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Below is the archive of volume 1 news: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the old TVP news below, archived March 3, 2005 The Beautiful Music based in Ottawa, Canada are working on an amazing tribute to the Television Personalities entitled "If I Could Write Poetry...". Television Personalities have influenced many bands over the years and have many fans around the globe. Background - A Little About The Band and The People Television Personalities were a true visionary band, when it came to musical
styles, mixing Mod, Psychedelic, Folk, Soul and Freakbeat with true 60's Pop
sensibility. From their early "Part Time Punks", and "I Know
Where Syd Barrett Lives" singles to the later "Sad Mona Lisa"
and "A Sense of Alan McGee, the purveyor of fine music and owner of Poptones (The Hives, Cosmic Roughriders) and previously Creation Records (Oasis, Teenage Fanclub, Primal Scream, Ride) is a fan of TVP and with his band Biff Bang Pow did a wonderful cover of "Someone to Share My Life With". He also released several songs on Dan Treacy's Whaam record label under the band names The Laughing Apple and The Revolving Paint Dream (with early Primal Scream member Andrew Innes) both which were rerecorded and released on Creation records later. Many other bands were offshoots of TVP or started out on labels run by the band or former band members. Dan Treacy started Whaam Records which featured among many others The Times, Direct Hits, The Gifted Children (TVP's alter ego), Dr. & The Medics, Page Boys (Colin Gregory and David Walmsley later became 1,000 Violins), The Mixers, Marine Girls (featuring a young Tracy Thorn who would later gain worldwide acclaim as part of the group Everything But The Girl with Ben Watt). Dreamworld Records was the next generation and featured many new bands such as The Impossible Years (Does anyone know what happened to them?), 1,000 Violins (Colin Gregory later enjoyed some fame with The Dylans), Mighty Lemon Drops, Go Service, The Looking Glass and releases by TVP. Edward Ball was one of the co-founders of Television Personalities and moved
on to an illustrious and extensive musical career (over 30 releases) with the
Times, Teenage Filmstars (whose song "I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape" was a true classic), and Edward Ball solo material. Ed also helped Alan Joe Foster was the genius behind some of the unique sounds on the timeless
The Painted Word album. After leaving TVP he also helped Alan with the founding
of Creation Records and played on and/or produced many of the releases on Creation,
August, Poptones. Joe Foster also founded the amazing Some other band members included Dave Musker, who also played on many early
Creation records by The Revolving Paintdream and The Jazmine Minks, Mark Flunder,
who later went on to the McTells and is currently working with Sportique. Jowe
Head (ex-Swell Maps, Soundtracks & Head, The Palookas) joined the band later
on and helped form the essential core of the band in the final years - he is
currently in the band Angel Racing Food. I'm sorry for missing many others which
I know little about - so please fill me in on these details – although
I think they would easily fill a book. There is so much that can be written The Tribute Many bands over the years have cited TVP as an influence - even Nirvana asked
to have them play as their backup band when they toured England, so the story
goes. Check out the huge list of bands who have covered their material on the
numerous websites set up to pay tribute to the band – the links to these
are found on our Links page. This tribute is one that is long overdue and I
think this will be the first of its kind. No one has yet compiled an entire
album of TVP covers which features international cast of fans old and new. The
idea behind the project was that I started out trying to get bands who have
either done covers of TVP in the past, had some connection to the band, were
fans of TVP or have a sound I like, that would This CD is not attempting to cover all their best songs but rather a collection
of some of my favorite songs being performed by a few of my favorite artists.
