it was pretty fluid yeah…
Paul: And does a song like, er, Refugees start off like that – fairly sort of stripped down before it gets into its full blown…
Brett: I don’t know, but I mean the first time I heard that song it was like a, like a quite a fully formed demo that Bernard had written, brought it round to my house and it was sorta quite a… with keyboard and keyboard drums and stuff like that
Bernard: Everything’s the other way round, it starts off huge and then I get bored of that and get down to acoustic guitars
Paul: Right… and today was announced that you’re going to be headlining the Peel Stage at Glastonbury, Bernard, you excited about that, on the Friday?
Bernard: Yeah, yeah, I am, yeah…
Paul: That’ll be quite something, won’t it, getting to play live again?
Bernard: Yeah, yeah, it’s in the tent and everything, and the John Peel thing, that’s quite, you know, quite an honour really, getting to do that, er yeah, it’ll be brilliant, can’t wait!
Paul: Is that something you’re really looking forward to – getting these songs out into a live setting?
Bernard: Yes, we just want people to hear them, cos we’ve been playing the songs now for about, well, quite a while, the record’s not out yet, the single’s not even out, so, er yeah, we can’t wait to play a gig when people actually know the songs
Brett: Yeah, I mean, that’s been the thing, we’ve been playing a couple of shows, an’ you know, none of these records have been out and that’s kinda quite, that’s kinda quite hard work, playing a whole set of new stuff, quite challenging for the audience, and just sorta looking forward to the record being out and people knowing the songs intimately
Paul: And that’s always been the great thing about obviously… your work, is that people do know the songs inside out..,
Brett: yeah…
Paul: …so it won’t take them long, will it, to get…
Bernard: We know them or they know them?
Paul: No, the people…
Bernard: It’s going to take a while for us to know them!
Paul: I’m sure it’ll be fine!
Bernard: They’ve learnt them already, it’s called The INTERNET!... and er, I think they know them better than us now…
Paul: Right, OK, does that bother you, that whole kind of downloading thing?
Bernard: Not really, no
Brett: No
Paul: And that’s…
Bernard:… and I mean it does, obviously!
Paul: …you’re not getting paid for it…
Bernard:… devastated!...and er… No. I really couldn’t care less
Paul: That’s good… um, tears.org, is that right, your official website?
Bernard: Yeah
Paul: Are you known as The Tears?
Brett and Bernard: Yeah
Paul: Yeah, The Tears, ok…quickly, I just wanted to pull you up on a couple of things that you’re listening to…Brett, if I may ask you, this is on your website, um, what do you think of Anthony & The Johnsons, then?
Brett: Yeah, I really like that record. In fact Bernard’s more of an authority, you did a little session, didn’t you, recently?
Bernard: Yeah, yeah, I played with Antony the other week…
Somebody who’s never heard them, how would you describe Antony & The Johnsons, Brett, er Bernard?
Bernard: Oh God…err… I wouldn’t.
Paul: You wouldn’t?
Bernard: No, I wouldn’t, I just can’t do that…
Paul: Indescribable…
Bernard: I mean, what do you sound like? I don’t know what you sound like… You sound like a… male, err, in his late teens…err… quite high voice…
Paul: Yeah, do you know I’m liking you more and more
Bernard: six foot six…long hair…
Paul: That’s me!

Bernard: I dunno, I find it really hard to describe music
Brett: I think it sounds…
Paul: How would I describe…sorry…
Brett:… I don’t think it sound like anything really, that’s the thing about it, I mean, the guys got a really, quite, um original voice, it doesn’t really sound like anyone else’s voice
Paul:True.
Brett: Most people’s voices you can always sort of say ‘that’s been influenced by that or that or that’… dunno.
Paul: Yeah… well check it out for yourself is obviously the thing to do
Bernard: Yeah, it’s a really amazing record
Brett: It’s kinda, like, y’know, pretty much one sort of mood all the way through and elegant sort of like piano ballads…
Paul: I’m gonna add your description of me to my biog now, is that ok?
Bernard: yeah
Paul: Normally…
Bernard: put it on your tombstone

Paul: …tall, handsome and deluded is how I normally describe myself. Err, OK, um, what’s the final track you’re going to play for us in this particular session?
Brett: Um, we’re gonna play a song called Autograph
Paul: Ok, this is fantastic, this is the culmination of their first live radio session, on 6music, in the hub, err, this is, err, The Tears