SoundsXP Message Boards - Indie, Indiepop, Nu-Folk and Alt-Country Forums

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If Ian Curtis had lived, and enjoyed the ale…

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Bola - you should know that Billy Bragg is an SXP untouchable and cannot be criticised. You're sacked!

Although I'm not the greatest fan of Billy Bragg, I think that Billy is being consistent with previous statements and that criticism of Bill from his fans is unjustified. Oona King is worth supporting, not least because she's one symbol of our diverse population in the all too white, all too male House of Commons. If the seat is marginal, I'd rather than people got behind Oona than oppose her and possibly hand the seat to someone else. You don't need me to point out that there are enough racists in Tower Hamlets who won't vote for her and we don't want to give them any succour.

I also don't think it represents a shift in Billy's position on the war - I'm sure he still supports tactical voting where it sends a message to the Government over issues such as the war but not at the expense of losing a seat to the opposition. Galloway's just a cheap political opportunist, which is why I don't think he's worthy of support.

Your point about an honour is an interesting one. Bill has made a number of proposals about creating a more representative upper chamber to replace the House of Lords. In such a set-up post election, is it so fanciful to see him taking a seat as a representative of the working class? Lord Bill, anyone?

Nah. I disagree with some of your points mainly on the issue of race etc. That's a side issue to the main story and you are speaking to someone who has previously spent time campaigning against the BNP in Tower Hamlets.

The issue, in simple terms, to me is someone who I understood has condemed the Iraq war previously now supporting a pro-war MP?

Galloway is a chancer, just like Scargill's party before him, but he seems to a good chance of overcoming Kings 14,000 majority expecially due to his stance on the recent conflict and his popularity amongst the Muslim population which why he chose to contest the seat in the first place. So is Labour and King panicking hence the appearance of Bragg? We will see although I expect King to hold the seat on a reduced majority.

Of course the Upper house should be abolished and replaced by a more representative body. But no need for a lord Billy - just a plain Mr Bragg would do!

I know Bragg is an SXP untouchable. Just wanted BJ's re-action especially with the SXP Opposes The War banner on the home page!

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If Ian Curtis had lived, and enjoyed the ale…

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Bola

I don't think race is a side issue, especially in East London. Oona King is a black woman MP and we don't have enough in Parliament. That's not irrelevant when you're looking at this contest. I'm not knocking you because I know you're a committed anti-racist but I think there are all sorts of undertones to this campaign.

I read some wicked things about Oona King on the BB messageboards and they're nonsense. How far is Oona King a cheerleader for the war (which she'd be stupid to do with a large Muslim constituency) and just following the party line? In which case, why are people gunning for her and not for any of the other MPs who've given the war equal support?

Galloway has no chance of winning Bethnal Green but he could split the vote. Most people will see through him but he could pick up a sizable protest vote. In this case, the Braggster has had to make a harsh decision but I can't see it always follows that supporting Oona King = supporting the war. A lot of us are going to have to make difficult decisions during the current election.

Anyway, if "Mr Bragg" could get elected to the Upper House, why not Mr Bola, especially if the Lords leave behind the ear trumpets!

As I understand it RESPECT are putting up candidates in all constituencies where MPs voted for the War so King isn't being singled out but i accept your points. Well made sir.

We certainly don't have enough non white female or male MP's that's for sure. But changes are needed to be made at local level by the main parties and that's just not happening.

I have nothing against Oona King apart from her blind loyalty to Blair and yes she is between a rock and a hard place. In fact I have met and have had a beer with her and she is a pleasant enough person.

What is the address for the BB messageboards?

Me a lord - bow down to me sir What did you call me. What?

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If Ian Curtis had lived, and enjoyed the ale…

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Not wanting to trivialise your discussion (he says, trivialising it) but Mr Bragg actually paid a visit to the Library where I work (in Mile End) yesterday.
This of course caused a stir amongs staff who are more used to smelly old people and thuggish looking teenagers than musical Gods.
My collegue Roger was completely star-struck and embarrasingly asked for an autograph (this is the boy who actually fainted with excitement on seeing a minor soap actor last year). Afterwards Roger confided in me he had little idea who he was but heard a song once and it was really boring.

I told Billy we had all his albums in the library and they were there if he wanted to check as no one ever takes them out. (oops!)

He bought a local publication called "The East End At Work" (good for his street cred) but tried to pay with a £20 note one minute to closing time after I'd locked up the till (bastard).

The End

I think Bragg still has ambitions of becoming PM.


* Image deleted because it was screwing up the page. And er not funny. *

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Pressure Drop: http://www.pressuredrop.info

Nice to see that Phil Jupitus was an unfunny fat bastard even then. He only became temporarily funny after meeting me, and my magic didn't last. Remind me to bore you with this tale one day....

Wasn't he involved with The Housemartins? I remember he was in the Happy Hour video.

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Pressure Drop: http://www.pressuredrop.info

Think he was involved with Go Discs the label.

As for Bragg, I think Johnny's probably spot on. I've no time for Galloway and the majority of his ragbag supporters. Galloway's just an ego on legs and his campaigners will be the SWP-ers (most of whom are middle class students playing at politics before they get shoe horned into a job at daddy's company).

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Mod Supreme, Demon Headmaster

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Life is what happens when you are busy making plans - John Winston Lennon

I may have alzheimers but atleast I don't have alzheimers - ?

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sometimes I write things....

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Life is what happens when you are busy making plans - John Winston Lennon

I may have alzheimers but atleast I don't have alzheimers - ?

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Jarvis Cocker or David Bowie or AVB or Johnny Borrell, she isn't picky

Cavey Cocker, Cup Cake Queen, Saint Thomas.

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Pressure Drop: http://www.pressuredrop.info

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Mod Supreme, Demon Headmaster

i like atilla the stockbroker. 668, neighbour of the beast. He lives in brighton now.

I like political poets. Who is doing it now?

The subways and hard hi are supporting....christ, it'll be busy.

My band is Rhesus (sorry for self plug. im a whore):

A brutal punch-up between art-punksters Wire and primordial Slits – SoundsXP

Rhesus are one of the most exciting bands in London!
Something genuinely special - a band that could escape the backrooms of London pubs and change people's lives - Joyzine

Rhesus were absolutely phenomenal tonight. Capable of blowing the roof off the Ocean.
A cracking little slice of angry punk rock - Art Rocker

Genuinely fantastic… A post-Sonic Youth Undertones, which is such a top idea we can't believe there aren't bands doing that every night.
[Art is Dead]… has put such a hefty deposit down on the top ten that you can almost hear Fearne Cotton patronising them at the end of it. More – Playlouder


More snotty than the Others, more sleazy than The New York Dolls – Channel 4

Rhesus: Top Of The Pops! - Eddie Argos (Art Brut) – Radio 1, XFM, etc...