The most recent TCS Headlines are posted to the main TCS Page. This page is a listing of the previous headlines.
2001
the new year will finaly bring some new music. tcs will spend the first half of january rehearsing for their upcoming fourth album, whch will be recorded in glasgow during late january and february. the band is currently finishing up another 2-3 songs and plans to record and mix around 12 songs (more if time permits) in the studio. afterwards, the band will take the record to labels and see what happens. also look for an interview with frank reader to be posted to trashcansinatras.com at the beginning of january. [12/15/01]
there will not be an acoustic gig in london on october 20th, so for the time being, there are just the three concerts mentioned below. also, there is a short e-mail 'interview' with john douglas from earlier this summer now posted on irish e-zine website 'the black rag' (on the main page, click on 'hole' and then go about 2/3 down the page) [9/16]
tcs have three more uk shows scheduled for october. they are playing at the liquid rooms in edinburgh on monday, october 15 and at the water rats theatre in london on thursday, october 18 and friday, october 19. tickets are not yet available for the edinburgh gig, but will be shortly. try rippingrecords.com, or call them at 0131 226 1469. you can also try the liquid rooms box office at 0131 225 2564. for the london shows, tickets are now on sale. there are a number of places to buy tickets, check the plum promotions website or call them at 020 7436 7211 for ticket information. you can also order directly from ticketweb. there may also be an acoustic gig scheduled at another location in london on october 20, more information on that when available.
tcs continue to work on new songs, there are a few more songs that they are trying to complete and possibly debut at these shows. the band have not decided if they will record a new demo prior to these shows. [9/13]
the band has been rehearsing as many as 5 days a week in preparation for this thursday's gig at king tut's in glasgow. the gig also features two opening acts that are friends of tcs: heirloom and peter rose. they're both bands that members of tcs (and their families) have played and rehearsed with and are worth checking out, so plan to arrive early. as of last week, most tickets had been presold, so you should call king tut's or stop by the box office to see if any remain. the set list is in flux, but expect around half of the songs to be new. shortly after the show, there should be information posted with the set list, news from the gig, and eventually photos. [7/1/01]
the tcs gig at king tut's wah wah hut in glasgow has finally been confirmed. the show will be on thursday, july 5. i do not know when tickets go on sale or what time the show is, i know doors open at 8:30. i'll post more information when available but i would also suggest keeping an eye on the king tut's web site (click on gig listings, the show is actually not listed right now). tcs are excited but nervous, and wanted to have at least 15 reheasrals in before they played the show. [5/19/01]
davy hughes has rejoined tcs as the bass player. davy was one of the founding members of the original covers band back in 1986 and then played again with the band from 1992-1996, on bass during the "i've seen everything" and "a happy pocket" recordings and touring. davy has been attending university and agreed to rejoin the band after grant wilson (who joined in 1998) left last month. the band's first rehearsal with davy on bass was last thursday and they are rehearsing again this thursday and friday. the three day a week rehearsals actually start next week as davy has been finishing up his classes. last week the rehearsals focused on three new songs and they hope to get them completed and move onto others this week. [5/2/01]
the band's three day a week rehearsal schedule started this week. there is some interesting and 'classic' news that i will post as soon as i confirm it's okay to post. as much as i hate to say this (given how things change with the band), there is a good chance the band will play a gig or two fairly soon in cities such as glasgow and/or london. nothing is definite, it will depend how the new songs sound now that the lineup is back together for the first time in quite some time. more information when available. [4/23/01]
tcs have been writing more songs and have started heading up to glasgow to rehearse as a full band for the first time in quite a while, which finally gives the entire band a chance to work on the new songs together. previously, just frank, john and paul had gotten together to record the rough demos. john has described his writing as 'prolific', and says he even has some 'fast ones'. what had been happening is that frank was in london for much of january-march watching his sister eddi reader's kids while she was rehearsing and on tour in the usa and japan. the band couldn't do much together while he was there, and he was also trying to set up meetings with record industry types. rehearsing is often followed by more recording or gigs and there was a rumor of a couple of random acoustic gigs, but i haven't heard anything more about this lately. [4/8/01]
'popnews.com' a french music website, is now taking orders for its 'POPvolume#2' compilation. this 17 track cd includes an early version of 'in capitals', which was later recorded at studio .45 last year. the compilation will be available on the 15th of may but can be ordered from them at a reduced price before that. the price will be:
france : until the 15th of may, 50 french francs, after the 15th of may, 70ff. europe : until the may 15, 55ff after may 15, 75 ff. Rest of the world : until may 15, 57.5ff, after may 15, 77.5 ff. payment can be maye to "Guillaume Sautereau - Association POPnews - 8 rue rosenwald - 75015 Paris - France" using an International Money Order (IMO).
