The Man From Delmonte: The Good Issues in Life/Massive Noise – Reissue/Interview
(Self-Launched)
CD
Accessible now
Following one of the sudden reunion bulletins of 2024, The Man From Delmonte’s lengthy out of print unique albums can be found in a single bundle that includes new sleeve notes by Martin Vincent and iconic the Peter Seal designs. Iain Key takes a have a look at the reissue and places some inquiries to the person behind the reunion and a few members of the a lot beloved band.
Few may have predicted the information of the Man From Delmonte’s return when it appeared on Fb in October. The spark of which got here by way of an opportunity assembly between Iain Lee and Martin Vincent, which is documented within the sleeve notes of the reissue. No double there have been just a few who, having moved round during the last 30 years or so, sought to switch their unique singles and so forth who discovered that these releases have been now going for foolish cash on-line. For these, and plenty of others, who hadn’t purchased them first time round, this launch is most welcomed.
The primary disc, The Good Issues in Life, comprises materials initially launched on the cassette solely compilation Catholic Boys On Mobilettes in 1990 after which on vinyl, by Vinyl Japan over two information (Half 1 and Half 2) containing 13 and 14 tracks respectively in 1999 accumulating the varied singles, BBC Periods and compilation look earlier than a CD compiling all 27 tracks adopted in 2000.
As the fabric is introduced in chronological launch order, with unreleased tracks slotted in at acceptable occasions between official releases you’d suppose that you could be hear an aural studying curve all through their profession however actually, it’s nearly as if the band arrived absolutely shaped. The loyal fanbase will debate which the standout tracks are nevertheless my vote goes for My Love Is Like A Present (sorry if that’s predictable!) While not dismissing the work the of the unique productions the 1988 BBC Session for Liz Kershaw recorded with Mike Robinson have an extra zip which provides some further umph!
The second disc, the 14 monitor Massive Noise, comprises a reside recording made at Manchester’s Boardwalk on Friday thirteenth January 1989 which was initially launched in 1989 on cassette and vinyl (the latter doubling in worth for the reason that reunion was introduced) and later reissued by Vinyl Japan on vinyl and CD in 1990. Along with the ‘listed’ monitor there’s additionally an extra ‘easter egg’. It’s a terrific album with the band arguably on the peak of their powers enjoying a terrific set which incorporates a few unreleased tracks, nevertheless no room for favourites corresponding to Australia Honest or Like A Millionaire. That stated, there aren’t any weak tracks on Massive Noise, and 35 years on from its unique launch whets the urge for food for his or her return in 2025.
In order that’s the set… however how did it come to be?
I put just a few inquiries to Iain Lee and a few the band…
Iain Lee
LTW: Have been you at all times a fan? How did you initially uncover the band?
Iain Lee: My first ever gig was once I was 14 and a half. I went to London Central Poly to see Frank Sidebottom. Pete Shelley and Ed Tudor-Pole have been additionally on the invoice. In the course of the present this bizarre however lovely wanting band got here out on stage, They appeared completely different from the opposite acts. They simply had this vibe about them that appeared enticing.
I used to be pushed proper up on the entrance of the barrier and will observe them and take all of it in. Like all the very best bands, every member clearly had their very own id. And stood on the entrance was this powerhouse, this Tasmanian satan who I later discovered was Mike. Nice haircut, sharp jawline, cool accent and an actual perspective of what appeared like not giving a fuck. As quickly as they began, I like them. The actual turning level although was after they introduced Roxy Walsh out on trombone. That was it. They have been MY band.
LTW: You’re a busy man, how did come to be driving power behind this?
Iain: I’m not that busy. Radio and TV work ended about 4 years in the past, so it goes. I retrained and I’m now working as a counsellor. I don’t know if I’m the driving power. I’m extra the bloke lined in grit and dust shovelling coal into the engine.
I ended up on this place as a result of the band wished the reunion however had zero curiosity in doing the boring admin stuff. So, just like the ADHD idiot I’m my hand shot up within the air and earlier than I’d thought of it, I shouted, ‘I’ll do it!’. I’m studying as I’m going however having an absolute blast being concerned.
LTW: Did the band take a lot persuading?
Iain: Not as a lot as I assumed. I actually didn’t suppose it could occur, and I used to be nervous bringing it up with them. I used to be stunned after a comparatively quick preliminary reluctance; all of them embraced it in a short time. They’ve all informed me they’re having the time of their lives chatting and enjoying collectively once more.
LTW: How are you discovering your new position as booker, document label and merchandiser boss?
Iain: I’m sparking up cigars with £50 notes EVERY SINGLE DAY! Residing the dream.
LTW: Are there any songs you’re notably trying to hear ‘reside’?
Iain: Water in My Eyes is a good misplaced pop basic. I genuinely consider it’s up there with Daydream Believer. I say that loads and I believe most individuals suppose that’s a cute line. It’s not. I actually do suppose that. I bear in mind my buddy Malcolm shopping for the one and sitting in his room simply enjoying it over and over. That tricksy looping acoustic guitar riff, Martin’s Bhundu Boys electrical tickle, Sheila’s AMAZING vocals which carry something after which Martin simply wailing on the harmonica. It’s actually good.
I do know they’ve just a few surprises up their sleeves as effectively. However I’m sworn to secrecy. If I reveal something they’ll ban me from making Fu Yung Sauce and nobody needs that!
The Man From Delmonte (Mike West and Sheila Seal)
LTW: You’ve obtained again collectively forward of dates in 2025 – why now?
