uno...dos...tres...QUATRO...
And I don't mean Suzi.
So it's Cinco de Mayo...maybe we should all take a few moments to read what this day is all about (from wikipedia):
Contrary to popular belief in the United States, Cinco de Mayo does not mark Mexican independence day. That distinction is reserved for dieciséis de septiembre ("September 16"), which is celebrated on the night of September 15 through to the early morning hours of September 16 with a re-enactment of the Grito de Dolores – the formal call for an end to Spanish rule in 1810 – at all offices belonging to the executive branch of government, from the president down to the municipal governments.
...
The rise in Cinco de Mayo's popularity in the United States can be attributed to the Chicano student movement of the late 1960s. Inspired by student-activists nationwide, members of the MEChA organization in California sought to find a day of celebration that highlighted their largely Mexican ancestry. El Dieciséis de septiembre seemed like an obvious choice; however, this day proved too early in the school year for college students to effectively organize rallies and celebrations. Thus Cinco de Mayo became the de facto alternative for these student assemblies. Over the years this holiday grew outside university circles and its activist roots, and was absorbed by mainstream culture in the Southwest United States. For many Mexican-American communities Cinco de Mayo is an important way to proudly honor Mexican heritage, overshadowing Mexico's Independence Day in significance.
____________________
And on a completely unrelated note, here's a couple of tracks from one of my top forgotten bands of the 80's, Fiat Lux. Want a little history on the band? From an earlier post I did:
Fiat Lux were one of those bands that almost made it...but not quite. They had a minor hit in the U.K. with their song "Secrets," and released a series of singles and e.p.s as well as various appearances on compilations but never managed to release a full length album. And it's really unfortunate, too. They've managed to stay within my lexicon of favorite bands throughout the years.
Fiat Lux was formed in 1982 in Yorkshire by Steve Wright, David Crickmore and Ian Nelson. And yes, that's Nelson as in Bill. And, I guess, having Bill Nelson as your brother is a bit of a help, as their first single was released on his label, as well as few of their other releases.
They broke up in 1985. Unfortunately, I don't know why. If anyone does, I'd love to hear the story. I've got this laserdisc release of their's that's pretty insane and soooo very typical of the time period. It's a combination of "music videos" and live performances that's, well, almost comical in its seriousness. Plus it's all shot on video so it has this very strange, home-made feel. If I remember correctly, it also involves mimes and clowns.
Ian, after they broke up, went on to briefly appear in a number of different bands, including Colourfield (Terry Hall) and BeBop Delux and is still out their making music. He's currently involved with a band called Moonstone.
From a Bill Nelson site:
(Ian Nelson)... did session work with The Colourfield on their 1985 Virgins and Philistines album. Was to be a member of a new version of Be Bop Deluxe in 1990 but the project never got off the ground. A few months ago Ian signed on full-time with Moonstone, and is plays with them. He is also a member of The Lost Satellites that performed at the Nelsonica 02 and 03 events. Still teaches college.
David went on to join a few other bands and is currently playing in the Durbervilles. From Hired History:
David has also continued to produce other artists, and with Mark & Lee of The Durbervilles, runs Anne Frank Studios. Recent output includes CDs from Ramon, Batinka and Shawn Hunter, all on SPLID records. David is not married, but instead eats small quantities of cheese and drinks straight Baileys on special occasions.
Steve (vocals) got out of the music business altogether and is apparently a freelance director.
It's kinda weird to quote myself, but you know...I'm feeling kinda lazy. Their stuff is all out of print and not too easy to find...all on vinyl, as far as I know.
Fiat Lux - Secrets REMOVED
Fiat Lux - Blue Emotion REMOVED
Both of these tracks come from the 1983 release, Hired History.
And I know, their stuff can veer over to the "wimp" catagory, as my love complains about some of my music, but the new romantic in me just won't let go.
So it's Cinco de Mayo...maybe we should all take a few moments to read what this day is all about (from wikipedia):
Contrary to popular belief in the United States, Cinco de Mayo does not mark Mexican independence day. That distinction is reserved for dieciséis de septiembre ("September 16"), which is celebrated on the night of September 15 through to the early morning hours of September 16 with a re-enactment of the Grito de Dolores – the formal call for an end to Spanish rule in 1810 – at all offices belonging to the executive branch of government, from the president down to the municipal governments.
