Whole Wide World

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 30 Nov 2007, 21:13

It may seem a little uncharitable, on this day of all days, but I am truly appalled by what the Proclaimers have done with this Wreckless Eric classic.

They have managed to turn one of my favourite songs into a dirge. Guys, believe me, if she's in Taihiti it's probably because she's in hiding from you.

Not that Wreckless will be complaining. I'm sure the royalties will keep help pick up his bar tab for many years to come.

Still, it prompted me to re-live the singular delights of songs like 'Reconnez Cherie', 'Let's Go to the Pictures' and 'The Final Taxi'.

I can't imagine that there's a place for someone like Wreckless Eric in today's pop world. From the people who brought us Elvis Costello, The Damned, Ian Dury, Lene Lovich and many more, as they used to say back in the day, '"If it ain't Stiff, ..."

ecm · Post by **ecm** » 01 Dec 2007, 21:05

Hey Bob,

Did you catch the two part documenatry "If it ain't Stiff..." a couple of months ago on BBC4? If you missed it, there's a planned repeat for Friday 14th December (not sure if it's the whole thing again or a pared down version).
It was fantastically entertaining and the tales from the Stiff tours were hilarious.

Old Eric was featured quite a lot in it (as you would expect) and he looks bloody amazing considering how hard he's hit the bottle over the years. He's living in France these days. You should check out his website, some of his blogs are a brilliant read.

I haven't heard the Proclaimer's version yet. I'll try to keep it that way.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 01 Dec 2007, 21:48

Hey ecm, where you been? I thought I might lure you back with this thread. No, I missed that prog first time round - I really should check the listings occasionally - but I'm going to diary the repeat. Many thanks!