Vincent (SeedsMahon Of 77/ Morgellons)

economic direction and sharp editing. The cast are uniformly excellent and what really strikes home is using the relatives of real OxyContin victims to introduce each episode. All in all, a very good bit of telly. And it was nice to see Matthew Broderick in something other than his usual “nice guy” stuff.

Also, “Love, Death and Robots” is absolutely brilliant.

Musically I’m always playing catchup and there’s so much great stuff out there it’s impossible to get to the end of it. I’ve only just been introduced to the world of Vic Chesnutt and he has me entranced. Wonderful, heartrending, viscerally beautiful music made by a rare talent with a troubled soul. I wish he was still around as I’d have loved to have seen him live. Poor sod. I hope he’s at peace, wherever he is.

You could write what I know about Jazz on the back of a postage stamp and still have room for your name, address, phone number and a comprehensive shopping list. But “Ascenseur pour l’échafaud” (Lift to the Scaffold) by Miles Davis is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard. It’s a Jazz album for people who don’t like Jazz, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to a chilled and gentle Sunday morning. It’s the soundtrack to a film of the same name, and when you consider the entire album was improvised on the fly in the studio while they were watching said film, that’ll give you an idea of the musical chops on all involved. Incredible.

Of the current crop of bands on rotation chez Mahon, I’m very fond of Adwaith: a band of Welsh girls who sing in their native tongue and make make a jolly fine racket. I also love Protomartyr (Imagine The Fall if they came from Detroit). Dream Wife are great and I love their new album; High-Vis make a cracking racket, as do Snapped Ankles. The Lovely Eggs are superb and I’ve always got time for a bit of Beak. Pale Blue Eyes are well worth investigating, too. I’m off to the Krankenhaus festival for the August Bank Holiday and that’s always a great source for discovering new bands.

As for older stuff, well you can bury me with my copy of “Dusk” by The The. It’s a perfect album. And the Snivelling Shits are quite possibly the greatest thing to have happened ever, ever, ever, since the Dawn of Time.

3. What does Punk Rock mean to you?

I think of Punk Rock as a uniquely British mutant strain of Rock ’n’ Roll. You can argue the toss about who did what first until the cows come home, and the Americans had “Punk” nailed down for sure with the

MC5, the Stooges, the Velvets and any number of snotty garage bands erupting like acne all over the face of the U S of A. But Punk Rock was something else entirely, and I don’t think it could have been spawned anywhere other than Britain in the late 1970s.

4. Who was the first artist you paid to see? Blimey. I’m pretty sure it would have been Toyah at Harrow Technical College, sometime in 1980.

5. Who is the most influential person in your life? No one individual stands out. It’s more a collection of influences and ideas that have shaped me over time. In terms of trying to be a lyricist, it would be Tim (TV) Smith from the Adverts, especially “Crossing the Red Sea…”; Richard Strange from the Doctors of Madness; and Poly Styrene from X-Ray-Spex.

I’m no student of philosophy, but I’d say that Stoicism offers some practical guidance on how to get through life in one piece. And there are several writers whose works have left a lasting impression, such as George Orwell, James Baldwin, Joe Orton and Christopher Hitchens. I like cynics and sceptics. I also admire people who are brave enough to remain true to themselves regardless of what the outside world thinks. There’s a lovely quote from Quentin Crisp which sums it all up rather nicely, I think:

“In an expanding universe, time is on the side of the outcast. Those who once inhabited the suburbs of human contempt find that without changing their address they eventually live in the metropolis.”

I like that.

6. Which song do you wish you had written?

I don’t play an instrument so pretty much every great song I hear, I wish I’d written. I know I’m prone to hyperbole, but “All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem is so very great. It starts with an almost Baba O’Riley riff, adds some lovely subtle New Order guitar, then goes on an epic journey through friendship, loss, growing up, relationships, responsibility and family. I honestly think this is one of the finest songs I’ve ever heard and it gets me every time.

7. What would you older self tell your 16 year old self? Don’t be afraid to try Don’t be afraid to fail Don’t be afraid to keep your dreams ‘Cause some things aren’t for sale Don’t be afraid to fall in love Don’t be afraid to hope And don’t give up when things go wrong ‘Cause somehow, you will cope.

Also, never prioritise anyone who only considers you to be an option.

8. Is the internet a help or hindrance to a) new acts. b) established acts?

The internet is a tool and like any tool, it can be used for good or bad. I dip my toe in and out of it and it’s almost impossible to do anything without involving social media these days. But I think it’s lost its way somehow and it doesn’t excite me anymore. I can’t help feeling some amazing possibilities have been squandered.

9. What four things would you put in a time capsule? A copy of “Hunky Dory”; a DVD of “Cabaret”; an illustrated copy of William Blake’s “Songs of Innocence and Experience” and a fine bottle of claret (I’m including a glass). Whoever finds that lot is in for a good time.

London, late 1975 just as it was all beginning to ferment. I was ten at the time, so far too young to appreciate what was coming. But I’d also loved to have seen Billie Holiday back in the 1930’s, and Ziggy’s farewell at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1973. And I’m keeping the Time Machine.

11. If you could be any character in a film, what film and who would it be?

I don’t know if I’d want to be him, but Kesyer Soze from “The Usual Suspects” was a fascinating character and the legend built up around him in the film ramped up the tension, putting him right out there in the villainy stakes. But I don’t think I’d make a very good criminal mastermind/evil genius type. It looks like a lot of hard work and “The Simpsons” is on in a minute.

12. You are now In The Club, but which club do you actually wish it was?

I’m with Groucho Marx on the idea of clubs: I wouldn’t join one that would have me as a member.

13. Who’d be in your 4 piece fantasy band. Guitar, Bass, Drums and Vocals? (Although you don’t have to restrict it to a 4 piece, or those instruments)

I thought I had the ideal four-piece fantasy band once. Turned out it was precisely that.

14. What question haven’t we asked you that you wish we had?

Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?I would’ve said “Arsenal!” :-) facebook.com/seedsof77

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Find out more about Bob Vylan here...

BIG thanks Vincent for taking the time to answer our questions so thoroughly, top man! (Ed) :-)

“50 and Coping is a podcast video show that looks to explore people’s coping mechanisms to trauma and mental health issues. At no time are we suggesting we have all the answers but we have lived our lives and have coped with many things and if our experience can give any solace or guidance then we see that as a positive.” youtube.com/@jimdistortionuk