for more information, visit their webiste in french or english. [4/8/01]
December 2000
| hello
everyone. i just wanted to give a few details on what we have been
doing since the summertime. you probably know we recorded some tracks
for an album at a studio in connecticut that i finished mixing in
august. well, in the end, we didn't like much of what we had come
up with, and the whole thing was tossed in the bin, so that was
that. by the way, if you were at any of the concerts in new york,
hoboken or philadelphia and didn't boo, thanks very much. we were
overwhelmed and tickled by the reception laid on for us. it would
be good to do that again soon. back in scotland, john, paul, stephen
and grant became crickets to a friend's buddy holly, whilst i sulked
in the background - but not for long! the three principles were
soon back together writing more songs, recording them onto 4 track,
and putting at least a little smile back on their own faces. some
of these songs have names, like "got carried away" and "it's a miracle
we try anything at all" and "freetime",! so they are real songs.
we look forward to not throwing these things in the bin, but to
finding some kind benefactor or benefactress who'll give some money
to us to live on and tour on and record on, and sleep on if there's
lots of it. thanks to all of you who have shown concern, support,
impatience, ambivalence throughout a tricky time. john and paul
send their regards, and although i haven't seen stephen or grant
for a couple of weeks - the former was in baltimore, the latter
is working at the library - i know they would want me to pass on
their hellos. good luck to you all.
lots of love, francis xx |
November 2000
September 2000
a demo version of 'in capitals' will be included on the french music site popnews.com 'popmusic #2' promo cd, now expected to be released in january. check this page on their web site for ordering information. [9/26]
speaking of tcs' good friend simon dine (who originally signed tcs to go!discs and was a member of adventures in stereo), his alter-ago noonday underground has released a new cd entitled 'self assembly'. some of you may have heard the noonday underground track 'looking for something' on the 'sound of purple' promo cd, the new cd is a similar collection of soul/r&b samples. the cd is available at other music in new york or through their web site at othermusic.com. [9/26]
'the big takeover' 20th anniversary issue (#47) is being completed and will be out this fall. it will include an article about tcs, reviewing the band's history and recent activities, and features a discussion with frank reader. check out their web site or watch your local indie record store for copies. [9/26]
August 2000
July 2000
mike deming has mixed four songs: 'usually', 'weightlifting', 'astronomy' and 'the country song', and francis reader will be heading into studio .45 during august to complete the album mixing. once frank has completed the mix, expected to be by the end of august, the record will be sent out to labels. [7/18]
April 2000
March 2000
February 2000
January 2000
That's about it for now. The "Cookie Scene" Japanese article should be out this month, I'll try to get a translation posted soon afterwards. I have copies of the "Sound of Purple" and "Chewing a Brick" CDs, see below. If anything else comes up I'll post it here. [1/1]
I now have more copies of the "Sound of Purple" promo CD, which features a new TCS song ("Duty Free"). If you're interested, please let me know. [1/1]
I know I'm going to regret this, but there are rumors that plans are underway to bring TCS to the US for a couple of shows in New York City early next year, probably in February. Are you in NY or would you tavel to the Big Apple to see TCS? Let me know in case gigs should be upgraded to Madison Square Garden.
That's about it for now. The "Cookie Scene" Japanese article should be out next month, I'll try to get a translation posted as soon as possible. I have also heard rumors about a new TCS web site. I have copies of the "Sound of Purple" and "Chewing a Brick" CDs, see below. If anything else comes up I'll post it here.
