The JCB song...

Wertz

This tune has been insistently playing over and over in my head since I heard it a few days back...not normally my taste in music at all, but have to say it rocks on so many levels. It's by some Uk outfit called Nizlopi (who?)

Probably a strong favourite for christmas no 1 (not that I care) as well, if you're the type that has a flutter on this...

If you've not heard or have no clue what I'm on about;
http://www.jcbsong.co.uk/

Forgive me if this is olde; I felt it worthy of a thread...it really is that good.

fade2black

Not getting on to ya...but this was flying around the internet months and months ago...and then is a second favourite for xmas number one!!! What next numa numa???

Wertz

I live under a musical rock.

fade2black

It's excuseable in this case...Still, I think I'd rather see a JCB get to number one then the X factor winner.

Wertz

X Factor?


I kid, I kid...I wish the f*ck I didn.'t know what it was...

rugbug86

pretty cool website!

TempestSabre

I'm only hearing this now aswell. Stereo's broken in the car for ages. Cool song. Cool video.

TerrorFirmer

I don't get how it's so popular. I think it's one of the worst things I've ever heard! But there ya go. Different strokes for different folks.

magpie

Jesus, what's with all this terrible, maudlin, real men are sensitive James Blunt - style navel-gazing twaddle being peddled on us recently?

This is evil, evil, stuff. Need evidence? How much money did they spend on that website to try and get to number 1?

What's worse is that its corporate avarice bundled as innocent childhood nostalgia.

Find all copies of this song and burn them while listening to "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath.

That is all.

byte

Can't say I'm a big fan of the song either, not helped by it being on the radio far too often.

Zaph

Video is moderately clever, song is absolutely dire. Other than kids wasting their pocket money, I fail to see who else would actually buy it.

fatboypee

its a love or hate one allright, on the whose buying it side, probably those who relate to the story or the relationship of the father & Son either from a parental or child perspective, as for it being commercialism wrapped up as sentiment. I don't agree, love it, or hate it, for orginiality it gets top marks in an otherwise utterly forgettable boringly manufactured popluar music scene ! And the video is fantastic in my opinion.

FBP.

tbh

magpie wrote:

What's worse is that its corporate avarice bundled as innocent childhood nostalgia.

That is all.

Explain that?
The band are unsigned to a major, and the success of the song is down to viral marketing and word of mouth. Hardly a corporate machine, is it?
The singer was dsylexic in school and was picked on by the teachers, and bullied by the other kids. His dad knew this, and so would take him out of school every once in a while to give him a break. So Luke wrote a song about it. What is he supposed to do, give it away for free? Incidentally, the album is brilliant.

so, can you back up your comments?

wes

Great track and I love the video.

magpie

The singer was dsylexic in school and was picked on by the teachers, and bullied by the other kids

Yes, yes, very moving.

the success of the song is down to viral marketing

Nice corporate-speak

What is he supposed to do, give it away for free?

If its good enough for Anton Newcombe, its good enough for Dyslexic JCB Man.

so, can you back up your comments?

Who paid for the website?

fatboypee

When the offered alternative is "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath, I'd say anyone trying to argue the case for the jcb song is onto a big loser */ sarcasm */ :rolleyes:

FBP.

magpie

Well, at least we now know why the video doesn't feature the band members

When the offered alternative is "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath, I'd say anyone trying to argue the case for the jcb song is onto a big loser */ sarcasm */

It was intended as being as far removed from JCB as possible for comic effect. I do however realise that you would prefer some nice David Gray, James Blunt or Daniel Powter.

tbh

If you want to go to http://www.last.fm/user/caimin/ you'll see the music I've been listening to. No David Grey or James Blunt to be seen. You seem to be saying that if I like one song of a paticular genre, I automatically like all other songs of that genre. Is that the case for you?

