THE
MUSEUM OF INSTALLATION - I, Ludicrous
(Old King Lud)
I could
say this band come across as a sort of lo-budget lo-tech London version of
TISM or Mr Floppy. Here's the rundown:
1. "Valediction (like a moron)". This is an unpromising start to
the CD as it sounds a bit serious until you think about the 
distinctly
un-PC lyrics. Bit of a dull track otherwise.
2. "I’ve Never been Hit by Mark E.Smith". Never really got
into The Fall. Anyway, this track is putting down The Fall guy succinctly
and is in accord with my impressions. Not that I’ve ever met him - I
would avidly avoid the opportunity should it arise - but the live reviews
I’ve read paint a picture of someone way out of control living off past
glories. There are the usual obsessive fans, and we’re talking pretty
hard core at this juncture from what I understand, still hanging onto the
whiff of an oily rag. Amusing.
3. "Museum of Installation" puts down installation art thing, which
was all the thing in London’s art scene last year or sometime recently.
Just like it was in the 1960’s and 1970’s. I sort of agree that
most takes on installation art are crap and lazy. But I’d still go to
London if J.G. Ballard’s daughter restaged his Atrocity Exhibition at
the Tate Modern.
4. "We’re the Support Band" is the highlight of the album.
My boss is thinking of covering it after I played it to him. The only time
I’ve seen my boss play was as a support act so that’s a worry really.
Catalogues all the failings of support acts in a succinct format. Very funny.
5. "Graham Drew’s Party" catalogues the woes of partygoing.
You know, the hassle getting there and home, the bores, the drunks, the drugs,
the uninvited, the police, the neighbours, the battle for control of the CD
player to prevent more 1970’s disco dreck being played. And that’s
just at my house. No wonder I don’t bother anymore.
6. "Get Out More". Not sure what this is on the CD for. Bit dull
really.
7. "Bring on the Substitute". Piss take on soccer substitutes, crowds
and old timers raving on about the great football days of old.
8. "Approaching Forty". Not quite up to the sarcasm levels evident
elsewhere on the disc.
9. "English Football 2003". Strictly for Pommie Soccer fans
10. "When I worked at Textline" brings to mind The Members or The
Piranhas doing a song after watching The Office but I suspect it’s based
on real experience.
11. "Bar-Room Bore". Reminds me of someone I know.
12. "Leisuretime Filler" – get out more.
There are a couple of gems here but don’t expect great music but an amusing
curiosity. I might even go and see iLudicrous for a laugh if they were is
Sydney or I was in London, both of which are unlikely. Which I guess is the
point. Worth a listen for track 4. - Frank McEwen
P.S. What ever happened to Mr Floppy? Did they get sick of getting beaten
up?
