Too Much Texas

CD - Juvenilia

Play 90 second soundbite of 'Hurry On Down' @ 'CD quality'

This retrospective release from Too Much Texas flies in the face of the contemporary indie scene and sticks two fingers up at today's music business generally. Too Much Texas are Tom Hingley (guitars & vocals), Gordon MacKay (lead guitar), Raymond Breckon (bass) and Pete Marshall (drums). In the late 80's, TMT supported the likes of New Order, House Of Love and The Beloved before, in 1989, Hingley joined Inspiral Carpets. Now Too Much Texas have decided to release this interesting work, 'Juvenilia'.

'Juvenilia' can't really be called 'retro' in the current sense (today's bands calling on the style and feel of those that've gone before) because this is what it is - a genuine retrospective work - early recordings of TMT. And, timing out at just over an hour and having twenty-one tracks (that's 21 folks!!) this is, without doubt, a value package.

So, what's 'Juvenilia all about then? Well, cast your mind back (those that can!) to the 80's through to the early 90's. Think of the 'pop' sounds from back then and that's, not surprisingly, what you've got here. Think Smiths, think New Order and or course Inspiral Carpets and their ilk. Too Much Texas is exactly that, those and more! Here we have a trip back in time that makes me feel like a time traveller. I'm here in 2006 one minute and then I'm back in the 80's - but no, I'm still here and now. And, that's how 'Juvenilia' makes you feel - this is easily a strong contender amongst the angst rockers, indie rollers and the pop mob of the 00's. 'Juvenilia' is a stunningly good piece of 'pop' music that's easy to listen to, well put together, superby performed and bloody tasty.

Good, well written music can be timeless, it can still be 'now'. Quality writing has inherent longevity and can stand the test of time. 'Juvenilia' is just such a work; it says much about the talents of Hingley & Co. Did TMT miss their chance back then? Where they actually ahead of their time? Maybe!! Certainly this excellent album is well worth a listen. I think, given the right sort of support and press, that Too Much Texas might just start to open a few new (or should that be old?) doors and give many current outfits a good run for their money. Look, we still hear The Smiths on the airwaves and Paul Weller's still knockin' out great music and making a good living. I can see no reason why Too Much Texas can't join them again. Actually, Too Much Texas sound very much like Weller collides with Morrissey, The Smiths, Style Council, Jam - all that and more. How good's that then? Excellent I'd say!

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