Shows
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Inside No.9 (Episode 1)Ahoy. Something a little different...before going ahead and setting up a dedicated podcast for this mad idea I have decided to give a taster on this channel. I am joined by two Twitter chums to discuss and debate "Inside No.9"; episode by episode. I hadn't ever seen a single minute of it and they were, at best, casual observers. Here we are then, three strangers discussing a television show they don't really know anything about for reasons that none of us can really explain. 2020-05-2100 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Graeme Armstrong "The Young Team"I am joined by author Graeme Armstrong to discuss his debut novel "The Young Team". Inspired by his own experiences of gang culture in North Lanarkshire Graeme has produced a debut novel that has generated real excitement and that looks set to be viewed as a classic in time. With themes of family, identity, love, loss and belonging running throughout the tales of life as part of the Young Team this is a book that captures you, excites you, disturbs you and challenges you. With explicit content and discussion of some potentially triggering content.2020-04-0800 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Rick McMurray (Ash)A treat as I am joined, in the Filmhouse bar, by Rick McMurray from Ash to discuss 25 years of...teenage wildlife. This is a real delight with Rick and I talking Top Trumps, Iron Maiden, the perfect set-list and almost everything else along the way. Teenage Wildlife is available right now on CD, vinyl and a few limited edition formats of both are still available too. You know what to do.2020-04-0300 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - In Her Room interview with James CookFormer Britpop star James Cook follows up his fantastic memoir "Memory Songs" with a new book that deals with his experience of being the father of a child with non-verbal autism and how music helped him to connect with her. James is open and honest about his experiences and the things he has learned on his journey. The book is available from Blink and, right now, we would encourage you to order a copy from your nearest independent book shop.2020-04-0100 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Stephen StreetIn this episode I am joined by the legendary music producer Stephen Street. Over his career Stephen has worked with some of the best known, best loved and iconic bands and artists in popular music; The Smiths, The Triffids, Blur, The Cranberries and Sleeper are just a few of those. Here we discuss all of those bands and Stephen's memories of working with them. This is a real treat...enjoy it!2020-03-2500 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Olympian at 25 with Matt JamesWhat a treat. An interview with Gene drummer and all 'round good egg Mr Matt "The Hat" James. Matt and I met to talk about the debut album from Gene, "Olympian", and along the way we discover the history of the band, Martin Rossiters love of Queen, what working with Phil Vinall was like and so much more besides. A treat I tells ya.2020-03-2100 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Plastic Jewels at 25Ahoy, welcome to the first episode of the Mild Mannered Army Podcast of the roaring twenties. Exciting isn't it? In this episode I am joined by James and Jude Cook of The Flamingoes to discuss their album "Plastic Jewels" which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. 2020 will see the same celebrations for a lot of the "big" albums of the Britpop era but few of those contain as much of the spirit of the nineties UK music scene as this one. Full of verve, vim and vigour, great pop songs and tender, moving, deeply personal songs about the loss of li...2020-02-1100 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - The Vessel (David Devant and His Spirit Wife)In this episode I am joined by the artist known as The Vessel from art-pop, pop-art, conceptual art, performance art, indie pop, rock 'n' roll and heart and soul band David Devant and His Spirit Wife. With a conversation that ranges from Carl Jung to the nature of reality this is a really wonderful insight into the mind of one of the most creative artists of the Britpop era. Enjoy!2019-11-3000 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Louder Than Words FestivalIn this very special episode I am joined by Dr Jill Adam, creator and curator of the Louder Than Words Music Literature Festival along with the iconic figure of John Robb. Together, and with their team, they have fashioned an utterly unique music literature festival which gives fans the chance to engage with writers, performers and other creatives in an intimate setting. This years festival takes place from the 8th-10th of November at the Principal Hotel in Manchester. Jill and I discuss the line-up and reveal some of the special treats that await those who will be attending...not...2019-10-2800 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Conversation with Daniel RachelA conversation with author and cultural commentator Daniel Rachel about his new book "Don't Look Back in Anger: The Rise and Fall of Cool Britannia, Told by Those Who Were There". Along the way Daniel and I talk about the music of the nineties, multiculturalism, Morrissey flying the flag and flirting with disaster, the new lad, sexism and some other things too. Daniel's book is an astonishing piece of work and it wasn't possible to cover everything it deals with...so you should really go and order a copy.2019-10-1500 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Dog Man Star at 25 (part two)Nick Amies and I take a good look at side two of the Gothic majesty that is Dog Man Star by Suede and agree...about almost everything.2019-10-1100 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Dog Man Star at 25 (part one)I am joined by Nick Amies, once again, to turn our beady eyes towards the Gothic majesty of the second Suede album, Dog Man Star. In this episode we look at side one of the album which includes all three of the singles released from it; We Are The Pigs, The Wild Ones and New Generation. Some chit, a little chat and an attempt to answer the question "But is it Britpop?"2019-10-1100 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Miss June InterviewI'm joined by the boys from Miss June, the finest band to come out of New Zealand since...well, possibly ever. Their new album "Bad Luck Party" is a thing of wonder and dizzy delights. Equal parts indie pop, riot grrrl, punk and post-punk. We talk about the album, musical influences and the Scottish diet.2019-10-0500 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - James and Jude Cook on writing.In this episode I am joined by brothers James and Jude Cook, formerly of one of the finest bands of the nineties The Flamingoes and now successful authors. They joined me to discuss the process of writing, inspiration, the voice and more. 2019-10-0400 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - My Life Story with Jake ShillingfordWhat an episode. An interview with Jake Shillingford, the man, the brains, the beating heart and the soul of My Life Story joins me to discuss the first new album in NINETEEN years "World Citizen". 2019-09-0600 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Star Shaped Festival 2019 with Lipgloss JillI am joined, again, by the magnificent Lipgloss Jill to run our eyes over the forthcoming Star Shaped Festival dates in Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham and London...full details @starshapedclub.2019-08-2600 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Football Crazy (Premier League Blether)A break from the Britpop content this week as Nick Amies and I indulge our other passion...football. Nick spent some time as a Bundesliga correspondent based in Germany and I...well, I have watched Scottish football for four decades which hasn't taught me much about football but has made me the man I am today. In this episode we look at the fixtures that took place over the opening weekend...show some love for Klopp, rant about VAR and wonder about the point of Arsenal. Enjoy. 2019-08-1200 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Alan Leach (Shed Seven)In this episode I meet up with Shed Seven drummer, comedian and quiz master, Alan Leach. Alan is in Edinburgh with his hybrid comedy/quiz show and he joined me to talk about that, Britpop, Shed Seven, stylists and some other things along the way. You can catch Alan's show at the Mash House on Guthrie Street in Edinburgh every day (not August 12th) from 2:25 until 3:25 and you can get tickets from edfringe.com or justthetonic.com or by calling the festival box office on 0330 2201212...get there.2019-08-0100 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Definitely Maybe 25th Anniversary (Part 1)Nick Amies and I begin our exploration of the debut album from Oasis, Definitely Maybe, by looking back at how we discovered the band, the iconic front cover and the first three tracks on the album; Rock 'n' Roll Star, Shakermaker and Live Forever. One of the greatest debut albums in popular music history and, arguably, simply one of the greatest albums in popular music history. Much has already been said, and written, about the album but Nick and I make a valiant attempt to give our own take on things. The album will celebrate its quarter century with a m...2019-07-2500 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Head Music (B-Side)This is the second part of my conversation with Nick Amies about "Head Music", the 1999 album from Suede. This time we talk through the tracks that made up the b-side of the album including the likes of "Crack in the Union Jack" and "He's Gone". Do please think about sharing the podcast with people you think might be interested...likes, retweets, subscribing and all the rest really does help. Thanks for listening. Max2019-07-2300 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Head Music (A-Side)Another episode and another album given the Mild Mannered Army treatment. By treatment I mean Nick Amies and I chat for a while about the things we like and don't like about a set of songs that neither one of us has the talent to have written. This time it is "Head Music" the 1999 post-Britpop album from Suede. Written and recorded at a time when drugs, alcohol and chronic health problems were blighting the album it still contains some truly magnificent moments...and one or two moments that are far from that. In this episode Nick and I cover the...2019-07-2200 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Britpop Cinema with Matt GlasbyI am joined by author Matt Glasby to discuss the films that helped to define British cinema in the nineties and that he has labelled "Britpop Cinema".
