ep497: mclusky is still here with andrew falkous

andrew "falco" falkous discusses the reformation of his band mclusky after a nearly 20-year hiatus, their upcoming album on ipecac recordings, the rare catalogue of vinyl releases and more!

Topics Include:

• falco confirms mclusky's new album "the world is still here and so are we."
• album will be released on may 9th on ipecac recordings.
• falco feels ipecac is the perfect label home for mclusky.
• he hopes this is just the end of "act one" for their reunion.
• falco approaches life expecting problems but finding humor in them.
• humor is essential to mclusky's songs without becoming a joke band.
• falco keeps files of potential song titles for future use.
• songs usually emerge from playing together in the same room.
• first takes often contain the magic that makes songs special.
• falco writes most lyrics but damien wrote lyrics for two songs.
• "your mother is a ballpoint pen thief" came naturally in writing process.
• falco describes songwriting as writing 1000 bad songs to get 10 good ones.
• performing gives falco confidence he doesn't have in other social settings.
• the current mclusky lineup consistently delivers intense live performances.
• "mclusky do dallas" remains their most popular album by far.
• steve albini recorded both "do dallas" and "the difference between me and you..."
• "lightsaber cocksucking blues" started as a throwaway whole lotta rosie parody.
• the line "flying is fearful of me" just emerged while performing.
• "she will only bring you happiness" had radio potential until "sex criminal" line.
• self-sabotage is part of mclusky's essence, even when unintentional.
• falco considers swearing an essential part of rock music.
• australia has been mclusky's strongest market since early in their career.
• melbourne, sydney and brisbane show strongest streaming numbers for mclusky.
• the band has toured australia approximately ten times since 2002.
• prescriptions music is falco's label for future of the left and christian fitness.
• falco considers mclusky "mostly my band" but credits all members' contributions.
• damien sayell (current bassist) recently recovered from a health scare.
• jack egglestone (drummer) has jazz training and remarkable listening skills.
• mclusky reunion began with charity shows for venues like le pub in newport.
• the current lineup feels like a distinct band, not future of the left playing mclusky songs.
• recording the new album was spread across three weekends over 18 months.
• bob weston remastered "mclusky do dallas" giving it a different sheen.
• future of the left albums and more christian fitness reissues are planned.
• their favorite songs on the new album are those recorded most recently.
• the name "mclusky" came from a character in british tv show "grange hill."