With the new album now available everywhere through this link here (amongst other places) I was wondering what we think of it all, and what’s our favourite track on it, come to that?   For me it’s “The Lights Change”, indeed from the first hearing it was and a couple of hundred listens to the whole album now, it still is!!  Now, I know I’m a fraction biased but the whole album hits all my most sensitive spots all the way through… that’s obviously why I love the boys so very much, everything appeals all the time.

For me it’s great to hear recorded versions of “Spiralina Girl”, “Come on Feel the Lemonheads” and “The Smack of Pavement in Your Face” after numerous live outings, especially from the last Germany/Austria tour, wunderbar!  And all the new songs fit perfectly inside my head, another album that just repeats and repeats for as long as I have time to listen.  And finally, just to scare her, my fave lyric has to be… “there is a Bridie shaped, space within my arms…” except I change it to “Cheryl, Basti & Josie-shaped” of course.

more news shortly,  Neil H

Following on from a cracking Valentine’s evening Shirley Lee, the band, will be taking the new album on to the Lexington in just a couple of weeks time.  

Fortuna POP! is starting a new venture with the Track & Field label promoting shows under the name Secret Knowledge –  first Secret Knowledge show which takes place at The Lexington on Thursday 5th March features our old friend Darren Hayman and his band The Secondary Modern, Shirley Lee, and the excellent Esiotrot. A fine way to start I think.

Tickets are here: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/44472

And just to harp back to the last gig… the boys were all very nervous, not having played live for a wee while, new material etc… but what a treat…. the whole of the new album minus only one song… plus a gorgeous reworking of “the beautiful things” and 2 completely new songs… an andy lewis/shirley song “36 Reasons Why”, and “Restless Soul” packed full of your favourite Spearmint swear word, great track too.  Was a very good night out with the Bitter Springs playing a blinding set too, fingers crossed there’ll be some more gigs with them this year.  See Shirley’s diary page for further details.

A good number of copies of the album also ventured out into the world that evening, be interesting to hear what you all think of it.  There’ll be more on sale at the Lexington of course, and you can now pre-order your very own copy here, release sate the 9th March.  You get a free download of the single! 

Wow… exciting times!  all the best, Neil H

Well, it’s been quite some time since Spearmint’s last gig, almost 20 months in fact! The very first Shirley Lee gig is less than a week away… this coming Saturday on Valentine’s evening at The Wilmington Arms, 69 Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4RL. Doors 8pm. Entrance: £7.00 on the door.
It’s a co-headline show with the Bitter Springs, and looking likely that Shirl and the boys will play first. The Short Stories from Bristol are also supporting and Johny Brown from Resonance FM will be DJing. Hopefully I’m allowed to add Shirley Lee gigs to my total of Spearmint gigs witnessed??
And talking of that the band would love to get out of london and do some regional gigs during May. Which is where you might be able to help… where would you like to see Shirley play? Do you have any contacts with venues… do you run a venue or club night? Let us know!
There’s been a slight delay to the album release whilst new distribution was sorted out after Pinnacle went under; it’ll now be available from 9th March. Having lived with it now for a couple of months already I’m certain it will appeal to one and all. The wonderful components of perfect harmonies, moving keyboards, wandering bass lines, strong and tight drumming, and those guitars gently duelling at times, working beautifully alone at others, all underneath Shirl’s detailed stories – it’s all there, and although I am undoubtedly biased I equally am excited as ever by these songs…
We’ve already had some other great reviews too – just so that you don’t only have to take my word for it! –
“softly curdled sugar laced and shy eyed 60’s kissed slice of purring power pop laced with oodles of effervescence and swoon attacking melodic thrills… makes you quietly glow and stick two fingers up to the everyday crud” – Losing Today “a timely reminder of how unpretentious and uncomplicated indie music used to be” – Tasty “a steam locomotive rolling along rhythmically while Lee conjures a range of emotions through some impressive wordplay” – Culture Deluxe “timeless” – Artrock “lovely… a doctrine on love and life without it” – AU magazine
Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Saturday!
Neil H / Site Admin