You're not answering any of my questions. You say that my description of viral markent is nice corporate speak. So If I say I have a headache, am I baffling you with my medical knowledge? I described it as viral marketing because thats what it is. The success of the song is due to word of mouth. The post I was replying to had some guff about Corporate Avarice. I'm asking you to demonstrate to me how it is corporate averice - you've not done that at all. How do you define Avarice? On behalf of which corporation, or entity? Or were you just saying it because you think it makes your opinion more interesting?

You mention Anton Newcombe. I don't know who that is, I'm assuming that is someone who gives their music away for free - are you suggesting that music can only be good as long as it's not bought or sold? Is this specific to Nizlopi, or would it apply to other bands as well?

As far as I know, the person who paid for the website is a guy called Kieron Colcannon, who manages them. I thought I heard them say on <ahem> Richard and Judy that he had put his own money into them. I'm glad that someone who'll take that kind of risk exists, and I hope it works out for him.
However, from the way you asked the question, you seem to know, and I'm probably wrong. So who did pay for it? please tell me, and then tell me why you think it's wrong to promote a band like that - even if it is for financial gain.

and your quote about how they are not in the video - you are saying they are too ugly? That kind of comment kind of screws up your position on the "indie is the only way" argument.

You could have just said you don't like the song. That's fair comment. Implying that it's some sort of cynical scam is ridiculous, tbh.

magpie

If you want to go to http://www.last.fm/user/caimin/ you'll see the music I've been listening to. No David Grey or James Blunt to be seen

Bit defensive aren't we? The David Grey Statement was aimed at fatboypee. Interesting to see Nizlopi nestled between Alice in Chains and Robbie Williams in your all-time faves though.

I described it as viral marketing because thats what it is. The success of the song is due to word of mouth. The post I was replying to had some guff about Corporate Avarice.

If you really believe there is any such thing as 'word of mouth' success without PR agencies, Marketing agencies and Radio pluggers then you're a little naieve. Somebody has invested heavily in this "product" (which is what it is) and is cleverly constructing a campaign to get as many people as possible to buy it. A campaign that revolves around hard luck stories and the little guy does well. How do you think they got on Richard and Judy? Their PR agent put them there. Its all designed to maximise profit, ergo is Corporate Avarice.

You mention Anton Newcombe. I don't know who that is

www.brianjonestownmassacre.com Enjoy!

As far as I know, the person who paid for the website is a guy called Kieron Colcannon, who manages them.

In other words a businessman looking to make money. Right?

you are saying they are too ugly

Nope. Its just that they look like Public School twits. But give them your money if you like.

fatboypee

magpie wrote:

Well, at least we now know why the video doesn't feature the band members



It was intended as being as far removed from JCB as possible for comic effect. I do however realise that you would prefer some nice David Gray, James Blunt or Daniel Powter.

as opposed to, say, "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath ?

Oh lord, yeah!....... :rolleyes: ...............

tbh

magpie wrote:

Bit defensive aren't we? The David Grey Statement was aimed at fatboypee. Interesting to see Nizlopi nestled between Alice in Chains and Robbie Williams in your all-time faves though.

Well, if when you say interesting, you mean its interesting because I listen to a band that I've come on here to defend, then yeah, I suppose it's interesting.

magpie wrote:

If you really believe there is any such thing as 'word of mouth' success without PR agencies, Marketing agencies and Radio pluggers then you're a little naieve.

Ever heard of the arctic monkeys? or white town?

magpie wrote:

Somebody has invested heavily in this "product" (which is what it is) and is cleverly constructing a campaign to get as many people as possible to buy it. A campaign that revolves around hard luck stories and the little guy does well. How do you think they got on Richard and Judy? Their PR agent put them there. Its all designed to maximise profit, ergo is Corporate Avarice.

Ok, so obviously you don't like any music at all then? or only the free stuff?

Or, again, does this specifically apply to Nizlopi?

magpie wrote:

www.brianjonestownmassacre.com Enjoy!

I'll give it a go. but I ain't payin!!:D

magpie wrote:

In other words a businessman looking to make money. Right?

