Snug as a Drug

Out and about in coolest Mancunia, only seems like yesterday which it was actually with the irrepressible fish that is Mr BJ Cooke [initial this!] from the S&D team embroiled in a quality research audit of the snugs in Manchester pubs which frankly rhymes and seemed like a good idea at the time. The rest does not make for pretty history so best move on before I embarress myself. Met up with a Liverpool legend only last week in the shape of one Rob Ferrier the acclaimed SPACE and CLINIC [not to mention VP] producer, who, after a brief flirtation with e-type business [to be exact he was importing stainless steel baths from Russia] is well and truly back at the helm of the new Cranebuilders album, which promises to be a modern classic [Robs words and I believe him]. Needless to say we spent our time tirelessly plotting the next VP record in such detail that will be totally lost over time, or changed like the weather, as 99% of all our ideas amount to nothing , well, that was pretty much the gist of the conversation, enjoyable that it was. Rob is also helping out with the new VP band [samples and hi-tech machine management] that should be part of the Growing up with VP promo tour due end of Feb 2004, dates are currently being finalised [as they say in the music business] and will go on site as soon as. I've been writing again [not fighting again like Julian], so expect new songs half finished and possibly improvised over the next few weeks of gigs together with more poems in the set [I'm halfway through recording a new album of spoken word stuff at home for the benefit of Mr Kite, not that one, my old headmaster, anyway more news of that later, as ever, kind of ahead of myself. Remember when Boredom was a cool as could be? I say Rip it up and rip it up, ohh ohh oooohh VPx

Vinny in Clinic (Top 10)

Scousers CLINIC have listed Ironing the Soul in a top 10 for the American Billboard chart . . . 1. Boom Bip and Doseone, "Circle" (Leaf) 2. The Walkmen, "Everyone Who Pretended To Like Me Is Gone" (Star Time International) 3. Various Artists, "Rough Trade Shops -- Rock and Roll 1" 4. The Elders, "Head Full of Blue" 5. Interpol, "Turn on The Bright Lights" (Matador) 6. Liars, "They Threw Us All in a Trench and Stuck a Monument on Top" (Mute) 7. V-Twin, "The Blues Is a Minefield" (Domino) 8. Vinny Peculiar, "Ironing the Soul" (Uglyman) 9. Sonic Youth, "Murray Street" (DGC) 10. The Owls, "Curvature of the Earth" Click here for other top 10s

XTC

Thankyou to Jo at last nights Tmesis gig for assuming my Mayor of Simpleton cover was a new VP song,...oh how I wish it was! and to Martin from Solihul for the Birmingham recollections, a magic roundabout indeed. My XTC singles compilation gets lots of playtime here, Dear God, Love on a Farmboys Wages, Senses Working Overtime all still holding up as truly remarkable innovative little masterpieces. And then Andy Partridge got stage fright, still I guess you know the story. There's great little biog called Chalkhills and Children which I read awhile back, really insightful stuff and of course I can't remember the author and Tims borrowed it. Talking of Tim we have just started working on the SINGLE remix of Replica Shirt scheduled for release Jan 12th on S&D. All is being overseen by the legend that is Dave Marsden in his Sexy Southport Studio. After spending so long mulling over sounds, arrangements and all round vibe it's great to get a trusted mate to try his hand at making it sound even better. REPLICA SHIRT is a football anthem inspired by a return to Villa Park after many years absence with my daughter which turned into a huge re-awakening type experience. Like coming back to where I belong. As kids we went to every home game, then TREX took over. Talking TREX I played Children of the Revolution at a mental health charity gig the other week, madness indeed, and did anyone see the tv prog on Bolans lost millions? shame on the nasty old music business ,not pretty, VPx

The Lost Soul Rebellion

Good to be back, lots to catch up on, and with a new site and new label lots to look forward to. I had hoped to be able to talk about the Dexys Midnight Runners tour which I was pretty damn close in landing, but as ever with these things something last minute, in this case Mr Rowland himself stepping in and requesting choirboys, which pretty much put me out of the running [I did for a brief moment consider surgery and a fluffy frock but drew a line on duping the masses as a 14 year old], anyway it would have been great but isn't to be. Dexys were heros of mine way back when, I saw them in some of the dodgiest Birmingham club venues when they were starting out and always admired Kevins single mindedness. Once playing at the Cedar Club in Brum I saw him break every string on his guitar, a new break in every song, still he carried on without once stopping to re tune, he didn't even seem to notice, towards the end of the set he was playing all those bar chords on a bare fretboard and singing with all the joyous derraged posession of a faith healer. I treasure that image of passion over circumstance and invariably think of this when dexys get a mention, like I said, close but no cigarz. Meanwhile other gigs have been set up pre xmas [see site details]and the new albums now coming out February. More of this to come and more often so check back do and feel abundently free to get in touch anytime, best of, VPx

The New Vinny Peculiar Site is Now Open

Here's where I'll be regularly writing my thoughts and posting news and pictures. Have a look around the site and let me know if anything doesn't work, Ta.