Mission Of Burma

[bitterfruit]

The news of their signing to Matador has already been printed in the local city papers as if it has been announced, but no news from Matador. Any comments?

[johansen smith]

Matador's waiting for PitchFork to confirm it first.

[ericseguy]

Funny how I said this four weeks ago and I was ridiculed (by boarders), and then my topic was deleted.

The thread was called "Rumours," remember?

[bitterfruit]

The news that I read in a city paper mentioned nothing of rumour. It was written as if a deal had already been inked.

[jt. r]

i heard this on dec 10th at a consonant show. at least there's buzz on this band (given), since there doesn't seem to be much happening for sea change.

unless of course there's a sea change of opinion. it would be a watershed moment...

end blather.

[Ladt]

Shall I tell you why there's not much happening for Seachange? Because...............they're not very good!!
Me insult a matador band? Yeah, why not, they supported GBV in London and aren't fit to clean their boots. Next!

[TheSadDebaser]

This will be awesome.

[tinobeat]

Originally posted by jt. r
i heard this on dec 10th at a consonant show.

Speaking of Consonant... now there's a band that needs a better label.

Disclaimer: I say this knowing little to nothing about what *exactly* Fenway Recordings is doing for Consonant or what the deal is. Forgive me this Monday-morning label owner moment.

It really comes down to me thinking that Fenway is pretty lame, and I kind of wish Consonant were on Touch & Go or Matador or something. But that's the idiot in me saying that. As long as the records sound good, are easy to find, and the band is prospering, there's no problem...

[Paul]

Isn't Clint Conley in some way involved with Fenway Recordings? I could be wrong, but I think that's the case. And, if so, he's probably happy putting out his own records.

[tinobeat]

The way I know it, Mark Kates, who runs Fenway, is MoB and/or Constonant's manager, hence the more intimate Fenway/Consonant connection. I don't think Clint has anything to do with running the label.

[Paul]

Yeah, I knew there was a connection of some kind. I just didn't know how hands-on Conley's involvement was (which appears to be none).

[tinobeat]

I feel like if their manager didn't run the label, they'd be on a bigger, more interesting label, like Touch & Go or Matador or something. But as it is, they're sort of languishing on this upstart label that doesn't really have much going for it other than Consonant, and doesn't seem like its really trying to do anything more interesting.

then again, they could be selling records like hotcakes, making all the money they need, and working with friends, so I'm really in no position to judge. I just like speculating and bitching about things I know nothing about. I'm not into sports at all, so this is all I got...

EDIT/UPDATE:
quick check on the consonant site shows that Mark Kates is *not* their manager, so I think its MoB that he manages on the side...

[Funk]

Originally posted by tinobeat
I feel like if their manager didn't run the label, they'd be on a bigger, more interesting label, like Touch & Go or Matador or something. But as it is, they're sort of languishing on this upstart label that doesn't really have much going for it other than Consonant, and doesn't seem like its really trying to do anything more interesting.

Or we could see what a MoB member have to say when projects done for fun end up "on a bigger, more interesting label":

Pitchfork: Kustomized only recorded for Matador, at a time when Pavement and Liz Phair were selling huge amounts of records in indie terms. How was that relationship?

Peter: I've known Gerard [Cosloy; Matador co-owner] since he was too young to get into Burma shows. And I know he liked it, he always signed what he liked. But at a certain point, he couldn't do that anymore. I guess it would be fair to say that if they hadn't signed us, no one would have. They treated us great. I think the only think they didn't do was promote us well. They had a weird hands-off vibe: "We'll give you the money, we'll put out your record, we'll distribute it." We couldn't get a booking agent. Finally, a woman from around here booked a tour for us which was really fun. But I kind of knew shortly after that band started that, as much fun as we were having, there was nowhere for it to go.

Source: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/interviews/m/mission-of-burma-01/

[tinobeat]

Originally posted by Funk
Or we could see what a MoB member have to say when projects done for fun end up "on a bigger, more interesting label"

well, I hadn't thought of Consonant as a "project done for fun." Only in that I assumed it was "serious" because I hadn't read anything to suggest otherwise...

[johansen smith]

wait, what is Mission of Burma?

[Funk]

Originally posted by tinobeat
well, I hadn't thought of Consonant as a "project done for fun." Only in that I assumed it was "serious" because I hadn't read anything to suggest otherwise...

Well I guess I never interpretted it as the main creative focus for most of the band (Chris Brokaw seems to release stuff bi-monthly, there's a new New Year LP due out in the new year, and obviously the band this thread is aboot).

[tinobeat]

well, the band this thread is aboot, Mission Of Burma, are more of an occasional fancy for all three members, who have more pressing matters happening, or so I gather.