October 30, 1999
The other tracks on the release will be a remix version of "Snow" (remixed by Sokabe), "Co-Stars" and "Leave Me Alone". The latter two are new TCS songs that the band recorded when they were in Japan in February 1999. "Co-Stars" was a brand new song at the time, TCS debuted the song in concert on February 7, 1999, while "Leave Me Alone" had been first demoed in a somewhat different version around the middle of 1997. TCS played "Leave Me Alone" in all of the concerts earlier this year.
The single is being released through Sony Music Entertainment Japan and is currently slated for a Japanese release only, although releases in other parts of the world are being discussed. So unless you live in Japan, you'll hopefully be able to get the CD wherever imports are sold. The artwork for the single is being completed in the next couple of weeks and lyrics will be included with the single.
The single will also be available as a promo only 7", with the b-side being "Duty Free". This will be the same version that appears on the "Sound of Purple" promo CD.
Right now, the deal with Sony is just for this single release, but things should be moving forward, however slowly that takes place with TCS.
The band is also going to be featured in the (Japanese) indie magazine "Cookie Scene", first on the back cover of the November issue to announce the maxi-single, and then in the January issue with an article about the band.
In my opinion after hearing the songs performed live in Dublin, "Co-Stars", "Leave Me Alone" and "Duty Free" are three of the best new songs that TCS were playing at the time, so it will be interesting to hear how the studio versions of "Co-Stars" (especially since it was practically brand new when recorded) and "Leave Me Alone" sound.
TCS have just completed putting together a 10 song album demo that is being sent out to some contacts. "Co-Stars", "Leave Me Alone" and "Duty Free" are not part of the demos. It also sounds like "Weightlifting", which was played in the first three concerts in Japan in January, has been dropped. The current thinking (and we all know this is subject to change or an extended window before it actually happens) is that the band is going to record their album in January (probably in the UK) and then tour sometime afterwards. They've now decided it would be best to have an album released and tour in support, instead of trying to do both at the same time. They would like to come to the US 'as soon as possible', which then doesn't sound to be any earlier than January 2000 and that's probably aggressive. There are also no immediate plans to tour in Japan in support of the single but as anything TCS, this could change at anytime.
There really isn't much happening right now. While TCS have found some rehearsal space in Kilmarnock, I don't think they're practicing more than once or twice a week, and considering they need to get an album's worth of songs (at least 10) ready to record, I don't know how much progress they can make rehearsing at that rate.
Sorry this is so lame, but I can't tell you what's happening when there's nothing to tell. I want to make sure everyone knows that you're not missing out on any concert information and this info will be posted as soon as it's known.
August 8, 1999
Yes, it sure has been a while since the last update. One thing I want to mention is that I know the story keeps changing and TCS' arrival in the US and the recording of the new album are constantly delayed. I don't make up the news on this page, it comes from the band, and while they have the best intentions of things happening as soon as possible, a combination of situations have caused these delays. TCS expected to be here by now, recording the new album and playing shows, and the assurances I was given that this would happen were in part based on assurances TCS were getting from others that matters would be settled soon. Believe me, TCS don't like being in Kilmarnock anymore than people in the US/Canada like it, they're just as anxious to get over here, record and play shows as we are, but some things are out of their control. Without getting into any specifics, that's about all I can say right now, so read on for the latest news.
With that editorial aside, TCS were able to locate some rehearsal space in Kilmarnock, so they have been able to spend more time rehearsing and trying new songs in the last month, since they don't have to travel to Glasgow. They've still been writing more songs although a lot of them don't have titles. Unless you saw one of the 6 concerts earlier this year, you probably haven't heard any of the new songs except for maybe "Duty Free". Many of the new songs are on the mellow side and some of us think they need a couple of faster paced songs to round things out. Well, I've been assured that "Free Time" and a new song Frank just wrote are fantastic, faster songs, so we'll see.