It includes some well-established bands and some Some Highlights of The Tribute So Far Alan McGee, owner of Poptones and (ex-Creation Records boss - see details above) has agreed to write the liner notes for the Tribute CD and also provide his cover version of "Someone To Share My Life With" by Biff Bang Pow. Joe Foster - (ex TVP, Slaughter Joe, Selofane 74 and labels Creation, Poptones, RevOla, Kaliedescope Sound) has also agreed to help with the project along with some asssistance by Edward Ball (ex-TVP). Jowe Head has given us some encouragement to continue. David Musker (ex TVP, Jazmine Minks, Revolving Paint Dream) passed on the offer to do a cver as he doesn't have a band together at this time but has offered to play in a regrouped TVP if they get back together. Dan is still nowhere to be found or so they tell me – and Dan if you are reading this drop us a line. The Paisley Shirts (Scotland) who have done quite a few covers of TVP songs in the past have agreed to do a version of "Sad Mona Lisa" which was originally to be released on the Roman Cabbage record label but never saw a proper release for this rare gem. Lovejoy (UK) (ex Blueboy, Arabesque, Beaumont, Feverfew) who also record for Matinee records and who have recently done a few excellent covers of Biff Bang Pow (Alan McGee's old band) songs with one on their amazing new CD "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". The Ladybug Transistor (USA) – Merge recording artists from the US whose last few albums have been nothing short of Brilliant and who I’m sure will soon be a household name. Gary Olson is a fan of TVP and even recorded a song with Jowe Head which is yet to be released. The Shambles (USA) who have previously done some exceptional covers of The Undertones and The Jam for tribute CD's and have an extensive body of brilliant original songs have agreed to do a cover of the title track for the CD " If I Could Write Poetry I Would" The Thanes (Scotland) have provided a new remix of their cover of "The World of Pauline Lewis" (previously on a rare split 7" single released in France). Lenny Helsing (formerly of the Green Telescope) played drums for the Television Personalities on their USA 93 and Japan 94 tours. Biff Bang Pow (UK) (Alan McGee's Legendary Mod Pop band) - have provided their cover of "Someone to Share my Life With" which has been previously released on Creation records. Sixtynine and the Continuous People (Italy) covering "The Girl Who Had Everything" (Filippo Dulio also also runs one of the very cool TVP tribute websites). They are also going to record a few more TVP songs for their own release later. The Resonars (USA)- The amazing 60's influenced mod, freakbeat band who have released 3 very strong albums on Get Hip and other labels. They have agreed to give "The Dream Inspires" a try. Check out their latest "Lunar Kit" on Get Hip and their new single out soon. Thy Surfyn Eyes (Barcelona, Spain) have also agreed to contribute a song "Le Grande Illusion" and have done many TVP covers in the past (they are also working on a 4 song 7" tribute to TVP done in Spanish by 4 bands from there as well for release in 2003). Paul Bevoir (UK) the British Pop genius and ex-member of the Jetset, Smalltown Parade, Melvyn & the Smarties and the mastermind behind the ultra cool Mod and Pop label Tangerine Records will provide us his version of “I Was A Mod Before You Was A Mod”. Check out his solo records if you can find them – they are both brilliant. The Mad Scene (New York, USA) (who toured with TVP in the US and feature ex-members of The Cleen, Go-Betweens) probably doing "Where The Rainbow Ends". They have releases on Flying Nun, Merge and the Little Teddy record labels among others. One of their early EP’s features a very cool Echo & the Bunnymen cover. The Higher Elevations (Sweden) - Niklas Gustafsson an old fan of TVP will be providing a version of “The Engine Driver Song”. They have also released a vinyl single on a Swedish record label “Perfect Day” which is a pop masterpiece. Nick Danger & The Danger City Rebels (Canada), a relatively new band but fans of TVP who are interested in covering "Diary Of A Young Man". Nick recently released the amazing live “What Were We Thinking” on the Jumping Elephants label, which features the TVP influenced song “Malibu”. Colin Swan (UK) – One of my long time favorites with his bands the Direct Hits and This Happy Breed along with countless other projects on the Direct Records and Tapes empire. The Direct Hits started out with releases on Dan Treacy’s Whaam Record label in the eary 1980’s and has previously released 4 covers of TVP songs on Little Teddy Records (which Dan was quite fond of and had previously released on Dreamworld Tapes). He will provide a new and smashing version of “Silly Girl”. Summer Factory ( Bordeaux France) who have releases on Little Teddy and some other releases in France – They are massive TVP fans and have completed a cover of "Look Back In Anger" for the tribute sounding a bit like the Jam. The Bartlebees (Germany) who have done many TVP covers in the past and even released a split 7" single with Television Personalities and also own and operate the fabulous Little Teddy Records - they will provide the rare TVP song “And Then Suddenly”. Anthony Meynell (UK) of Squire / Sugarplum fame and also was in the Boys About Town Mod Supergroup with Edward Ball (TVP/Times etc.), Paul Bevoir (Jetset, Smalltown Parade etc.), Simon Smith (too many to list). The Happy Couple (Germany) who have just released a cool 7" single on the Felicite record label which is operated by music fan and Happy Couple member Tom Hilverkus - they will provide a version of “The Dream Inspires”. Darrell Whitbeck, (USA) huge TVP fan (and Syd Barrett fan), of New York doing a really cool version of "Stop & Smell The Roses" with strings and all. He also runs the very cool Windless Air Music who have compiled a tribute to Syd Barrett and are working on amazing compilation “Falling Uphill”. Pacific Radio (UK) (ex-Monograph) - (Shinkansen recording artists) have chosen "This Time There's No Happy Ending". Vince Keenan / Spiggott (UK) (ex-One Thousand Violins, Splendid Fellows, Haze Office) will contribute a modern version of “Salvadore Dali’s Garden Party” with the assistance of the band Zane. Skytone (Canada) ex-Tremolo (The Beautiful Music recording artist will choose a song for the Tribute. Pub Fiction (Germany) have already sent their contribution – a wonderful rendition of “3 Wishes” with a very strong TVP influence which is also heard on their original material. Keep your eyes out for possible future releases by these guys. Kosmonaut (UK) - Who have just released a very cool 7" on Matinee records called "Desert Song / Bee Song" which is nothing less then brilliant and has had other fine releases on Firestation Tower Records. Lookout for possible future songs on a Beautiful Music compilation coming soon. Midget Submarines (an old swell maps song title) (UK) which features Kenny Popple who played with Biff Bang Pow, the Laughing Apple and Revolving Paint Dream have chosen the song “You Are Special And You Always Will Be”. Woog Riots (Germany) which feature ex-members of the band Milton Fisher who recorded a cool song entitled "Television Personalities" a few years back which was a song made up almost exclusively of TVP song titles and featuring an intriguing horn solo. The Groovy Cellar (Germany) which features Olaf Schumacher who is a huge TVP fan and with his new band will provide a version of “Say You Won’t Cry”. His latest Groovy Cellar release is on the Firestation Tower Records. The Lochness Mouse (Norway) Ole Johannes Åleskjær will contribute their version of “Favorite Films” which is long time favorite of theirs. Their latest CD Key West on Perfect Pop records is a true brilliant recording which blends the sounds of Brian Wilson/Beach Boys with elements of The Pearlfishers, Ladybug Transistor and The BMX Bandits making it an amazing release. The song “Narrow Gauge Railways” may be featured on the “Into The Jetstream Of Pop” release. Club 8 (Sweden) Johan who is also in the band Acid House Kings and a few others will provide a version of “Strangely Beautiful”. His latest Club 8 release is interestingly called Strangely Beautiful. The Insomniacs (New York, USA) – Estrus Recording artists doing “Scream Quietly” The Baskervilles (New York, USA) – Rob Keith and his Baskervilles who are heavily influenced by early TVP have just had their debut release on the new very cool Secret Crush record label. Their version of “Parties In Chelsea” features a mini TVP medley. The Void (UK) – Feature Ulric Kennedy an ex member of the Catalysts (Felicite Records) and a teenage Mixers (Whaam Recording artists) doing “Perfumed Garden”. Ulric also recorded under the band name The Golden Dawn for Sarah records. The No Men (UK) – Henry Allan has recorded several TVP covers in the past and we may feature one of these on the tribute. Miniskirt (Japan) – This German / Japanese band are Big TVP fans and will be contributing a track to the tribute. Check out the latest release from this Tokyo based guitar pop band - the album WOODY ALLEN LIKES GUITAR POP released on Marsh-Marigold Records. Semion (UK) – 60’s influenced garage Pop sensations will provide their version of “The Prettiest Girl In The World” – should be groovy. The Mandervilles (Sweden) – A new Surf influenced garage Pop band who are soon to be a household name have submitted three brilliant versions of “Where’s Bill Grundy Now” making it very hard to choose which will be included. One of these may likely appear on our Pop compilation – so stay tuned. and a few other bands who have not yet told me what song they have chosen including Two Worlds Collide a band which features a member from the Change, a mod band that who were to have a couple of tracks on the aborted first Dreamworld release in 1983. These Are Some Of The Invitations Sent Out (but no response yet): BMX Bandits - or any of the related artists - since they have done several covers of TVP songs in the past including a very cool cover of "The Girl At the Busstop" an unreleased TVP song as well as doing a split 7" with TVP on the Clawfist label. Norman Blake (solo) or Teenage Fanclub, who has worked with the BMX Bandits on a TVP cover in the past (see previous item above). Dave Kusworth who has worked with Joe Foster (ex TVP) on production and released material on Joe's Kaliedescope Sound Record label. Recognized - John Wood's (ex 1,000 Violins) new band. Snow Patrol who record for Jeepster, who have worked with TVP producer Phil Belle & Sebastian have also been sent an e-mail to see if they are interested. I Had Wished To Get The Following Bands (if they are interested but running out of time for Volume 1): 18 Wheeler - if they are still together since Joe Foster has produced much
of their material. Other possible bands include: Roddy Frame, The Minders, The Blue Aeroplanes, Cornershop, Everything But The Girl, Paul Weller (I may be dreaming), Cinerama (David Gedge ex-Wedding Present), The Pastels, The Jazz Butcher, The Radio Sweethearts, Stars, Phil Ward (or any of the Mood Six members if I can locate them) etc. If you know any of the bands I'm trying to contact please feel free to forward this information to them or pass on their e-mail address to me so I can contact them for Volume 2. Some Other Details For The Planned Tribute: The Songs I would like to see covered are (I have been asking bands to pick
from this list): HONEY FOR THE BEARS This will take a while to put together - planned release sometime early (2004).