I figured Consonant was Conley's new "serious" band, and while the members other than him have other projects (New Year, Silkworm, Count-Me-Outs, Pullman, countless solo projects), as far as Clint's concerned, its what all his efforts are based on. Its not like he's writing new MoB songs.

but maybe it *is* just a passing diversion for Conley, and he's still focused on working for Channel 5 in Boston and its something to do on weekends. I just didn't think it was.

[Gerard]

We'll have something to say about this on January 5.

In the meantime, we can neither confirm or deny reports you have read elsewhere. Even though we'd like to.

GC

[bitterfruit]

Consonant's "Love and Affliction" is awesome. Just picked it up last night.

[Gerard]

just to reply to points raised in Peter's commments that Funk helpfully dug up...

It is incorrect to say that at any point Matador has been unable to sign whatever Chris and I like (artist consent willing, of couse). However, we have come to the realize that perhaps it isn't always to everyone's benefit if we sign EVERY artist we're into.

Though I would take issue with Peter's characterization of what Matador did or didn't do for Kustomized, I cannot dispute that we had great difficult selling their records and it is quite possible that had those same albums been released by another label --- not necessarily a smaller label, but perhaps one with a smaller roster or smaller release schedule --- they would've received the attention they deserved.

In any event, I don't think we ever felt as though Kustomized was "a project done for fun". Certainly we thought the records were fun and that's the best reason we ever have for releasing something, but we also thought the band had the same kind of commercial aspirations as other artists on Matador --- we've never felt as though we were doing anyone a favor by releasing their records.

Whether we misjudged the commerical appeal of this band or did a shitty job promoting them, are of course, conclusions you are welcome to reach, but I wouldn't call any of this stuff an exact science.

regarding the Consonant discussion, without trying to sum up Funk's position (he certainly doesn't need me to do that for him), even if you buy into the notion that Touch & Go or Matador are "bigger" (they're certainly older) or "more interesting" labels than Fenway...

a) a new artist on Matador label runs some risk of being overshadowed by the veteran acts. For example, they can get publicly dismissed on the basis of one show supporting GBV that failed to impress Ladt.

b) labels become "big" or "more interesting" over time. I can't think of a better inaugural act for Fenway than Consonant. I'm sure there are people who wished that Teenage Fanclub had hooked up with a bigger or more interesting US label when their first album came out (possibly including the band themselves).

From this vantage point, Fenway are doing a fine job ---- they've released two excellent Consonant records. Is the public doing enough to check them out?

happy new year
GC

[Gerard]

Tinobeat,

though I think you are correct in assuming that Clint Conley has put a good deal of time & energy into Consonant (2 albums in 2 years is decent evidence of such), it is not true that he hasn't been writing new Mission Of Burma songs.

but we'll have more to talk about on January 5.

GC

[Paul]

Originally posted by Gerard
it is not true that he hasn't been writing new Mission Of Burma songs. but we'll have more to talk about on January 5.
Someone get me a change of underwear, please. Thanks.

[bitterfruit]

I could give a shit about whether or not Consonant, Mission Of Burma, or some other project is Clint Conley's latest affection. In any case, I am extremely happy with what has been released and seemingly on the horizon.

The Bedhead relationship is what really caught my attention when doing my due diligence. I still can't take "What Fun Life Was" out of rotation.

[Funk]

Originally posted by Paul
Someone get me a change of underwear, please. Thanks.

What if they completely tank it and ruin 20 years of goodwill built up? What then, Paul?! (Although I hated the Soft Boys and loved their reunion LP, so, you know, anything can happen)

[Paul]

Originally posted by Funk
What if they completely tank it and ruin 20 years of goodwill built up? What then, Paul?!
Dunno, but I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

[Gerard]

The Circle Jerks should've pulled the plug after that creative high-water mark known as 'Golden Shower Of Hits'. Their subsequent reunions cast unfortunate shadows over the earlier brilliance. So I am _very_ sensitive to concerns on this issue.

Those persons who lucky enough to have seen various Mission Of Burma gigs from January 2001 to this past November, '02 in locales such as Boston, NYC, ATL, Washington DC, Philadelphia, SF, LA, Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Northampton, Providence, Camber Sands, London and uh, Somerville, will note that more and more new material has wormed its way into the set. Said songs from Miller, Conley and Prescott, will recall most of the things you liked about this band the first time around, though the new twists are unsubtle enough that this will not be mistaken for an exercise in nostalgia.

I am personally willing to refund the costs of Paul's underwear. (a mere receipt will do, Paul, sending the underwear itself to our offices is not necessary).

[Funk]

Originally posted by Gerard

I am personally willing to refund the costs of Paul's underwear. (a mere receipt will do, Paul, sending the underwear itself to our offices is not necessary).

Yr just saying that becuz it's been revealed by Paul in another thread that he doesn't wear fancy undergarments.