You could say the same about a doctor, lawyer, nun or priest, if you wanted to, but I wouldn't agree with you.

magpie wrote:

Nope. Its just that they look like Public School twits. But give them your money if you like.

do you think I could get my money back if I explain that I didn't know what they looked like before I bought it?:rolleyes:

magpie

as opposed to, say, "War Pigs" by Blakc Sabbath ?

Oh lord, yeah!....... ...............

I thought so

Well, if when you say interesting

No, it was more the company it was keeping that interested me.

Ever heard of the arctic monkeys?

Brilliant. I have a poster from their gig in Whelans. Yours for only €20 + postage.

or white town?

Drivel. But yes, point taken on both counts. However neither appeared out of nowhere with a suspiciously Flashy (pun intended) website.

Ok, so obviously you don't like any music at all then? or only the free stuff?

No, I do like music, but I'm aware its being marketed to me in the same way as say, Coke.

I'll give it a go. but I ain't payin!!

Its all there for free, with the option to buy if you like it

You could say the same about a doctor, lawyer

Money-grabbing servants of Satan

nun or priest

Is the money good in the Clergy?

do you think I could get my money back if I explain that I didn't know what they looked like before I bought it?

Nope, its probably being used to renovate the East Wing of the Country Pile as we speak.

fatboypee

magpie wrote:

I thought so

How intuitive

Whilst we are on the subject of twee, cloying sentimental songs, did'nt the beloved Ozzy duet with his wonderfully talented daughter one or two christmasses ago with a real classy number ???

Ahh the pinnacle of the hell raiser....

Also....not sure how many public school twits had jcb digger fathers.... but then it's all marketing, perhaps he owned the company and was driving it home

tbh

fair enough magpie, you're not going to be convinced. It's a pity, because its a great album, but as someone else said, different strokes..

to just nail a couple of points:

The Selection on last.fm:
If you are using that to pooh-pooh my music taste, fair enough, but in context please - Nizlopi has 20 plays (in total), and Robbie 19(in total). This is because both of them have new albums out, which I listend to in the last couple of weeks. Don't get me wrong - I liked both of them, in their place, but to say that they are among my all time favourite bands isn't accurate. You could have said that I've listened to The Beatles more than the two combined. Also, last.fm just tracks the music I listen to in work, so it's not really illustrative of my general music taste. but thats a minor point.

Artic Monkeys:
I knew you went, I saw your post. Did they sucker you out of your money? or did you get a product that was worth the fee? Cause I did when I bought the Nizlopi album (direct from the website, btw, at that point they couldn't afford to distribute it). Also, I didn't say I liked either of those bands (drivel), but they were two I thought up off the top of my head. I'm sure I could think of more......but I won't.

what you said either applies to all music, or none of it, tbh. The way I see it is this: guy has hard time, guy writes nice song, other guy hears nice song, makes record, sells record, everybody's happy.

The unfortunate thing for you is, IMO of course, you seem to have picked on one of the few bands who have actually gone through things the hard way to make your corporate avarace accusation against. but what the hell, its only a song.

cheers,
caimin

magpie

I should probably explain that I only own a couple of Black Sabbath albums, and cannot abide any Ozzy solo outings. I should probably explain further that I'm not a strictly Metal Acolyte - as I said it was the first thing that came into my mind as the antithesis of this kind of cloying sentimentality (nice choice of words BTW).

not sure how many public scholl twits had jcb digger fathers

You've obviously not met many public school twits from across the water. In the UK they tend to own farms of several gazzillion acres, and Pater usually likes to get stuck in as well. Unlike Ireland, driving a JCB does not necessarily mark you out as being of a lower caste. Ever heard of Gentleman Farmers?

Doctor J

Ahhhh please stop, the lot of ye. So little of this thread is actually about the music. Who gives a **** if Satan himself designed the website or what brand of van was used to drive the first box of CD's into Tower?

Personally I think the song is terrible, but that's just my opinion, if someone else likes it, yippee. Wow, imagine a world where different people have different tastes and can live in perfect harmony, like Stevie and Paul wanted

tbh

lukes dad was an irish navvy- as suggested by the Christy Moore reference. and neither of them went to public school - quite the opposite.

