In 1994 we recorded Born Disco; Died Heavy Metal, and put it out in tartan metal jacket and that was that (as per below), and then as part of our Hold On It Hurts album. Then we decided that that was not that and recorded it in easy listening form as part of the Hold On It’s Easy album. Now in 2016 we have decided to put vocals to it again in easy listening form, with vocals by The Mike Flowers Pops (further below). We promise not to have any other versions of it out ever, unless the opportunity presents itself, for we understand that easy listening is not always easy reading.
We have also decided to use this website more, and talk about some of the episodes the group has gone through, so if you have any questions please contact us.
5.0 out of 5 stars A pivotal moment for indie rock, June 17, 2004
This review is from: Hold on It Hurts (Audio CD)
Forget “Brimful of Asha“, this band’s noble yet watered-down attempt at a crossover hit song… “Hold on it Hurts” is their finest moment.
As has been mentioned before, the influences are there – Velvet Underground, Pavement, 60s garage, and traditional Indian music. What you might not hear – unless you’re familiar with the band’s history – is the influence of the scene that they grew out of. As documented in the underground – and criminally unknown – video fanzine “Getting Close to Nothing”, Cornershop were part of a somewhat politicized, new scene of socially aware London indie rockers, where issues of race, gender and sexuality were focal points and even central themes for many bands of the time (Huggy Bear, Voodoo Queens, Sister George, etc.). It’s notable that – in their call-to-arms anthem “England’s Dreaming” – they not only urged a protest against racist attacks, but also against sexism and homophobia as well. That song mixed Morrissey’s lyrics with Public Enemy, as both a way to critique Moz’s recent flirtation with fascist imagery (“National Front Disco”) and as a statement of cross-cultural protest… by namechecking icons of both black and white music, they subverted the usually polarized and simplistic ideas of race and made a name for Asians – especially South Asians – in the rock scene.
All that aside, this is a really fantastic, interesting, provocative and heartfelt album, succeeding as only the best music does… by allowing you to transcend your normal existence on this planet and to imagine a greater one.