Said songs from Miller, Conley and Prescott, will recall most of the things you liked about this band the first time around

The things I liked most aboot MoB was Martin Swopes tape loopery.

[Paul]

Originally posted by Funk
Yr just saying that becuz it's been revealed by Paul in another thread that he doesn't wear fancy undergarments.
I post way too much if I can't even remember mentioning something like that.

[Gerard]

"The things I liked most aboot MoB was Martin Swopes tape loopery"

well, that's why I said "most of the things you liked about this band", not "all of the things"

But be that as it may, Mr. Robert Weston has filled in capably for the non-participating Martin Swope during Burma's gigs, and his contributions to the new recordings will be evident to all who listen.

[Ladt]

Originally posted by Gerard
a) a new artist on Matador label runs some risk of being overshadowed by the veteran acts. For example, they can get publicly dismissed on the basis of one show supporting GBV that failed to impress Ladt.

GC
Quite right too.
Happy new year to you Gerrard.

[Ladt]

Here's a new idea for a thread- what's more damaging to bands- me publically dismissing them or filesharing?

[Paul]

Neither. The answer is herpes.

[jt. r]

Originally posted by Ladt
me publically dismissing them

if this counts as "public" then we're really in trouble, especially since this is a board that requires clearance, has a moderator, and installs cookies. check out the soft cage by christian parenti soon from your local library. now who's up for some fingerprinting?

xoxo,
tom ridge

p.s. who's gonna post something exciting to the seachange buzz board?

more importantly, can we get a 2nd mp3 from psoi please?

[Patrick]

We hope to have a second PSOI MP3 up soon.

Patrick

[Miss Tasty Princess]

Originally posted by Gerard
We'll have something to say about this on January 5.

In the meantime, we can neither confirm or deny reports you have read elsewhere. Even though we'd like to.

GC I'd just like to point out that January 5 will soon be over (in less than two hours, in fact, for Mr. Cosloy if he's still living across the pond) yet I see no announcement (related to MoB, that is).

:P

[Paul]

Yeah, what gives? Matador's making me look like an unreliable news source. (http://www.notempo.com/rub/archives/2004_01_01_prev.html#107311624914924073)

[Futureman]

Originally posted by Patrick
We hope to have a second PSOI MP3 up soon.

Patrick

Thank God. I was wondering when you'd get around to it.

[Gerard]

We've got an announcement on tap but it requires approval from the Players Union, the FBI and our spell checker. I realize this episode kill our credibility and all future promises will be ignored, but to quote Kurtis Blow, these are the breaks.

[Funk]

Originally posted by Paul
Yeah, what gives? Matador's making me look like an unreliable news source. (http://www.notempo.com/rub/archives/2004_01_01_prev.html#107311624914924073)

Shameless self-promotion of one's blog on message boards makes me rock fury (http://purerockfury.pitas.com)ously.

[johansen smith]

I'd like to go Of the Record (http://oftherecord.com) and say I agree.

[bitterfruit]

Spam is spam, regardless of who (http://www.maloze.com) it's from.

[TheSadDebaser]

The chick wearing the "Of the Record" t-shirt is kinda hot.

[bitterfruit]

Johansen does not appreciate you referring to him as a "chick."

[johansen smith]

I just enjoy people thinking my name is actually Johansen.

[bitterfruit]

Look Troy, we both know my name is not really bitterfruit and you have referred to me by that plenty of times.

[Ladt]

It's not?

[johansen smith]

Originally posted by bitterfruit
Look Troy, we both know my name is not really bitterfruit and you have referred to me by that plenty of times.
I was calling you BF because I wanted to be your Best Friend.

[tinobeat]

Originally posted by johansen smith
I just enjoy people thinking my name is actually Johansen.
*eyes tear up as whole world crumbles around*

[Funk]

Originally posted by tinobeat
*eyes tear up as whole world crumbles around*

You'll always have yr Bright Eyes albums. They understand you and your world.

[tinobeat]

Thanks for reminding me, Vic.

Just as Ian Svenonious leads you to personal and political salvation, Conor heals my wounded heart.

*snif*

[johansen smith]

I like Bright Eyes, bring it on.

[tinobeat]

well, this thread *used* to be about Mission of Burma, so I'll scrap about Bright Eyes elsewhere...

c'mon Matadors! the thread has devolved into name calling and accusations involving Bright Eyes! save us with an announcement!

M! O! B!

M! O! B!

wooooo!

[Gerard]

Matador Records is totally psyched to announce the signing of Mission Of Burma. The new album - their first new studio recordings in 22 years - is tentatively scheduled for worldwide release in May 2004.

