*/
‘Fiercely independent, proudly single-minded, always a bon mot, trendsetting.’ Phrases which could easily describe our most admired barrister colleagues. Here, though, I use them about a band, The (in their own words) ‘semi-legendary’ Wedding Present. A band I fell for in 1986 when a school friend played me a cassette recording of their second Peel session (a session which included a Ukrainian folk song – long story, but remarkably prescient). In my head ever since, this is how electric guitars should sound.
Of David Gedge, the band’s singer-songwriter, John Peel once said, ‘The boy Gedge has written some of the best love songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era. You may dispute this, but I’m right and you’re wrong.’ John Peel was right. Also, it’s hard not to like a band whose early t-shirts proclaimed, ‘Smiths fans’ second-favourite band’ and ‘All the songs sound the same’.
In 1992 The Wedding Present (who by then had already worked with producer Steve Albini on their Seamonsters album before his ultra-cool Nirvana days) released a single every month (an original backed with a cover). Limited to 15,000 pressings, this ensured each release a Top 40 place, and ranks them alongside Elvis Presley for the most Top 40 singles in a year.
In 2022, 30 years later, the band – still going strong, like some barristers – did the same again, releasing a 7-inch single each month. The collection has been released in a dedicated collector’s box. Reader, I have listened so you don’t have to (script for their next t-shirt, anyone?).
I set out of course to provide a completely dispassionate review, but – forgive me – I am weak, and utterly, blissfully biased when it comes to this band.
When January started off with We Should Be Together featuring Louise Wener, formerly of Sleeper (whose guitarist John Stewart is now a member of The Wedding Present), I was lost in a giddy, arms-waving-above-my-head miasma of nostalgia. When the B-side, Don’t Give Up Without A Fight reminded me that this is still – after all these years – how electric guitars should sound, I had to interrupt 17 from her revision to explain it all to her. (She nodded patiently and went back to her books, but I like to think she was in some respects better informed.)
What, then, will you hear as you work your way through the complete collection? Fewer cover versions for one thing, though Magazine’s A Song From Under The Floorboards is welcome. You’ll still get guitars which fizz and buzz (Strike, Telemark), which sparkle and chime (Memento Mori, Astronomic) and which can unexpectedly punch you in the stomach (Plot Twist).
You’ll still get anguished in-love/out-of-love songs in Gedge’s famously gruff and slightly off-key voice (Summer, The Loneliest Time Of The Year). You’ll get plenty of bons mots (I Am Not Going To Fall In Love With You, You’re Just A Habit That I’m Trying To Break). Goodness, I hear some funk guitar, and even a synth, in the splendid We All Came In From The Sea. And, because the years have mellowed all of us a little (right?), you’ll hear slightly gentler songs too (Each Time You Open Your Eyes, Whodunnit). I can reliably assure you that in his 60s the boy Gedge continues to write guitar pop songs to die for.
So, The Wedding Present – independent to the core, still challenging themselves, like the best of barristers. Reader – go now, buy 24 Songs, and everything else they have ever released. Tell your friends and family to do likewise. They were the constant soundtrack to my 20s and 30s; may they live forever.
‘Fiercely independent, proudly single-minded, always a bon mot, trendsetting.’ Phrases which could easily describe our most admired barrister colleagues. Here, though, I use them about a band, The (in their own words) ‘semi-legendary’ Wedding Present. A band I fell for in 1986 when a school friend played me a cassette recording of their second Peel session (a session which included a Ukrainian folk song – long story, but remarkably prescient). In my head ever since, this is how electric guitars should sound.
Of David Gedge, the band’s singer-songwriter, John Peel once said, ‘The boy Gedge has written some of the best love songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era. You may dispute this, but I’m right and you’re wrong.’ John Peel was right. Also, it’s hard not to like a band whose early t-shirts proclaimed, ‘Smiths fans’ second-favourite band’ and ‘All the songs sound the same’.
In 1992 The Wedding Present (who by then had already worked with producer Steve Albini on their Seamonsters album before his ultra-cool Nirvana days) released a single every month (an original backed with a cover). Limited to 15,000 pressings, this ensured each release a Top 40 place, and ranks them alongside Elvis Presley for the most Top 40 singles in a year.
In 2022, 30 years later, the band – still going strong, like some barristers – did the same again, releasing a 7-inch single each month. The collection has been released in a dedicated collector’s box. Reader, I have listened so you don’t have to (script for their next t-shirt, anyone?).
I set out of course to provide a completely dispassionate review, but – forgive me – I am weak, and utterly, blissfully biased when it comes to this band.
When January started off with We Should Be Together featuring Louise Wener, formerly of Sleeper (whose guitarist John Stewart is now a member of The Wedding Present), I was lost in a giddy, arms-waving-above-my-head miasma of nostalgia. When the B-side, Don’t Give Up Without A Fight reminded me that this is still – after all these years – how electric guitars should sound, I had to interrupt 17 from her revision to explain it all to her. (She nodded patiently and went back to her books, but I like to think she was in some respects better informed.)
What, then, will you hear as you work your way through the complete collection? Fewer cover versions for one thing, though Magazine’s A Song From Under The Floorboards is welcome. You’ll still get guitars which fizz and buzz (Strike, Telemark), which sparkle and chime (Memento Mori, Astronomic) and which can unexpectedly punch you in the stomach (Plot Twist).
You’ll still get anguished in-love/out-of-love songs in Gedge’s famously gruff and slightly off-key voice (Summer, The Loneliest Time Of The Year). You’ll get plenty of bons mots (I Am Not Going To Fall In Love With You, You’re Just A Habit That I’m Trying To Break). Goodness, I hear some funk guitar, and even a synth, in the splendid We All Came In From The Sea. And, because the years have mellowed all of us a little (right?), you’ll hear slightly gentler songs too (Each Time You Open Your Eyes, Whodunnit). I can reliably assure you that in his 60s the boy Gedge continues to write guitar pop songs to die for.
So, The Wedding Present – independent to the core, still challenging themselves, like the best of barristers. Reader – go now, buy 24 Songs, and everything else they have ever released. Tell your friends and family to do likewise. They were the constant soundtrack to my 20s and 30s; may they live forever.
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
Giovanni D’Avola explores the issue of over-citation of unreported cases and the ‘added value’ elements of a law report
Louise Crush explores the key points and opportunities for tax efficiency
Westgate Wealth Management Ltd is a Partner Practice of FTSE 100 company St. James’s Place – one of the top UK Wealth Management firms. We offer a holistic service of distinct quality, integrity, and excellence with the aim to build a professional and valuable relationship with our clients, helping to provide them with security now, prosperity in the future and the highest standard of service in all of our dealings.
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
Most of us like to think we would risk our career in order to meet our ethical obligations, so why have so many lawyers failed to hold the line? asks Flora Page
If your current practice environment is bringing you down, seek a new one. However daunting the change, it will be worth it, says Anon Barrister
Creating advocacy opportunities for juniors is now the expectation but not always easy to put into effect. Tom Mitcheson KC distils developing best practice from the Patents Court initiative already bearing fruit
National courts are now running the bulk of the world’s war crimes cases and corporate prosecutions are part of this growing trend, reports Chris Stephen
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession