Sinister: Tribulations

[Michael Jones]

Hello playmates,

Well, I'm not sure we should be pleased about this or not, but I guess
it's an indication that a band have finally made it when they find
themselves the subject of a tribute act.  And, judging by the current
issue of Time Out, Belle & Sebastian must have hit the Big Time with
both fists, as not one, but THREE bands are currently treading the
capital's boards, peddling their own brands of belansebbery.

The Marimba & Leopard in East Dulwich is the venue next Tuesday for
the London debut of Bella Sebestyen.  Now, I remember this lot when
they were claiming to be Cradley Heath's answer to The Krankies, so
bandwagon-jumping of this order is no great surprise.  Their gimmick,
as if you need to be told, consists of a Bella Emberg lookalike,
resplendent in silver pants and Felt T-shirt, performing the Murdoch
songbook through a device that makes her sound like Marta Sebestyen. 
It's a lot less fun than it sounds.  And the cod-reggae version of
'Seeing Other People' manages to be offensive on a number of levels.

Making their own special contribution to Ruislip's annual 'Artz'
festival (Conservative Assocation, 8:15, Monday evening) are Milking
Of The TigerBoy.  This enchanting five-piece hail from Osaka and
embody the great B&S virtues of politeness and dainty footwear. 
Inevitably they run into trouble with too-literal translations, but
'Do I Dishonour My Family When I Withdraw My Succour ?' and 'Glorious
Heroes Of The 15th Olympiad' are highlights of their gentle,
meandering set.

Perhaps the least imaginative outfit to be attach themselves to our
favourite Glaswegian octet's collective coattails are The Tasmanian
Belle And Sebastian (Germaine Greer Craft Centre, Maida Vale, Sunday).
 Their entire raison d'etre seems to be to re-create the Saturday
night show at Manchester Town Hall last Xmas, right down to the
fluffed intros and inter-song pauses.  However, the accents are
abominable and the trumpet-player is bald.  One to avoid.

Mike.





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