"The best new band in Britain," said the NME, often a kiss of death... and it certainly seemed to be for Campag Velocet who disappeared shortly after the release of their debut album in 1999.
"Bunch of pretentious arses," appears to have been the verdict of the record buying public, and with song titles including 'Sauntry Sly Chic', 'Cacophonous Bubblegum', and their biggest "hit" (Number #75 with a bullet), Drencrom [Velocet Synthmesc]... well, it's hard to argue with that assessment.
Still, I did take rather a fancy to the title track of that album, Bon Chic Bon Genre. I've no idea why, because listening back now, I'm not entirely convinced it wasn't utter guff. Still, I was young (well, 27) and stupid (no change there). Let's give it one more spin for old time's sake...
Apparently Campag Velocet released their second (and final) album It's Beyond Our Control in 2004 on Pointy Records "to mixed reviews". By then, even the NME had given up on them.
What's wrong with Sauntry Sly Chic?!
ReplyDeleteI understand your position... But "sauntry"?
DeleteI liked Campag Velocet a lot and still have the first album and attendant singles. I hope Regular Fries are also going to put in an appearance in this series.
ReplyDeleteVaguely recall them. Will have to dig.
DeleteWas still in my ‘90s malaise I guess because this big thing never made it to these ears. This song is ok but would not have gotten me off the couch to buy. Wilco’s Summerteeth was the one album in ‘99 that finally got me excited again. I have been fine ever since. I owe a lot to that album.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, Wilco are still in the go (deservingly so).
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