Les miserables

Genuine miserabilists in pop seem few and far between these days, so I thought I'd share two of my favourites from recent years. 'Tis the season, after all..

First up are the wonderful Calvin Party - long time noiseniks from from the north-west of England, who now feature Cathy Brooks, ex of Dub Sex, on bass. Here's 'Lies, Lies and Government', which came out on a split single with Dumb a few years back. On vinyl its a corsucating splash of energy, but live its better than ever.



Second are a band from Grimsby that weren't completely shit, and that made a change. Neave vs the Jazz Cigarettes might have had a terrible name, but, led by arch-miserabilist Tim Neave they made some beautiful music.



You can listen to Tim Neave rattling on in a lovely, broad Grimsby accent on 'Neave Addresses the People' here.

Remember: there are always people more miserable than you this Christmas.