rocker654 wrote:
Chumbawumba were far more insidious than Crass.
Chumbawumba was quoted as saying had it not been for Crass, they would've never existed.
Chumbawamba drew criticism from the band's original following in 1997 when the members signed to the major label EMI in Europe, particularly as much of their earlier output had explicitly attacked this corporation; they had even been involved with a compilation LP called Fuck EMI in 1989. However, the band argued that EMI had severed the controversial link with weapons manufacturer Thorn a few years previously, and that experience had taught them that, in a capitalist environment, almost every record company operates on capitalist principles; "Our previous record label One Little Indian didn't have the evil symbolic significance of EMI BUT they were completely motivated by profit." They added that this move brought with it the opportunity to make the band financially viable (all members were up until then working in other jobs to make a living) as well as to communicate their message to a wider audience.
Chumbawamba's biggest chart hit, "Tubthumping", features what, without the context of the accompanying liner notes (removed from the US release of the Tubthumper album for copyright reasons), appears to be one of the most apolitical of any of the band's lyrics. It was also during this period that Chumbawamba gained some notoriety when male vocalist Danbert Nobacon poured a jug of water over UK Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott at the 1998 BRIT Awards.
Chumbawamba released the album WYSIWYG on EMI in 2000, and parted from the label in 2001.
Crass never signed to a bullshit major label. Crass may have never learned to play their instruments, but that is kind of the point...they created music on all of their own terms, without regard for pretty much anything...especially tuning. By the end...they could play. Penis Envy is evidence of that, as well as Two notes...
Crass win.
I do happen to dig on some Chumbawumba though.