8. Close Lobsters - "Going to Heaven to See If It Rains"
Other Contenders: Every single (and just about every B-side) was a gem, and there were three others that charted. There was "Never Seen Before" in the spring of '87, followed by "Let's Make Some Plans" that fall. The band's last indie hit came the following year with "What Is There to Smile About." I went back and forth whether to include that one on this list instead. There were other great non-charting singles after that, including "Nature Thing" and one of those classic Caff one-offs with "Just Too Bloody Stupid."
Chart Entry: Dec. 20, 1986
Peak Position: No. 9
Comment: I doubt I'm alone here, but the moment I fell for Close Lobsters was upon hearing "Firestation Towers" on NME's 'C86.' Surprisingly, the band got some good pub here in America, even by Rolling Stone, and I can actually remember their songs being played on the suburban college radio station I used to tune into from time to time. Look, this is a coin flip choice. I love every single the band released. This one gets the nod because it was the first, and I love the title. It's simple, really. Here's how Sounds put it back in the day: "Look, you know how nowadays everybody goes on about 'perfect pop songs' all the bleedin' time, and you know how they're mostly talking a load of old tripe? Well, these Close Lobsters fellows have composed a perfect pop song. Almost."
Are you sitting down? If you're a fan, this may come as quite a shock, but Close Lobsters have a new 7" out just today! Check out the "Kunstwerk in Spacetime" EP on Soundcloud. It's the band's first new recording since 1989, and it's good... really good. Twenty-five years later, the flawless string of singles continues.
Update: There were some printing issues with the sleeve. So, the new 7" from Close Lobsters has been delayed until June 17, but you can preorder from Shelflife Records.
Buy "Going to Heaven to See If It Rains" on the singles collection 'Forever, Until Victory!'
4 comments:
I don't remember this one all too well, I'm afraid (will give it a listen though again of course), but I was always VERY fond of Firestation Towers: to me one of the highlights on C86!
Never spent a lot of time listening to Close Lobsters after their C86 inclustion. I see they have new music out this week, though, and a youtube vid to go along with it.
Dirk,
I hear you on Firestation Towers. Instant fan after that one.
Close Lobsters were incredible, never a bad song. One of my favorite bands ever, without the slightest doubt. Terribly underrated which is a total shame.
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