COVENTRY Music Museum Curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
Senses
Well, news from Senses (Callan, Ian, Kavvy and Ronan) is they have finished their album, and the first track to be released from it is the quite brilliant ‘Drop Your Arms’.
I love a band that has a natural energy and knows how to use it to the best advantage, and this band is it. This is the lead single from the band’s upcoming debut album ‘Little Pictures Without Sound’.
The band tells me it was recorded and mixed by Gavin Monaghan at Magic Garden but they also had mastering done by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering. So, it has passed through the same gear as tunes by Bob Marley, The Clash, Radiohead and PJ Harvey – wow!
More singles are promised, and they are looking to do a limited-edition vinyl.
Artwork has been done and the photos are in a George Shaw style, places around Cov you’d know, done by Chris O’Connell (also in the brilliant band Those Among Us Are Wolves!).
‘Call To Arms’ was written as a reminder to people to fight for what is important to them and to not be afraid to drop their arms and learn to love their vulnerabilities.
The lyrics include ‘and I won’t hold back to the feeling’ – in current times these words resonate deeply.
The song is about giving people hope, fighting for all the good in life and celebrating being dreamers…..because we all are.
The song sums up the current social and political climate but showing that better times are on the way.
2 Tone – Lives and Legacies
This year promises to be a ‘special’ year, what with the Coventry Music Museum’s Ghost Town 2 Host Town exhibition there is 2 Tone: Lives and Legacies at The Herbert. It’s an exhibition that CMM is in partnership with and I’m proud to be a guest Curator.
Members of the public are being asked to contribute to this major exhibition that runs from May 14 to September 12, 2021, to coincide with City of Culture celebrations.
The exhibition explores the formation of the record label and examines its philosophy, political and social message, design and impact on the music charts of the day.
It highlights the bands that were part of the label, focusing on The Specials, The Selecter and other ska-influenced bands such as Madness, The Beat and The Bodysnatchers.
It will look at 2 Tone’s continuing influence on music, fashion, politics and culture.
It will include interviews and quotes from original band members and 3rd wave bands from around the world, famous fans and 2 Tone fanatics.
Francis Ranford, Cultural and Creative Director of the Herbert, said: “We are incredibly excited to celebrate the 2 Tone phenomenon through this blockbuster exhibition.
“The support we have received so far from band members, fans and industry experts has been incredible – but we would still like more contributions from fans.”
If you are a 2 Tone fan, please share your favourite 2 Tone memories, photos and videos by emailing them to [email protected] by Sunday, February 28, for a chance to feature in the exhibition.
“We would also be delighted to receive your ‘selfie-style’ video clips (portrait orientation) telling us ‘What 2 Tone means to you’.”
Highlights include original artworks inspired by 2 Tone, including an animated graphic version of the 2 Tone story by artist Stewart Easton.
The show will culminate in an immersive 2 Tone experience celebrating the energy and legendary sound of the bands’ performances, designed by sound artist Duncan Whitely.
There will be special 2 Tone playlists and an area for visitors to leave their own memories, thoughts and highlights of the 2 Tone era.