So far I do not have a recording budget or much in the way of money to pay bands,
they have all agreed to pay for their own recording costs - and I don't expect
to make much money on this - It's more a labour of love. This will not be an exclusive recording and the bands will maintain full control over their music and can release it wherever they wish at a later date - I only ask to use this song on this compilation and possibly Label samplers some time in the future as the label grows. Where To Send Your Submissions Send CDR to: The Beautiful Music
Things are coming together slowly but surely - In the last few months we have received many more amazing covers including Lovejoy's beautiful rendition of "Someone To Share My Life With" which blends elements of Television Personalities original version with traces of Biff Bang Pow's version and topping it off with some wonderful Lovejoy sounds making it truly one of their best songs to date. France's Summer Factory has put together a fabulous cover of "Look Back In Anger" sounding a bit like the Jam at thier peak with a very cool groovy feeling. Keep an eye out for this band as we will probably feature another song or 2 on our "Into The Jetstream Of Pop" compilation The Baskervilles from New York have also sent their cover of "Parties In Chelsea" with a mini TVP medley in the conclusion. And if you dig the early TVP sound check out their new CD soon to be released on Secret Crush Records, as there are many TVP influences on it making it a great listen. The Loch Ness Mouse from Norway also just sent their very cool version of "Favorite Films" and you must pick up their latest CD “Key West” and the brand new EP “Friends and Fenders” which are both brilliant and they are soon to be a household name. Nick Danger's demo of "Diary Of A Young Man" is just hauntingly beautiful sounding a bit like the Velvet Underground meets TVP. The Happy Family sent in their version of “The Dream Inspires” and is a slice of pure pop sounding a bit like the Page Boys doing TVP. Also looking forward to hearing The Resonars version of the same song as this is one of my favorites. The Mandervilles, a new Swedish garage surf pop band submitted 3 different versions of "Where's Bill Grundy Now" which are all great so I'll have a hard time choosing the best – the runners up may be featured on other compilations – so stay tuned. So far we have 16 brilliant songs submitted for the Tribute which Include : Lovejoy - Someone To Share My Life With Also an honorable mention to Laverne & Shirley's version of "Part Time Punks". Many more are in the works. The Interest has been Overwhelming and we are considering a second volume, an extra EP or a double CD if all the submissions continue to be as fantastic as the ones we have so far just to include as many as possible. (Money permitting). We are working on the cover art and Niklas from The Higher Elevations provided a few samples and we are looking into getting the permission to use these pictures of a 60's mod girl. The planned release date is still early 2004 so I will need all submissions completed by the end of January 2004 at the latest to provide a little time to compile, master etc. etc. And in conclusion - A Big Thank You To All Involved and especially the bands involved. I have been overwhelmed with the interest and willingness to help out with this crazy idea of mine but it is going to be one of the best tributes ever compiled. Sorry if this is a little long but I am quite excited about this project and Thanks for your interest if you've read this far. It will make for an amazing compilation and a testament to great band. Thanks Ever So Much "The Dream Inspires" Wally
Last Updated:Nov 18, 2006
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Television Personalities Tribute Volume 2: I Would Write A Thousand Words 
The Volume 1 song listing has already appeared on Nikki Sudden's site at this link with some of the liner notes that Nikki has provided: (you may want to check out his site while you are there as The Big Store has many interesting finds)