Mission Of Burma were a Boston-based band circa 1978-1983. During their brief tenure, they released one album, one EP and two singles for the Ace Of Hearts label, all of which have been reissued on CD by Rykodisc. Demo recordings and radio sessions were later released in less impressive form by the Taang label.

Since the band's breakup in 1983, their musical influence has taken on mythic form. The number of bands who have cited Mission Of Burma's influence is in obverse proportion to the group's popularity in 1983 - though it would not be an exaggeration to say they've become far more of a force during their hibernation than during their existence.

Michael Azerrad's 2000 tome, "Our Band Could Be Your Life", has an entire chapter devoted to Burma's career and puts them in the pantheon of other classic American underground artists such as Black Flag, the Minutemen, Husker Du and Sonic Youth. Though the band's surviving trio have been involved in a myriad of other projects since 1983, the legacy of Burma continues to cast a shadow over so much that's happened since.

In 2001, the founding members of Mission Of Burma, Roger Miller, Clint Conley and Peter Prescott, augmented by Shellac's Bob Weston on tape loops and mixing, began performing together again for the first time since 1983. Their subsequent shows in Boston, New York, London, San Francisco, Philadephia, Minneapolis, Atlanta, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and Washington DC have been mostly sold-out and extremely well received. (Original tape mainpulator Martin Swope - also a post-Burma collaborator with Roger Miller in Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - has retired from the music business and is living in Hawaii.)

The new album, as yet untitled, is being recorded at Boston's Q-Division studios, engineered by Bob Weston with assistance from Rick Harte. Miller, Conley, and Prescott all share songwriting and production duties, and many of the new songs have been unveiled at recent shows.

Mission of Burma will be performing January 17 in New York City at Irving Plaza, in March at the SXSW convention in Austin, and in April at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in Camber Sands. Many more North American and European dates will follow upon release and throughout 2004.

http://www.missionofburma.com
http://www.matadorrecords.com

[tinobeat]

!

[bitterfruit]

File this in the mutherfuckin' milestone folder.

[TheSadDebaser]

This is unbelievably fucking awesome.

[Squall91]

And so it's confirmed. Most awesome.

[ericmvan]

Being intimately familiar with the material on the new album, I think this is a fair characterization:

-- It's not as boundary-pushing, envelope-stretching as Vs. Folks who above all else treasure the band for being radical may be disappointed. (However, the radicalness of Vs. was in part an artifact of the band choosing its most accesible material for the EP, and then going back and mining earlier, edgier stuff.)

-- There is no obvious anthemic hit a la "Academy" or "Revolver."

-- I think people will be flabbergasted at how many of the songs are memorable, tuneful, catchy. I count seven songs that strike me as being more radio-friendly than anything on the original Vs., and another three that are comparable to "Trem Two."

-- As with Vs., just about every song has its own personality. There are no generic Burma songs as filler, and there are several songs that are stylistically unlike anything the band has done before.

Breakdown of the 15 tracks:

4 brand-new Roger
3 brand-new Clint
3 brand-new Peter
2 old Roger songs recorded by No Man
1 old Roger Burma song
2 old Clint Burma songs

Details at http://www.livejournal.com/community/burmafan/17551.html?thread=96655#t96655

[tinobeat]

The 3-4 demos I heard were amazing, s'all I know. I'm super-excited.

and finally, Matador gives an incentive to buying the vinyl vs. the CD! thank you!

[Patrick]

Yeah, vinyl incentive, plus this will be our first LP pressed at RTI, who are well-known for their extremely high-quality pressings. Touch & Go have used them on occasion.

Thick, flat and ultra-silent.

Patrick

[TheSadDebaser]

Originally posted by ericmvan
Details at http://www.livejournal.com/community/burmafan/17551.html?thread=96655#t96655

Jesus christ. That's insane.

But awesome.

Can't wait for a proper "Playland," and it can't be difficult to improve on anything from the No Man LP, in my opinion.

[tinobeat]

Originally posted by Patrick
Thick, flat and ultra-silent.

damn, you know how to turn a brother on...

[tinobeat]

Originally posted by ericmvan
Details at http://www.livejournal.com/community/burmafan/17551.html?thread=96655#t96655

oh man, don't *even* bring up the 608 show... (first of the reunion shows, at a smallish bar in Somerville)

at that time, I lived about a minute walk from there, but I didn't know nearly enough people to get me into that piece. I walked by it on the way to another show that night and could hear it happening, but I didn't want to tease myself by listening from the outside. Also, mentioning that show reminds me how much I miss that venue. For those years, it was, without question, the best sounding room in the Boston area.

[earthdog70]

This will be great-no doubt about it. Having recently seen Consonant in DC a few months back, I can state that Clint Conley has not lost his songwriting ability-no siree Bob!

Can't wait to see some more live dates for MOB!

The new MP3 sounds fantastic