Sportique Week (2)

Between the 'Black Is a Very Popular Colour' and 'Modern Museums' albums, the trio of Sir Mark Flunder, Gregory Webster and Rob Pursey became a quartet with the addition of Pursey's partner Amelia Fletcher on organ and assorted keyboards. Perhaps you've heard of her. If you haven't, all I can say is get yourself an education. The sound of Sportique changed quite a bit with that sophomore album, but there was a hint of what was to come early on with the 1998 single "Tiny Clues." This one owes something to Buzzcocks, and it's one of my favorite songs from the band. That's our first listen today.

Just about the entirety of 'Modern Museums' turns it up a notch on 'Black Is a Very Popular Colour,' and many have compared it to works by Magazine, Gang of Four and, especially, Wire. That's a far cry from when Webster was emulating the Byrds in the early years of Razorcuts, eh? There were no singles spawned from 'Modern Museums,' but I always thought the poppy "Art & Shopping," although light and not all that representative of the rest of the album, would have been a hit (whatever that meant in 2002). If you are new to Sportique, I would recommend starting with 'Modern Museums.' There isn't a duff note on the album, and I had a hell of a time deciding which song to play for you today. It's tight, angular, crisp, aggressive and not the least bit jangly. In other words, don't expect Razorcuts.

"Tiny Clues" (A-side single)
"Cerebral Vortex" (from 'Modern Museums')

You can still buy these two releases. Here are some links:
'Modern Museums' 10"/CD at Jigsaw Records in America
'Modern Museums' 10"/CD at WIAWYA in the UK