Title : One from the Modern

Release date : 13/09/1999

Highest chart position : 4

'One From The Modern', despite not having the same commercial success as 'Moseley Shoals' or 'Marchin' Already', falling out of the UK top 40 album chart after only a few weeks, has still turned gold. Musically, the album contains some of the band's finest work to date, although many of the songs are marred by excessive mixing and overproduction. In fact, for the release of the double A-sided single of 'July' and 'I Am The News', the tracks were remixed and re-recorded by Steve Cradock and Damon Minchella, who were unhappy with the original album versions. Simon Fowler originally wanted to call the album '1900 and Fish & Chips', although 'One From The Modern' was later chosen following Damon's suggestion.

Track

Title

More Info

1

Profit in Peace

"I just wanted to list a catalogue of descriptions of what happens during war, rather than the rights or wrongs of it." Simon Fowler declared. "Maybe we should've put out a single about ice-cream. It'd be easier to talk about." The promotional video was shot in Tokyo and the historical town of Kamakura while the band were in Japan for the 'Fuji Rock Festival'.

2

So Low

"It's a continuation of 'One For The Road'", claims Simon Fowler. He also admits that 'So Low' is his favourite track on the album. "It's the song I wanted to write when I was younger, but never could."

3

I am the News

The riff was written by Steve Cradock and Damon Minchella in early 1997, with Simon Fowler adding his lyrics about 18 months later. The song is a clear attack at the media, undoubtedly fuelled by Simon Fowler's experiences as a journalist. The tabla is played by Steve White.

4

No one at all

Features backing vocals by Paul Weller. As Simon notes, "He sounds like an angel - very ironic!".

5

Families

"I wrote this song after watching a few marriage split-ups of people I know. But it's sort of an affirmation really - I think at the end of the day, people are held together by the love in a family. So it's a positive song really."

6

Step by step

The last song to be written for the album, 'Step by Step' does not appear on the European release. All of the instruments on the song are played by Damon Minchella.

7

July

Originally written in 1993, 'July' never found it's way onto 'Moseley Shoals' or 'Marchin' Already'. It's main riff is similar to that of a song by 1960's unknowns 'Rhinoceros'. The song famously appeared as the title track to the 'Lock Stock...' Channel 4 television series. Steve Cradock not only plays lead guitar, but also bass guitar and the drums on the album version.

8

Emily Chambers

Bass guitar is played by Oscar Harrison, while the drums are played by Steve Cradock. Emily Chambers is, according to Damon Minchella, a pseudonym for Simon Fowler. In other words, Simon is writing about himself through the fictional character of Emily Chambers.

9

Jane She Got Excavated

Drums are again played by Steve Cradock.

10

Soul Driver

A tribute, not only to Paul Weller, but also, according to Simon Fowler, to all those who continually maintain their enthusiasm and love for music. UB40’s Brian Travers contributes the saxophone.

11

The Waves

Following the successful use of the organ on 'Robin Hood' at the Royal Albert Hall during a gig in 1997, the band returned to use the organ again for this track. Steve Cradock was the first non-classical artist deemed worthy of using the instrument since Frank Zappa in 1969.

12

I Won’t get Grazed

Piano played by Oscar Harrison.

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One from the Modern