As for their record contract that was going to be signed any minute, I think it's safe to say that the contract, at least in it's original form, is not going to be signed. Again, I was told this wasn't an issue, the contract would be signed. But basically what happened is there were a couple of contract terms TCS thought would change that didn't change, and probably most importantly, after going through the experience with Polygram, who didn't release AHP in the US and now refuses to license the record to anyone for a reasonable amount, TCS have decided (smartly) that they want to retain ownership of their masters and are now pursuing licensing deals instead of a recording contract. Basically, with a record contract, the band would receive an advance from the record company (i.e. go into debt with the label), give up the rights to its songs and receive specified royalties. With a licensing deal, TCS retain ownership and just license the songs to a label(s) for release.
So where does this leave TCS' search for a deal? They're discussing licensing deals with labels for specific parts of the country (maybe one label in the UK, one in the US, etc). A couple things I've heard sound promising, but if you haven't learned by now, you need to take this news with a grain of salt. We'll just have to wait and see.
Okay, so what about TCS' plan to come to the US? They plan to be here in September, regardless of whether a licensing deal is in place by then. I'm now allowed to say that they will be recording in Los Angeles and have selected an engineer to work with them. Their plan is to record and play shows at the same time, and even though they have been rehearsing a lot lately, getting in front of crowds will help them to decide what works/doesn't work and gauge crowd reactions to the new songs. Since they've been reharsing so much, they think they can record the album in two weeks.
So what about concerts? As I write this, concerts are being set up in California, but it's unclear after this. TCS have said that once they come over here, they're going to stay as long as possible. After playing in California (and maybe farther north), they'd plan to work their way east. I think it's very likely they'll play in some big, east coast cities, but what they do in between the two coasts is uncertain. They'd like to play as many concerts as possible but they haven't tried organizing anything outside of California right now. Maybe this will be the "Seat of Their Pants" Tour?
June 25, 1999
Well, this is going to be a quick update for now. In a surprise move, the signing of TCS' record contract has been delayed once again. This delays when they're coming to the US...again. Now, I'm sure a lot of you out there are beginning to wonder whether they'll ever sign this contract and/or come to the US to record/tour. I have to admit, I've had my moments of doubt. But let me say this - it will be done, and this latest delay is for a good reason, something worth waiting for an extra couple of weeks. I have heard it from from reliable sources that this contract is a done deal and not to worry about it, so don't be concerned that it won't happen. I know this is very frustrating to expect them here in May, playing shows in June, and now we're practically in July and there's no sign of the band yet. But, the latest plan has them here at the end of July, or more likely the beginning of August and they'll probably record straight through instead of breaking up the recording sessions to tour (deadlines...). They'll go on the road after that, so maybe in October they'll start playing some shows. There's a good chance they'd be here through the end of the year, I think they'll basically tour for as long as they can afford it, hopefully one show at least gets them to the next. So, I will keep everyone posted, but there probably won't be any news for at least a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, TCS are still rehearsing at a studio in Glasgow and writing new songs. Some of the new songs have creative titles like "Frank's Song", "John's Song" and "Paul's Song".
The band Heirloom, which appeared on the "Sound of Purple" promo CD, features former TCS bass player Davie Hughes on drums. Paul Livingston played guitar on the band's demo tape and at a concert this week, John Douglas is supposed to play keyboards for them, while Paul will play some guitar. Incidentally, this will be Davie's last gig with the band as he is returning to school.
TCS keyboard player Stevie Mulhearn was in Tokyo from June 12-19, recording with Japanese band Northern Bright, which opened for TCS on three shows in Japan earlier this year. The recording sessions went well and he will be featured on a Northern Bright single to be released later this year.
Back to TCS for a minute, people are asking where and when TCS will be playing concerts. When is impossible to say. After they sign their contract, then they can finalize their visas as they need employment forms. Once they do this, they'll know the timing and move ahead with some more definite plans. As for where they will play - at a mimimum, if you live in a big city, there's a good chance you can see them, but right now I cannot mention any specific cities. As soon as there is any information about dates and locations, I'll post the info.
