Exceptional poppers part 2: Part 1

Of all those who have stopped into Alcopop Records for a steaming cup of damn fine music, and side-plate of shortbread love, Coxy is a shining hero. Author of two blogs, Coxy’s blog and Gamestyle – he has been an ever present, owner of every Alcopop release and regular – and seemingly pursuer of all things that are brilliant… Here he is, commenting on Wimpy Burger, Carrot Men and Parsley from the herbs.

Oh, and his answers are so informed and long – I’ve decided to put the post into two parts. Here’s the first…

Of all the Alcopop releases that have ever graced your postbox, which is your very favourite?
I feel obliged to say ‘Encyclopedia – Emily’, Alcopop’s first release and the start of the singles club. The Singles Club was probably the first club I’ve ever joined of my own free will and I was quite excited to be receiving some good post for once. Encyclopedia’s Oli makes me feel slightly gay and Bencyclopedia is a lovely, lovely person and first introduced me to Alcopop (the label, not the drink).

I’m also looking forward to upcoming release ‘goFASTER>> – Flammable Leisurewear’ because the band make boss-pop and are really cool people. The artwork looks to be ace, too.

Got any red hot tips for the best bands one might catch on the smaller circuits of 2008?
I have a long list of artists that I’d like to see popular in 2008, including Fourteen Corners, National School, Mr Kamikaze and Manchester’s own Vile Vile Creatures. However, if I had to narrow my choice down to one, The Old Romantic Killer Band from Leeds have been blasting out of my speakers everyday for the past month. I do believe they have a single coming out in Q1 2008 and are currently touring the small venues nationwide before they head off to SXSW later this year.

Coxy – which 80’s/early 90’s cartoon character do you most relate too?
Something tells me you’re looking for me to say ‘Shaggy’ from the hit TV show ‘Scooby Doo’, but alas, physical appearance aside, I’d much prefer to be ‘Parsley the Lion’ from ‘The Herbs’. Parsley is as wise as I am and carries style and debonair – or at least pretends to. When those around him lose their head, he keeps calm, plays it cool and pretends to know what he’s doing.