NOW do you like them??

magpie

pooh-pooh

No, not entirely. I like "Grace" by Supergrass too!

guy has hard time, guy writes nice song, other guy hears nice song, makes record, sells record, everybody's happy. The unfortunate thing for you is, IMO of course, you seem to have picked on one of the few bands who have actually gone through things the hard way to make your corporate avarace accusation against

Again with the hard luck stories. I'm sure Algernon and Nigel did get picked on at school for wearing bow ties, lisping and playing the double bass, but it doesn't make the song, or the Saccharine way its being marketed any more palatable.

fatboypee

magpie wrote:

You've obviously not met many public school twits from across the water. In the UK they tend to own farms of several gazzillion acres, and Pater usually likes to get stuck in as well. Unlike Ireland, driving a JCB does not necessarily mark you out as being of a lower caste. Ever heard of Gentleman Farmers?

I thought the gentlemen farmers were over here too ?? the landed gentry here seem to be English (or west-british), American or German....:)

As for driving the JCB Man-o-man thats a nice little earner these days ! I got billed 90 euro an hour for my house diggin !

for my own personal music taste, manufactured or otherwise I'm a fan of most music if it makes its point, regardless of genre, personal favourites include Paul Weller & lloyd Cole (oldies I suppose )

FBP.

magpie

imagine a world where different people have different tastes and can live in perfect harmony

Never!

honru

What's the deal? I saw this air on MTV2's 120 Minutes a month or three ago but now it's gunning for the Christmas number one?!

The video is charming enough but I wouldn't go any further tbh.

Daavid

Personally, I think the video is great, I mean really well done, but the song is sadly lacking (though I haven't heard it that much cos I avoid the radio and MTV at all costs) However, Magpie, just curious, have yuo ever heard of a guy called David Jones? In the late sixties another guy called Kenneth Pitt pumped a fair amount of his own cash into David Jones to help him make a video. One of the songs on the video was called Space Oddity, maybe you know it, anyway, Jones changed his name to Bowie not long before that and the rest is history. Thank Christ there are people willing to risk their own cash on what they think might be a success because the sad fact is that in todays bubble gum pop world (and all the other crap being released) we need it to happen to be able to filter out the very few decent things worth listening to. Not saying that Nizlopi fall into that category or anything (though I'm not saying they don't either, just my personal preference) but its nice to know that those risks are still happening.

Just my 2 cents

tbh

I meant to say yesterday, the guys who did that video did for for Creep by radiohead - don't think its official or anything, but I loved it.

http://www.lowmorale.co.uk/creep/

Daavid

Outstanding!

magpie

have yuo ever heard of a guy called David Jones? In the late sixties another guy called Kenneth Pitt

Yeah, I know, Andrew Loog Oldham and Brian Epstein to boot.

If Frangipani or whatever they're called ever release an album as good as Scary Monsters I'll gladly eat the boards.ie servers washed down with a can of red bull (which I hate). But yeah, point taken.

Daavid

magpie wrote:

If Frangipani or whatever they're called ever release an album as good as Scary Monsters I'll gladly eat the boards.ie servers washed down with a can of red bull (which I hate). But yeah, point taken.

LOL, I don't think you've anything to worry about

Wertz

Chrsit this thread turned into a sh*tfest while I was away :v:

Anyways I just dug it up to say that Nizlopi have indeed made it to the coveted top spot in both the UK and Irish charts...now I'm not entirely sure if it's this week's or next week's chart that counts (is there even a chart next week?).

Things could still go pear shaped if this guy off that ITV talentless show or Louis Walsh stage a buy out of his midweek release...my money's still on Nizlopi and without getting into a debate with Magpie, I think the original writing of this track was 100% genuine and that it does show over the top of crap like James Blunt or other similar acts you mention...okay the marketeers may have gotten hold of it with an eye to making money but that's the orgnaised music business for ya; I hate the commercialisation of music with a passion but those are the times in whcih we're living...