May 13, 1999
Okay, okay. I know I said there would be some news by the middle of May since that's when TCS are coming to the US. Here is the situation:
TCS have not signed their record contract yet and this is what's holding everything up. The contract was expected to be signed early this week, but as has been happening for the last couple of months, the lawyers on both sides are still haggling over some wording and until they can come to an agreement, the deal will not be signed. From what I understand, there are not really significant issues, just minor matters that need to be ironed out. It is expected that this will happen very soon.
Once TCS sign the deal, then they can go ahead and finalize some plans. I don't know the finanaces, but without a record deal, there is no advance and without an advance, TCS aren't going anywhere. So until they know when and exactly how much they will be getting, all they can do is wait. Also, without a record deal, I don't think they can license the songs in any other countries.
In the meantime, they are still deciding where they will be based and where they will play shows, but I think that decisions on shows will not be made until they get to the US. They know where their largest fan bases are and what the major US cities are and they would like to play as many shows in as many cities as possible. I don't want to get anyone's hopes up or disappoint anyone else since nothing has been scheduled, so I won't mention any cities at this point. I cannot say where they will be based, but at this point it looks like Nashville is out.
At TCS' request I am putting together an e-mail list of everyone who has contacted me over the last couple of years about the band, videos, CDs, etc. Hopefully I have kept track of everyone! They plan to use this mailing list to make any announcements they'd like everyone to know (i.e. when they have signed the record deal, where they will playing shows, etc). I will also continue to post information to the web page.
Thanks to everyone who has offered to let TCS stay with them if they come to your city. At this point though, I think they have abandoned this idea, but I will let people know if they change their minds.
April 23, 1999
Okay, I know it has been three weeks without an update and people are anxious to find out what TCS are planning for the US. Here is the latest:
TCS ARE coming to the U.S.
TCS ARE going to play some concerts while they're here.
That's about all I can tell you right now. The plan is for them to come over around the middle of May to start recording the new album. They'll take a break to play some shows (I don't know that I would call this a 'tour', but I think they will manage to cover some good distance and some major cities) and then go back to finish recording the album. Recording the album in Nashville is "subject to change". Dates, cities and venues for any shows are unknown at this time. Right now they are rehearsing occasionally in Glasgow, trying to finalize the plans for recording, and getting their visas in order. So, they will be here soon (after all, the middle of May is only three weeks away) and as soon as they know what they are doing, I'll post it to the page. [4/23]
TCS have a couple more new, untitled songs, and "Weightlifting" has been revamped again. They're happy with the way this song is turning out. [4/23]
TCS' keyboard player Stevie Mulhearn is travelling to Tokyo to record a new single with Japanese band Northern Bright in June. He'll leave from the US and then return to meet up with the band in the US. [4/23]
Correction to one of my last headlines, the video that Irish radio DJ Donal Dineen put together was for "Leave Me Alone", not "Co-Stars". [4/23]
I've finally put a Dublin page together. I have a couple of pathetic pictures and a writeup about the day with the Trash Cans. [4/23]
When TCS are playing shows in the US, how would you like to have them stay at your house? I may try to organize a 'grass roots' effort for TCS to crash with fans, list members, etc. in order to help them save some money. Let me know if you're interested. [4/23]
What's in heavy rotation on the TCS record player? How about Phil Spectre's "Christmas Album", the Ramones "It's Alive" and Keith West's "Teenage Opera". TCS also recommend Mercury Rev, who have been touring in the US and are now in the UK. [4/23]
April 2, 1999
I hate to be the bearer of bad news to those of you in or around California, but this turn of events came out of nowhere. TCS now expect to record their new album in Nashville starting at the end of April/beginning of May. They received a better offer to use a studio in Nashville and think it will be a good change to spend some time there. They still hope to play some concerts, but this is up in the air (they don't know if they'd stay in Nashville or go to other cities in the area). I'll keep you posted. [4/2]
