Beggars Archive

well i never...

Mick Conroy, from Modern English (and Moose, Stereolab, This Mortal Coil), came by the office today for the first time in decades – still a few people here that he remembered and it was good to catch up on current activities and survival strategies of many ex-4AD folk. One story I didn’t know concerned the cover for This Mortal Coil – It’ll End In Tears.

Evidently this image was originally going to be a Modern English cover – the lady shared a flat with Mick at that time. However other band members thought that made it inappropriate to use, so the idea was vetoed. Luckily it didn’t go to waste… and she starred on every subsequent TMC album.

Comment

1. Yes- in fact, Ivo himself mentions this in the (widely available on youtube) 23 Envelope “documentary” from 1985… tho he does not site Modern English specifically.

   I have high hopes for this reissue- especially in terms of the artwork. On one hand, I’d love to have Vaughan & Nigel involved, but on the other hand- Vaughan has a want and tendency to try to reinvent/reimagine the artwork (witness: Minotaur). I want to immerse myself in the era- to see more than could fit on the original sleeves… the outtakes, the backgrounds, the atmospherics. We’ve all seen the covers as they were intended- so there’s no need to be precious about it, as long as the focus is right.

   — Matt Buckmaster · Tuesday March 23, 2010 · #

2. Hopefully you’ll be happy, Matt – Ivo, Vaughan and Nigel are all involved in the new packaging. It’s using the original elements in a new way which I think is appropriate – you’ve got the sleeves so have another twist.

   — Back Cat · Saturday April 3, 2010 · #

3. That’s great to hear! I can’t wait! :) My experience with those albums is completely tied to the visuals…

   — Matt Buckmaster · Sunday April 4, 2010 · #

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