Ben Mandelson [Ian Greaves Dec99] Who is Ben Mandelson ? Shriekback Discography Jah Wobble Discography Kirsty MacColl

www.billybragg.co.uk/news.html

Shrieking Blokes- Blokes Martyn Barker, Lu Edmonds and Simon Edwards who originally came together in art-funk outfit Shriekback have released a new album under their old guise. 'Naked Apes and Pond Life' is a collection of unreleased songs and 'atmospheres' recorded between 1993 and 1996 with founder member Barry Andrews.

Shriekback were formed in 1981 and earned great acclaim for their records and live performances all over the world. Their music was known for its originality and was based on rhythm, arcane wordplay, funk and reggae. Bloke Ben Mandelson was a deputy member in 1984. 'Naked Apes and Pond Life' is released on Mauve records in the UK and on Mushroom Records in Australia and New Zealand.

www.billybragg.co.uk/news5.html

The second official bootleg - The latest BILLY BRAGG LIVE BOOTLEG contains almost 50 minutes of live music recorded during the Mermaid Avenue Tour.

Somewhere between a live tape and a Peel Session, the album contains 12 songs recorded in performance and in the studio in October/November 1998.

They are: I Guess I Planted - My Flying Saucer - Eisler On The Go - The Milkman of Human Kindness - She Came Along To Me - All You Fascists Bound To Lose - Must I Paint You A Picture - Christ For President - California Stars - A New England - Hoodoo Ska Voodoo - Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key.

Hear for yourself the feast of musical dexterity on offer when Billy and The Blokes take those Mermaid Avenue songs out on the road featuring MARTYN BARKER on drums and vocals, LU EDMONDS on cumbus, saz, electric guitar and vocals, SIMON EDWARDS on bass, BEN MANDELSON on bouzouki and bugeleiser, IAN McLAGAN on piano and Hammond organ. Guaranteed free of rambling raps.