BaZmO*

Wertz wrote:

Anyways I just dug it up to say that Nizlopi have indeed made it to the coveted top spot in both the UK and Irish charts...now I'm not entirely sure if it's this week's or next week's chart that counts (is there even a chart next week?).

AFAIK it will go down as the official Christmas No.1

The charts are released every Sunday, as I'm sure you're aware of, and because next Sunday is Chistmas Day yesterday was the day that counted.

Great song btw.

B.

BaZmO*

Just had a look on-line and apparently there will be a chart next week. Hopefully they'll still be No.1 next week.

Also, if anyboy is interested here's a link to the original video to the song. I love the new video but I thought someone might be interested.

http://homepage.mac.com/kieronconcannon/iMovieTheater9.html

B.

jacool

In a straight choice between this and X-factor, I pray this is No. 1
I've skipped through most of the above discussion/argument as I didn't know what you were discussing/arguing about.
I think the song is original and good luck to them.
All taste in music should be subjective, but isn't this a good story due to the way it came about, i.e. from nothing ? Will that not inspire all those music makers who can't or won't go down the You're A Star/X-Factor/Pop Idol Louis Walsh manufactured blandorama route ?

grumpytrousers

I've a notion that they'll be blown out of the water by the X Factor Winner - definitely in the UK, although possibly not here.

It's unfortunate really, that there really are so many cloth eared dullards out there whose only foray into a record store is at Christmas and that pretty much every last man jack of them feels obliged to buy utter crud...

Wertz

grumpytrousers wrote:

I've a notion that they'll be blown out of the water by the X Factor Winner - definitely in the UK, although possibly not here.

It's unfortunate really, that there really are so many cloth eared dullards out there whose only foray into a record store is at Christmas and that pretty much every last man jack of them feels obliged to buy utter crud...

Heard somethng on BBC R1 this morning about the sh*te factor Cd single being shipped in a batch of something like 750K units :rolleyes:
I wonder how many of them the record company involved buys back off the shelves?
Hell I wouldn't mind even Westlife pipping this crap to no1; at least they've somewhat earned their right to dive into the top 10.
Given the feedback of many listeners out there on various stations, I think nizlopi will hold on to it, at least here....the UK seems to be a lot more rigged (you only have to look at the x-factor betting scam thing to see that) so that remains to be seen...

Burn in hell, reality-pop-talent-public-txt-vote-make-sh1te- of-saturday-night-TV shows and the people responsible for them; you are truly guilty of a crime on music lovers everywhere.

BaZmO*

Wertz wrote:

Heard somethng on BBC R1 this morning about the sh*te factor Cd single being shipped in a batch of something like 750K units :rolleyes:

Are you sure it was that many? On a normal week 100K units would get you to No.1 and I know that at Christmas the sales increase, but by that much?

B.

grumpytrousers

Wertz wrote:

I wonder how many of them the record company involved buys back off the shelves?

Heh - there used to be a story going around about a certain diminutive 'music' figure who may or may not have been a judge on a certain reality show who, when challenged by his protegees as to why they couldn't do something new that their fans would like, took them out to the boot of his car which was stacked full of the said bands own CD's. All newly bought.

"Fans - you want to do something that your fans will like - here's your f*ckin' fans'

Wertz

Aye was definitely that high...something to do with the anticipated demand as much as for reaching no1...apparently this is the biggest week of the year for CD single purchases, probably to be given as presents.

William Hill are supposed to have stopped taking bets on the x factor guy at something insane like 1/9 due to the level of large bets....and since the downloaded tunes play a role in the charts this year, it's easier than ever to artificially place your record in the top spot should you so choose.

scuba steve

love the video. It gets stuck in your head so easily too

rugbug86

its now on itunes for anyone who wants to buy it

Devon

Do have a read of my comprehensive review here:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054864336

shanethemofo

sry but this song is the buggest load of bull shi*te ever