Lovegod - The Soup Dragons

In 1989 a dangerous and potentially career threatening craze hit the streets. Although it was not a new phenomenon, the rate at which people started to participate; people who you would've thought to be sensible and level headed, accelerated to lethal levels. By the time 1990 rolled around 'Bandwagon Jumping' was in full flow and started to claim victims at an alarming level. One such victim was a indie band called The Soup Dragons.

The Soup Dragons were, prior to their involvement in this deadliest of sports, an indie guitar band from Glasgow. They had enjoyed modest success with their debut album 'This Is Our Art' and had a promising career ahead of them. Then, when everyone was least expectining it, the 'baggy' scene rushed onto the airwaves. It was everywhere and soon spread to clothing, art, TV and confectionary. Probably. To be cool you had to be Baggy. To sell records you had to be Baggy. The Soup Dragons were not, it has to be said, Baggy as their music was decidedly tight. So they did the only thing they could and introduced dance beats into the fledgling following up album. All of a sudden they were Baggy. Hurrah! And you could hardly see the joins. A few eagle-eyed music critics commented that this was a sudden change in direction, but this was brushed off by the band's leader Sean Dickson saying, "Nah! We were already heading in that direction anyway - we'd already bought a drum machine and everything. Honest". Everyone was convinced and went home happy.

'Lovegod', on it's first airing in many a year, has not really stood the test of time well as it's shortcomings are even more glaring. At the time it sounded like an incomplete album - the tracks were well written but had a sort of unfinished quality -  with the kernel of a decent idea but not properly developed. Perhaps they had been too keen to get the record out and get themselves on the Baggy Bandwagon? Even their huge hit 'I'm Free', a heartfelt paean to Mr Humphries from 'Are You Being Served', was missing from the original pressings. Perhaps more evidence to suggest that a little wagon jumping had taken place?

But I still like the album despite its flaws. It reminds me of a time when music was fresh and exciting and of a time when major indie bands would descend upon Middlesbrough Town Hall. We saw The Soup Dragons a fair few times but arguably the most memorable time was when we didn't see them - we had tickets for a special New Year concert in Glasgow. It was going to be great; they were at their peak and this was their hometown gig. Unfortunately my travelling and gig going partner decided that he'd rather spend a night in Hartlepool General Hospital. Ah well. All's fair in rock 'n' roll.