Lend me your ears and I'll tell you all about a great band called The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco, they released 'The Cruise Control EP' to the world last October, you can get your filthy paws on it for the princely sum of just £2 from their Bandcamp page (see link at the bottom of the page).
We caught up with the band at the local diner, in-between sucking down cheeseburgers and slurping chocolate shakes, we managed to squeeze a few questions in….
Name of your band? The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco
Location? Essex, England
Names of all members? If I could tell you, I would. Neil Sedaka is a bad cat, and his lawyers are scary dudes.
When did you form? We’ve been making music since we were kids, but the Earl Harley showed us the way in 2013.
Introduce yourself and your music in one sentence…. We’re Essex chancres trying to make proper, grown-up pop music; if you like Steely Dan, Squeeze, Randy Newman, 10cc, Todd Rundgren etc then you might like the noise we make.
A fascinating fact about you or one of the band members? Our manager only had three fingers on his left hand.
Last time you used public transport and where did you go? Two days ago, the bus to the pub (it goes to other places too, apparently)
Last time you felt proud? Two days ago, when I made it to the pub….and when Chris Difford from Squeeze bought our record and liked it.
What classic song do you wish you recorded and why? Would have loved to have been in The Family Stone when Sly recorded ‘Family Affair’…..naughty business.
Last movie you saw? Quantum Of Solace on TV last night. That Daniel Craig is a fox.
Last book you read? The Art Of Fielding by Chad Harbach. It’s ace. He’s obviously read Moby Dick.
What did you dream about last night? Nothing that I recall.
Last time you cried? After we busted our manager out of the Kazakhstan State Circus medical bay, only to find it was too late.
Last time you were rude to someone and why? The bear handler at the Kazakhstan State Circus…he should be more careful. Surely that industry should be more tightly regulated…..I don’t think he understood what I called him. I hope not.
What excites you? Some days, everything. Other days, not so much.
Biggest musical influence? As a kid, my Dad’s Eagles and Elton John records. Then I found out that a lot of that came from the late 60’s and early 70’s Laurel Canyon scene and also The Band. I’m going to say Levon Helm (today).
Earliest childhood memory? In terms of one that’s relevant to this band, meeting the others at about 10 years old.
Best gig you ever played? ….
Best band/artist of 2013? I don’t spend much time listening to music made after 1980.
Biggest act you have ever played with (supported or on the same bill as)? Neil Sedaka. For Pete’s sake don’t tell anyone.
The last album/record you bought? Do It Yourself (Ian Dury and the Blockheads). Ace.
Last time you had a fight? I was 8 years old. Quite proud of the lack of fighting so far.
Tell me one of your guilty pleasures? Fighting.
Best advice you ever received and who was it from? Never carry a nervous pig in your car.
Largest amount spent in a single purchase? (excluding property) Wife.
Whilst we arranged for a Daniel Craig 'look-a-like' to appear in the next booth to where we were all sat (scoffing the remainders of cheeseburgers) washed down with 'cawfee' (a bit like coffee but from New York), I decided to bring forth the big gun 'quick fire' questions….
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Coke or Pepsi? Neither
Mac or PC? Mac. Once you Mac, you’ll never go back.
Holidays/Vacations – Beach or ski-ing? Inside good, outside bad.
Meat or Vegetables? Pervert.
CD or Vinyl? Vinyl.
Car or Motorbike? Car
Cat or Dog? Bear.
Acoustic or Electric? Acoustic piano, electric kettle.
Angelina or Jennifer? Jennifer.
Cooked Breakfast (bacon/eggs/mushrooms/toast etc) or Cereal? I love the smell of bacon in the morning. Cooked breakfast. Are we coming to stay?
So there you have it folks, an in-depth, meaningful interview which I hope allows you to feel a little closer to the band, if you happen to come across them on your travels, tell them that you saw this feature on the website, I am sure they'll go out of their way to add 10% to the cost of a fair-trade t-shirt emblazoned with their logo….
Here's a load of links to the band, go check them all out….
Social Media Channels
Twitter @tailfinfiasco
Forthcoming live dates/Shows
If the injunction is lifted, there’ll be some in the Spring….