Mike West: I by no means thought of getting again with the band. I’ve been touring 30 years, most currently as Truckstop Honeymoon, releasing information and so forth. By no means actually been one for wanting again. However a few years in the past, two of my children, Julian and Sadie, who’re in an superior storage punk band known as The Mudd Membership started taking a playful curiosity in The Man from Delmonte. They began listening to the few songs that have been accessible on the web, in search of previous cassettes and vinyl.
They got here throughout a really small Fb fan web page and started posting. I feel Julian and Sadie lit some small fires, which culminated in Iain Lee approaching us about the potential of a reunion gig and I assumed it could give the children a kick if I did it. I talked to the remainder of the band, and we determined that, at this late stage of life, it appeared whimsical and enjoyable. I’ve stayed in shut contact with Sheila through the years however hadn’t seen Martin or Howard for over three a long time. It’s been a joyful factor to reconnect with everybody.
Sheila Seal: As a result of the stunning Iain Lee requested if we’d. I’d been requested earlier than however by no means actually thought it could occur….
LTW: Had there ever been supplied so that you can reform beforehand?
Mike: 25 years in the past, our previous agent, Dan Silver from Worth Added Expertise, floated the concept of a reunion tour. However I used to be busy touring and making solo information within the States, studying the 5-string banjo and mandolin. It was not the suitable time for me.
Sheila: No agency provides, however I work with the companion of a mega fan, and he’d requested her to ask me…. see earlier reply!
LTW: Are you stunned by the response from followers when it was introduced?
Mike: None of us anticipated to promote out The Band on the Wall in 20 minutes. We thought perhaps we may persuade 100 previous pals to return and see us at Night time and Day. It was a shock.
Sheila: Eh, yeah – only a bit!!! I’m knocked out by it – I feel all of us are. It’s beautiful to really feel you are able to do one thing which may make just a few folks comfortable, on this not comfortable time of the world….
LTW: Between 1987-1989 you constructed up a loyal following and launched a number of nice singles. Though not initially from Manchester you have been one of many key
‘Manchester’ bands… why didn’t you get carried together with the likes of James, Completely happy Mondays and so forth…
Mike: They have been all superb bands that labored laborious and deserved the success they obtained. We have been maybe just a little whimsical and quirky. Who is aware of. TMFD far exceeded my expectations of what I personally thought I used to be able to. I by no means anticipated to be a musician. I didn’t suppose I may sing, didn’t know I may carry out. TMFD lit a fireplace in me that has burned robust ever since. Due to the arrogance the Delmontes gave me, I went on to turn into a working, skilled musician, a touring songwriter and in the end a document producer. I fell in love with music enjoying with TMFD. That love has carried me by a 40-year profession (up to now!) in music. I’m actually grateful to the band for that.
Sheila: That’s a very good query. I don’t know if it’s as a result of I left to have a child and already had a toddler, and life would have been very very troublesome if we’d obtained actually busy…. It’s form of a disgrace, but in addition form of a blessing, particularly to have this chance now….
LTW: How did you come to seem on TV on reveals like Maintain Tight and No 73? As a band on an ‘Indie Label’ on the time you have to have had some good connections?
Sheila: Effectively, we did have Man Lovelady, of Ugly Man Information, after which Martine MacDonagh, companion of Tim Sales space after which Jon Ronson as managers, so perhaps it was by one in every of them, however I feel we had a number of good will too. Ask Mike or Martin, they bear in mind extra about that form of factor!
Mike: I feel that was to do with the inexhaustible vitality of Man Lovelady from Ugly Man Information. He did all the things he may for us. He paid for radio & TV pluggers and did leg work himself. Man had a selfless love of music and bands.
LTW: The footage on YouTube of (Will No one Save) Louise recorded not too long ago present that you simply’ve nonetheless obtained ‘it’… how simple did you discover getting again into the groove?
Mike: We obtained collectively for 2 days of rehearsal. By the second day, it was already feeling very pure. Howard performed as if he’d by no means stopped enjoying these songs. I didn’t suppose I may bear in mind all this materials I hadn’t even thought of for 35 years. However as quickly as I began feeling out the chords and melodies, my physique simply took over. All that stuff continues to be in there. It’s form of bizarre.
Sheila: Ha ha, it felt excellent. I feel we’d all questioned how it could be, but it surely was sensible to play collectively. We’ve all carried on performing in a technique or one other, and we simply stepped proper again in. It might be good to maintain on doing it after these gigs.
LTW: There are just a few gigs booked, do you will have a particular view of how lengthy this reunion will final or are you simply seeing the way it goes?
Mike: It’s necessary to me that everybody solely does as a lot as they get pleasure from doing. It must be enjoyable. All people has loads happening of their lives and I don’t need any of
this to look like an obligation, a chore. It must be rewarding and fulfilling. And if it’s rewarding and enjoyable, I’m comfortable to do as a lot as anybody needs to. I’ve
obtained loads of new songs.
Sheila: We’ll must see the way it goes. If all of us get pleasure from it and it’s practicable, I’d definitely be up for extra.
LTW: Lastly, do you ever get uninterested in folks referring to the advert and utilizing the road “The Man From Delmonte, he says ‘sure’” in evaluations…
Sheila: Eh, yeah. Additionally, do you know there’s a marriage band in Scotland known as Man From Delmonte, and once I googled them, the AI response was – Indie wedding ceremony band from Manchester that play covers……
Mike: Hey, we selected the title! I don’t suppose we’re in place to complain about folks quoting the advert again at us!
Discover The Man From Delmonte on Fb and at their Web site
All phrases by Iain Key. See his creator profile right here or discover him on Bluesky
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