Classic Album: McCarthy - I Am A Wallet (1987)

Oh McCarthy. Wonderful, wonderful McCarthy. To me they always held so much more value and beauty than a lot of the other C86 bands (Wedding Present being a big exception of course), which is odd considering the fact that many political bands are often accused of being too dry and unemotional (Gang Of Four are an obvous example). McCarthy formed in Barking, Essex in 1984. They mixed the 12 string jangly melodicism of the late 80s c86 scene with highly political left-wing lyrics that would make them a vital influence on the early work of the Manic Street Preachers. They released a string of singles, and three highly acclaimed albums (now all re-released on the wonderful Cherry Red), the first of which was 1987's I Am A Wallet, four songs from which are below for you to listen to. My personal favourites are the ace Antinature and An MP Speaks, both of which are both super catchy, critical and melancholically stunnig. The band split in 1990, after which guitarist Tim Gane went on to form the equally great Stereolab.

For more info on McCarthy you can check out the very extensive page over at tweenet, look at Wikipedia or buy their records from Cherry Red. Enjoy.

McCarthy - Charles Windsor
McCarthy - An Mp Speaks
McCarthy - Monetaries
McCarthy - Antinature