From "Four Weddings..." through to the post-Britpop work of Shane Meadows with films like "This is England" and nineties classics like "Shallow Grave" and the one with the iconic poster and soundtrack Matt's book is a fascinating insight into a key component of the Britpop era.
The episode includes some strong language...if you normally listen with children or people of a sensitive disposition; don't!2019-06-1400 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Britpop 50 Part 3The third part of the discussion on the fifty definitive Britpop tracks, as decided by...me. I'm joined, as ever, by Nick Amies to talk about Echobelly, Elastica, The Supernaturals and some bunch of lads from Manchester calling themselves Oasis. You can find Nick on Twitter @nick_amies and you can follow me @MildManneredMax. The site is www.themildmanneredarmy.com and you can pledge to help us continue making podcasts and producing content at Patreon...search for Mozzer (I know...it was a long time ago!) or follow the link on my pinned Tweet. Enjoy the show.2019-06-0500 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army, Parklife Part 2, Side 2Join Nick Amies and I as we discuss side two of one of the definitive albums of the nineties and, arguably, one of the greatest British albums of all time...Parklife. In this episode it is side two that is under the microscope.
You can find me on Twitter @MildManneredMax and you can find the site at The Mild Mannered Army
Please consider pledging to support the site and the podcast on Patreon...from as little as 77p a month you can do that and receive a little bundle of goodies from Mild Mannered Towers!
...2019-06-0400 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyMild Mannered Army - Parklife, Part 1, Side 1Join Nick Amies and I as we discuss one of the most important albums of the Britpop era...Parklife.
From the squidgy disco blare of "Girls and Boys" through to the music hall delights of "The Debt Collector" we discuss each track on the first side of the album.
You can find more Britpop content on the Mild Mannered Army and you can find details on how to support the site on Patreon on my Twitter profile...it's the pinned tweet...which is @MildManneredMax.
Please do like and share the podcast...we need y...2019-05-2700 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - His 'n' Hers with Lipgloss JillA look at one of the great albums of the Britpop era; His 'n' Hers by Pulp. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year it seemed like a good idea to get Pulp obsessive Lipgloss Jill Nolan from the Don't Point That Horror At Me podcast to join me. From the darkest corners of Jarvis Cocker's mind we examine the imagery, themes and naughtiness of this seminal album.
If you enjoy the podcast please think about following me on Twitter @MildManneredMax and pledging from as little as 77p a month on Patreon to support me...details pinned to my T...2019-04-2700 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - Modern Life is RubbishI am joined by author, journalist, cultural commentator and good bloke, Mr Nick Amies to discuss "Modern Life is Rubbish" from Blur. An album that changed everything for a whole generation of young people like us. From the way we dressed to the way we thought about ourselves.
You can find me on Twitter @MildManneredMax and you can find Nick @Nick_Amies.
Let us know what your thoughts are on the album and the episode.
2019-04-2300 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyHappy Easter...That's Not BritpopIt's Easter Sunday. I'm at a cottage on the West Coast of Scotland. The sun is sheeeineing. I've got a few minutes alone. Here are some thoughts on who is and who ain't Britpop!2019-04-2100 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyMild Mannered Army Britpop 50 Tracks 6-10I'm joined, again, by Mr Nick Amies to discuss the next five records in my "definitive" list of the 50 Britpop songs that tell the tale of the era...this time we look at S*M*A*S*H, Saint Etienne, Blur, Boo Radleys and the Modfather, Mr Paul Weller.
You can find Nick on Twitter @Nick_Amies and you can follow me @MildManneredMax.
Do please think about pledging to support the podcast on Patreon
PLEDGER
Enjoy!2019-04-1800 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyRecord Store Day Goodies and Chemical WorldAnother mini-sode where I take a look at my RSD purchases and talk a little about my 12" copy of Chemical World by Blur.
Follow me on Twitter @MildManneredMax2019-04-1700 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyThoughts on SleeperA rant.
A ramble.
Thoughts on Sleeper...ill thought out, delivered with a lack of care, poorly recorded but from the heart.