Just to clarify, TCS have not actually signed a new recording deal. It's just a matter of getting the final agreement in place, but all signs are that this should be finalized in the next few weeks. Until then, I can't say what record company this is, but if you dig around a little bit in the articles section, you'll find it... [4/2]
I've updated the TCS Japan page with information and a couple of pictures each from the January 29 show at Club Que and the January 30 and 31shows at Club Quattro. Look for more updates from the upcoming shows. [1/31]
TCS will have Monday off and then head into the studio from February 2-4 with Sunny Day Service. They're probably recording the single that will be released in Japan later this year with TCS playing the music and Sokabe singing the vocals. TCS will head to Osaka on the 6th to get ready for their concert at Bayside Jenny's on the 7th, then leave on the 8th for Fukuoka, where they play at Drum Logos on the 9th (maybe a sightseeing trip will be in there as well). [1/31]
Here's a little more information about TCS' show on March 5 at the MeanFiddler Dublin. Tickets have already gone on sale and are available through HMV Records (UK/Ireland) and UK Ticketmaster. HMV's Ticket Line in Dublin is 011-353-1-6779-409. They are open from 10-6 local time, and tickets cost L7.50 each. The MeanFiddler holds approximately 600-700 people. Doors open at 8:30 and TCS would probably go on around 9:30-9:45. As of right now there is not an opening band and there probably will not be anyone else playing. The MeanFiddler is located at 26 Wexford Street, which is near the City Centre and famous Grafton Street. If you want to give the club a call, their number is 011-353-1-475-8555. [1/24]
I've updated the TCS Japan page. Check there for some scans of posters, but then information about the tour, hopefully as it happens. I'll hopefully have set lists after each show, as well as any other news about the tour as I'm able to find out. The concerts in Japan will probably be around half new songs and half from the first three CDs and the sets should be somewhere from 60-80 minutes. [1/24]
TCS are leaving next Wednesday (the 27th) for Japan. Of the 5 shows, 4 of them are sold out, the one in Fukuoka on the 9th still has tickets available. The tour is called the "Wing of the Sun" tour. Last year, Sokabe from Sunny Day Service visited TCS at Shabby Road and wrote a song called "Wing of the Sun" about his visit, so that's where the name comes from. [1/21]
I think during the week of 1/4, Sokabe came back to Shabby Road and jammed with TCS and during the week of 1/11, Northern Bright, the other group playing the shows in Japan with TCS, came to Shabby Road. TCS are looking forward to the tour and now that everyone knows each other, they expect to have a lot of fun with the other bands. The bands now have some experience jamming together, so think about what that could mean for the concerts... [1/21]
TCS are going to be recording a single for release in Japan, where they play the music and Sokabe sings the vocals. They'll probably try to finish this up while they're in Japan (February 5-6 are the days they'll be recording). [1/21]
What might actually be the most interesting news of all is that TCS are lined up for a few public appearances in Dublin in March. On Friday March 5th they are appearing on a television show and also performing a session on a radio show. Then that night, they are playing a concert at the MeanFiddler Dublin. There may also be another television appearance that day, and I think one would be an interview while the other would be a performance. The concert is supposed to be definite, although I don't have any info about other bands playing, when tickets go on sale, etc. When I hear any more details about the TV and radio stations and the concert, I will pass it along. It's possible TCS could play another show on Saturday the 6th, but that's not at all definite right now. [1/21]
Another new song is called "Usually" and "Busking" is now called "In Capitals". [1/21]
There aren't any other concerts planned right now, but TCS have had some offers for various things and I'd expect to see them getting out a lot more as the year goes on. TCS want to say thanks to everyone for their continued support and they hope to see everyone in 1999. Things are really looking up for a change and they're hopeful they'll be in the US later this year. So while there's nothing to announce right now, and I know this sounds like a broken record, rest assured that there are things in the works that will hopefully result in more exposure for the band around the world this year. I will try to post any information once it's finalized. [1/21]
The "Cake + 6" CD was re-released in Japan on January 12. These CDs correct the track error from the first batch released in December 1998. [1/21]
I have not heard anything else about the limited edition "Cake" LP vinyl (limited to 1,000 copies) that was supposed to be released in Japan this month. [1/21]