...
The rise in Cinco de Mayo's popularity in the United States can be attributed to the Chicano student movement of the late 1960s. Inspired by student-activists nationwide, members of the MEChA organization in California sought to find a day of celebration that highlighted their largely Mexican ancestry. El Dieciséis de septiembre seemed like an obvious choice; however, this day proved too early in the school year for college students to effectively organize rallies and celebrations. Thus Cinco de Mayo became the de facto alternative for these student assemblies. Over the years this holiday grew outside university circles and its activist roots, and was absorbed by mainstream culture in the Southwest United States. For many Mexican-American communities Cinco de Mayo is an important way to proudly honor Mexican heritage, overshadowing Mexico's Independence Day in significance.
____________________
And on a completely unrelated note, here's a couple of tracks from one of my top forgotten bands of the 80's, Fiat Lux. Want a little history on the band? From an earlier post I did:
Fiat Lux were one of those bands that almost made it...but not quite. They had a minor hit in the U.K. with their song "Secrets," and released a series of singles and e.p.s as well as various appearances on compilations but never managed to release a full length album. And it's really unfortunate, too. They've managed to stay within my lexicon of favorite bands throughout the years.
Fiat Lux was formed in 1982 in Yorkshire by Steve Wright, David Crickmore and Ian Nelson. And yes, that's Nelson as in Bill. And, I guess, having Bill Nelson as your brother is a bit of a help, as their first single was released on his label, as well as few of their other releases.
They broke up in 1985. Unfortunately, I don't know why. If anyone does, I'd love to hear the story. I've got this laserdisc release of their's that's pretty insane and soooo very typical of the time period. It's a combination of "music videos" and live performances that's, well, almost comical in its seriousness. Plus it's all shot on video so it has this very strange, home-made feel. If I remember correctly, it also involves mimes and clowns.
Ian, after they broke up, went on to briefly appear in a number of different bands, including Colourfield (Terry Hall) and BeBop Delux and is still out their making music. He's currently involved with a band called Moonstone.
From a Bill Nelson site:
(Ian Nelson)... did session work with The Colourfield on their 1985 Virgins and Philistines album. Was to be a member of a new version of Be Bop Deluxe in 1990 but the project never got off the ground. A few months ago Ian signed on full-time with Moonstone, and is plays with them. He is also a member of The Lost Satellites that performed at the Nelsonica 02 and 03 events. Still teaches college.
David went on to join a few other bands and is currently playing in the Durbervilles. From Hired History:
David has also continued to produce other artists, and with Mark & Lee of The Durbervilles, runs Anne Frank Studios. Recent output includes CDs from Ramon, Batinka and Shawn Hunter, all on SPLID records. David is not married, but instead eats small quantities of cheese and drinks straight Baileys on special occasions.
Steve (vocals) got out of the music business altogether and is apparently a freelance director.
It's kinda weird to quote myself, but you know...I'm feeling kinda lazy. Their stuff is all out of print and not too easy to find...all on vinyl, as far as I know.
Fiat Lux - Secrets REMOVED
Fiat Lux - Blue Emotion REMOVED
Both of these tracks come from the 1983 release, Hired History.
And I know, their stuff can veer over to the "wimp" catagory, as my love complains about some of my music, but the new romantic in me just won't let go.
posted by guanoboy at 7:54 PM
4 Comments:
Holy cow! I had totally forgotton about Fiat Lux. I had one of their tracks on some odd Cocteau sampler from way back, I think. I had a few of those Cocteau releases distributed via Enigma in the 80s. I don't have them anymore, though some of that Bill Nelson stuff is classic . Speaking of oddball wimpy new romantic trivia, do you recall Spoons? They had an album called Arias & Symphonies in the early 80s.
Don't know Spoons, love to hear it, though!
I think I actually have that Cocteau sampler, white w/blue Cocteau logo/text on the front?
I think that's the sampler.
I had no idea, but amazingly you can find the Spoons album on CD from amazon.ca. No sound bites, sadly. The music is slightly saved from cheesiness by quirky songwriting. I used to have the vinly ages ago. The one CD reissue I did get, though, was Landscape's "FGrom the Tearooms of Mars..." That one is classic. And weird.
This is fun too, cheesy but good. :-) I could see some awesome remixes coming of this. Not from me, though; I suck at it....
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