A mini-sode.2019-04-1600 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army - OASIS TOP 20 (part two)I'm joined again by Mr Nick Amies to discuss my Oasis top 20. This time we are in the closing stages of the Oasis story. You can find "Where Did It All Go Wrong", Nick's book on this period of the Oasis tale over on Amazon...and you should, it's a great read. Please think about following me on Twitter @MildManneredMax and maybe pledging on Patreon to support what I am doing - details are pinned to my profile on Twitter.2019-04-1100 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyMild Mannered Army - OASIS Top 20 (part one)After the brilliant Oasis Podcast posted their top 20 Oasis tracks I decided I would get my fat face in on that action by compiling my own list of 20 ace Oasis songs...O-ACE-IS! Their were rules, of course, which were...no singles, no songs picked by Oasis Podcast, no cover versions and all seven studio albums had to be represented. Nick Amies joined me to discuss the first ten tracks...2019-04-0900 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyMild Mannered Army Britpop 50 Tracks 1-5Join Nick Amies and I as we discuss the first five records I chose as part of my list of the fifty definitive Britpop records.2019-04-0300 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyMild Mannered Army - Expecting to Fly (with Nick Amies and Adam DevlinIn this episode author and journalist Nick Amies joins me to discuss the album that I hail as the greatest debut by a British band...ever before I am then joined by guitarist, songwriter and Twitter legend Mr Adam Devlin to discuss the history of the band and the album itself.2019-03-1700 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army Episode 7 - SuedeA look back at one of the albums that started Britpop.
"Suede" by Suede is an album that is powerful, tender, anthemic and heartbreaking in equal parts.
I am joined by author and journalist Nick Amies to discuss this significant moment in the Britpop story.2019-02-1100 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army Episode 7 - Suede (with Nick Amies)Another look back at a classic Britpop album.
This week Nick and I discuss all the love and poison of Suede.
Enjoy.2019-02-0700 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army Episode 6 - Modern Life is Rubbish with Nick AmiesI'm joined by author, journalist, cultural commentator, screenwriter and all round good bloke Mr Nick Amies to discuss one of the albums that kick started the entire Britpop era...Modern Life is Rubbish by Blur.
As ever Nick is erudite and witty and I am slightly less so.
2019-01-2200 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyMild Mannered Army Episode 5 - Nick Amies (She's Electric)I'm joined this time by the rather wonderful Mr Nick Amies...journalist, author, cultural commentator and good egg. Nick called me from his home in Belgium so that we could talk about his novel "She's Electric (a sort of Britpop love story)" as well as his efforts to see that transferred to the big screen. Along the way we talk Britpop in general and the likes of The Bluetones and Suede specifically. There may also be a mini rant from me about the recent article in The Quietus on "Modern Life is Rubbish"!
Thank you for listening.
2018-05-1400 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyMild Mannered Army Episode 4 - Britpop MemoriesHullo everyone. On this episode I am joined by the fabulous James...better known as Britpop Memories from the Twitter. He's responsible for promoting the music we all love and for sharing and archiving as much information on the era as any human could reasonably be expected to! We chat about the Britpop scene and select our top ten Britpop albums in a very democratic five each kind of way. Please look out for James on Twitter @Britpopmemories and look out for me @MildManneredMax. You can also read my blog at www.themildmanneredarmy.com2018-05-0200 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army Episode 3 - James CookWelcome to episode three of the Mild Mannered Army Podcast.
In this episode I chat with James Cook of Flamingoes.
The Flamingoes were responsible for a handful of fantastically energetic and tuneful singles and one genuinely brilliant album between 1994 and 1995. The album "Plastic Jewels" is, arguably, one of the great lost albums of the era.
James is also an author and is soon to publish a memoir "Memory Songs" on Unbound. That will be available from May 17th.
We chat about Flamingoes, Suede, memory songs, trousers and other important stuff.
...2018-04-2700 minThe Mild Mannered ArmyThe Mild Mannered Army Episode 2 - Patrick Duff InterviewFormer Strangelove lead singer, solo artist, songwriter, raconteur and charming man joins me to discuss the songwriting process, inspirations, Disney soundtracks, Dartmoor, Jung and Native American rites of passage...and my confession.2018-04-0200 min
The Mild Mannered ArmyLook at you Now - ElckaEpisode one of The Mild Mannered Army podcast.
Today I am joined by lead singer with Elcka, the fabulously monikored, Harrold.
We discuss the beginnings of the band, getting signed, touring with Morrissey, the classic album "Rubbernecking", the demise of the band and a possible future for Elcka.
Follow the mild mannered army on Twitter @MildManneredMax2018-01-1800 min