The Man From Delmonte: The Good Issues in Life/Massive Noise – Reissue/Interview
(Self-Launched)
CD
Accessible now
Following one of the crucial sudden reunion bulletins of 2024, The Man From Delmonte’s lengthy out of print unique albums can be found in a single package deal that includes new sleeve notes by Martin Vincent and iconic the Peter Seal designs. Iain Key takes a take a look at the reissue and places some inquiries to the person behind the reunion and a few members of the a lot liked band.
Few might 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 a couple of who, having moved round during the last 30 years or so, sought to interchange their unique singles and many others who discovered that these releases have been now going for foolish cash on-line. For these, and lots of others, who hadn’t purchased them first time round, this launch is most welcomed.
The primary disc, The Good Issues in Life, incorporates materials initially launched on the cassette solely compilations 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 gathering the assorted singles, BBC Classes and compilation look earlier than a CD compiling all 27 tracks adopted in 2000.
As the fabric is presenting chronological launch order, with unreleased tracks slotted in at applicable instances between official releases you’d assume that you could be hear an aural studying curve all through their profession however actually, it’s nearly as if the band arrived totally fashioned. 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 gives some further umph!
The second disc, the 14 observe Massive Noise, incorporates a dwell 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 because the reunion was introduced) and later reissued by Vinyl Japan on vinyl and CD in 1990. Along with the ‘listed’ observe there may be additionally an extra ‘easter egg’. It’s an excellent album with the band arguably on the peak of their powers taking part in an excellent set which incorporates a few unreleased tracks, nevertheless no room for favourites akin to Australia Honest or Like A Millionaire. That mentioned, 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 a couple of inquiries to Iain Lee and a few the band…
Iain Lee
LTW: Have been you all the time 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 stunning 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 one of the best bands, every member clearly had their very own identification. And stood on the entrance was this powerhouse, this Tasmanian satan who I later came upon was Mike. Nice haircut, sharp jawline, cool accent and an actual angle of what appeared like not giving a fuck. As quickly as they began, I like them. The true 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 pressure 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 pressure. I’m extra the bloke lined in grit and filth shovelling coal into the engine.
I ended up on this place as a result of the band needed 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 am going however having an absolute blast being concerned.
LTW: Did the band take a lot persuading?
Iain: Not as a lot as I believed. I actually didn’t assume it could occur, and I used to be nervous bringing it up with them. I used to be shocked after a comparatively brief 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 taking part in collectively once more.
LTW: How are you discovering your new position as booker, file 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 significantly trying to hear ‘dwell’?
Iain: Water in My Eyes is a superb misplaced pop basic. I genuinely imagine it’s up there with Daydream Believer. I say that lots and I believe most individuals assume that’s a cute line. It’s not. I actually do assume that. I bear in mind my good friend Malcolm shopping for the only and sitting in his room simply taking part in it over and over. That tricksy looping acoustic guitar riff, Martin’s Bhundu Boys electrical tickle, Sheila’s AMAZING vocals which elevate something after which Martin simply wailing on the harmonica. It’s actually excellent.
I do know they’ve a couple of surprises up their sleeves as nicely. However I’m sworn to secrecy. If I reveal something they are going to ban me from making Fu Yung Sauce and nobody desires that!
The Man From Delmonte (Mike West and Sheila Seal)
LTW: You’ve bought 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 these days as Truckstop Honeymoon, releasing information and many others. 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 referred to as The Mudd Membership started taking a playful curiosity in The Man from Delmonte. They began listening to the few songs that have been out there on the web, in search of outdated cassettes and vinyl.
They got here throughout a really small Fb fan web page and started posting. I believe Julian and Sadie lit some small fires, which culminated in Iain Lee approaching us about the opportunity of a reunion gig and I believed it could give the youngsters 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 beautiful Iain Lee requested if we might. 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 outdated agent, Dan Silver from Worth Added Expertise, floated the thought 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 gives, however I work with the accomplice of a mega fan, and he’d requested her to ask me…. see earlier reply!
LTW: Are you shocked 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 possibly we might persuade 100 outdated buddies to come back 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 believe all of us are. It’s beautiful to really feel you are able to do one thing that may make a couple of folks completely happy, on this not completely happy 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, Pleased Mondays and many others…
Mike: They have been all superb bands that labored exhausting and deserved the success they bought. We have been maybe a bit of 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 assume I might sing, didn’t know I might carry out. TMFD lit a hearth in me that has burned sturdy ever since. Due to the arrogance the Delmontes gave me, I went on to grow to be a working, skilled musician, a touring songwriter and finally a file producer. I fell in love with music taking part in with TMFD. That love has carried me by way of a 40-year profession (up to now!) in music. I’m actually grateful to the band for that.
Sheila: That’s a extremely 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 tough if we’d bought actually busy…. It’s type of a disgrace, but in addition type of a blessing, particularly to have this chance now….
LTW: How did you come to seem on TV on exhibits like Maintain Tight and No 73? As a band on an ‘Indie Label’ on the time it’s essential to have had some good connections?
Sheila: Nicely, we did have Man Lovelady, of Ugly Man Data, after which Martine MacDonagh, accomplice of Tim Sales space after which Jon Ronson as managers, so possibly it was by way of one among them, however I believe we had a variety of good will too. Ask Mike or Martin, they bear in mind extra about that type of factor!
Mike: I believe that was to do with the inexhaustible vitality of Man Lovelady from Ugly Man Data. He did every thing he might 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 person Save) Louise recorded just lately present that you just’ve nonetheless bought ‘it’… how simple did you discover getting again into the groove?
Mike: We bought 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 taking part in these songs. I didn’t assume I might 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 remains to be in there. It’s type of bizarre.
Sheila: Ha ha, it felt good. I believe we’d all puzzled how it could be, however it 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 will be good to maintain on doing it after these gigs.
LTW: There are a couple of gigs booked, do you could 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 take pleasure in doing. It needs to be enjoyable. All people has lots happening of their lives and I don’t need any of
this to appear like an obligation, a chore. It ought to be rewarding and gratifying. And if it’s rewarding and enjoyable, I’m completely happy to do as a lot as anybody desires to. I’ve
bought loads of new songs.
Sheila: We’ll need to see the way it goes. If all of us take pleasure in it and it’s practicable, I’d definitely be up for extra.
LTW: Lastly, do you ever get bored with folks referring to the advert and utilizing the road “The Man From Delmonte, he says ‘sure’” in opinions…
Sheila: Eh, yeah. Additionally, do you know there’s a marriage band in Scotland referred to as Man From Delmonte, and once I googled them, the AI response was – Indie marriage ceremony band from Manchester that play covers……
Mike: Hey, we selected the identify! I don’t assume 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 writer profile right here or discover him on Bluesky
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