The "Cake + 6" was released in Japan on December 15. Tracks 11-16 were supposed to be "Drunken Chorus", Who's He", "Useless", "Tonight You Belong To Me", "My Mistake" and "White Horses". However, a few days after the CD was released, Polydor discovered that the CDs had been mis-pressed. Track 11 was actually "Who's He" instead of "Drunken Chorus" and track 12 was "The Best Man's Fall" (which is also track 5) instead of "Who's He". The CDs were recalled from record stores and the corrected CD is expected to be released around the middle of January. [12/24]
A limited edition "Cake" LP vinyl (limited to 1,000 copies) is going to be released in Japan in January. I don't know what, if anything, will be different from the original "Cake" vinyl released in 1990. [12/24]
One of the new TCS songs I forgot to mention is called "Blowing Up". [12/24]
Sokabe, the guitar player from Sunny Day Service, is visiting TCS at Shabby Road to collaborate with the band in January. When TCS are in Japan, they are expected to record some songs with Sunny Day Service. [12/5]
TCS have been asked to play at a festival in Japan (in, I think, Tokyo) in October 1999. It is not definite, but TCS are planning to appear. [12/5]
TCS have been rehearsing (including the new bass player, Grant; and keyboard player, Stevie) for the upcoming shows and have around 15 new songs. It is expected that most of the live set will be new songs, with a few suprises. A couple of the newer songs are called "Hammer Time" and "What Women Do To Men". Some others mentioned before are "Free Time", "Ice Skating", "Nostrodomous", "Duty Free", "Trouble Sleeping", "Leave Us Alone", "Weightlifting", "Homeless" and "Busking". [12/5]
I think 1999 is going to see a different TCS. The band have basically been out of the public eye for two years and are looking forward to playing anywhere and everywhere. The shows in Japan featuring many new songs will hopefully be the start of a raised profile. The band would very much like to come to the US so if there are any interested promoters or record labels out there, please let me know. Possible mottos for 1999: "TCS, the band that says 'yes'" and "The TCS Yes Tour"! [12/5]
The Japanese release of "Cake+6" (original "Cake" CD, plus the 6 "Cake" b-sides) is scheduled for December 8, 1998.[12/5]
"On a B Road...Again" CD is available until the end of December. Orders must be received by then. [12/5]
If you check out the TCS Japan page, you'll see that the flyer mentions a new TCS CD in 1999. This is pure speculation. At this point, there are no definite plans for a new release in 1999; TCS do not know when their next CD will be released, especially since they still don't have a record contract. If TCS do release a single, look for it to be either "Duty Free" (probably in a slightly different version than what's on the "Sound of Purple" CD) or "Free Time".
According to a Polydor spokesperson in Japan, the 6 extra tracks on the "Cake" re-release are in fact the 6 b-sides: "Who's He", "Drunken Chorus", "Useless", "Tonight You Belong To Me", My Mistake" and "White Horses". Also, the release date isn't set in stone, it may not be out until the beginning of December. TCS were unaware of this release.
In "Sound of Purple" related news, Stephen Douglas is currently playing drums for the band Johnson, and former TCS bass player Davey Hughes is now playing drums for the band Heirloom. Heist has a single out now, Johnson should have a single out in November and Heirloom might have a single out in December. If you are interested in more information for any of the first seven bands on the CD (Heist, Cat Protection League, Noonday Underground, Johnson, Heirloom, Freeloader or Fonda), please let me know.
"Cake" is apparently being re-released in Japan at the beginning of November. The CD is supposed to have 6 additional tracks. These haven't been named, but my guess is that these are the 6 "Cake" B-sides. Siren CD is the only place where I have seen this listed so far. Click here to go to their web page.
The "Sound of Purple" promo CD has finally arrived! This 17 track CD features one new TCS song, "Duty Free". I do have extra CDs. Click here for ordering information.
"On a B Road...Again" CD still available for a little while longer. The current waiting list is approximately 2 weeks and orders will only be taken for a limited time. I'll announce when an ending date is determined. Click here for more information.
Wondering why there's all this TCS activity in Japan? It's not random; there's growing support for the band where it matters most and hopefully some things will be finalized/announced soon.
"Chewing a Brick" double live CD still delayed, I have no idea when it will be available. I'm considering making another CD available in its place or in the meantime. Click here for more "Chewing a Brick" information.
