Heyyyy we’re trying something new! I had mentioned that I wanted to start posting my thoughts on music too, and we’re going to give it a go right now. Starting with new wave/post-punk legends Modern English’s latest album 1234 because I was well beyond excited to hear they had a new one coming out so I rushed right out and bought it – jk it’s 2024 and we can’t interact with each other publicly anymore – I ordered it online [insert for the record: I still buy things irl all the time. I was joking].
My Version:
Gatefold LP with yellow vinyl
I know you know who Modern English is (I’ll Melt with You, Hands Across the Sea – you’ve definitely heard them), so I’m not going to bother talking too much about the band. Let’s focus on the music. I feel like 1234 moves a little bit closer to their roots, which I am 1000% here for – if you only know them for their hits, know this: Modern English’s larger catalogue is so much…better than that. Their overall catalogue actually has some pretty serious Joy Division vibes. To me, that is more apparent than ever in this release. Remember when I wrote that tiny piece on Vision Video (don’t worry, we’ll come back around to them at some point because they’re brilliant)? 1234 is similar to what those folks are doing in that they’re putting highly political themes and lyrics to music you wouldn’t necessarily associate with politics.
“Not My Leader” rails against corrupt leadership. According to vocalist Robbie Gray, “I remember first coming to America in the early ’80s. We had Margaret Thatcher and you had Ronald Reagan. And then fast forward to today to Donald Trump and all the politicians and corporate organizations that have followed — along with their corruption and greed. It’s the same thing 40 years later, really. It’s the same old shit that makes the ordinary person feel sick. ‘Not My Leader’ is a song against those people.”
And “Plastic” delves into the damage we have done to the planet – how there is plastic in everything now. The people, the water supplies, the animals, everything. If you want to hear a fun, catchy song about the danger and prevalence of microplastics in the modern world, this one’s for you!
And the last song I will specifically call out is “Not Fake.” As a meditation on what a fake, silly little world we’ve developed in the Western World it is beyond reproach as far as I’m concerned. We surround ourselves with things that have been foisted upon us by celebrities and influencers while completely disconnecting ourselves from each other and the world around us.
My vote is that you give 1234 a listen – you don’t have to buy it or anything, I’m not the boss of you. Live your best minimalist life if that’s what floats your boat. But know this – Modern English hasn’t gone anywhere (except between like 1986-89 when I believe they were officially split). They’re still out there kicking ass and taking names. You can check out their website here.
