Everyone knows the lengthy history of The Punch Line; their various ups, downs and incarnations. And now everyone knows the band who promised to deliver a solid, instantly classic POP album has done just that. April, 2006 finally saw the band's oft-talked about, oft-rumored (and near-legendary) "...to get to the other side", released and available to a market that usually doesn't embrace this kind of guitar-driven pop--but has done so in this case.
Formed in 1986 from the ashes of Two Minutes Hate (who began in 1983), Marc Treboschi and Rob Ross set off to wipe out the memory of that collapsed band by walking away from the British influences, right down to disavowing their initial so-called alignment with ''Mod" and putting their Rickenbackers in storage. When Rob ran into old friend Chris Collins at a Fleshtones gig in Summer '86, things begin to happen; by the beginning of 1987, Marc, Rob and Chris managed to rope in Carl Treboschi, Marc's older brother to join the band on bass, as he and Rob already were doing acoustic gigs to showcase their vocal harmonies. It was natural and the perfect fit, as the original line-up of The Punch Line was officially born.
In July 1987, the debut Punch Line single, the now classic "The Wild Flowers" c/w "Faster Than I Like" was recorded and released. The band fell apart in June 1988 until May of 1991, with all band members on board; The Punch Line began setting the scene for a return to the fray. While rehearsals, recording and a few live shows pointed the way for '91 to be the year (finally) of The Punch Line, the usual insanities led to yet another band implosion. After recording "Bandwagon" for the R.E.M.-tribute album Surprise Your Pig, The Punch Line broke up.
Fast forward to Fall, 2002, as drummer Chris Collins suggested getting together to make music again. Rob said yes as an exercise of fun, not meant to become The Punch Line, not after all those years. Inevitably, the more effort put forth, the more it was evident that The Punch Line had been quietly reborn. Although attempts were made to bring the Treboschi brothers back, they did not wish to participate and The Punch Line began pushing ahead. By Summer 2004, with another old friend, Robert Werner, joining the band on bass, it led the band from gig to studio to this--a wonderfully-crafted, lovingly-executed, 10 song musical novel written by Rob Ross. Conscious or otherwise, these 10 songs flow together with an unheard thread to make you read this with your hearts and heads.
On the heels of this proud document, the band plan on several live shows during the upcoming months of 2006; until dates are confirmed nothing is being announced but there are some surprises soon to be brought forward. One firm appearance is the November edition of the International Pop Overthrow festival, in New York; keep checking back with the various sources (www.officialrobross.com, www.thepunchline.net, www.myspace.com/thepunchlineny) for dates and venues as they become available.
In the meantime, grab a copy of The Punch Line's "...to get to the other side" and let your faith in pop be renewed.
June 2006
I created my own profile using nUCLEArcENTURy.COM and you should too!
.. --> --> --> CDBABY LINK for THE PUNCH LINE: ...to get to the other side -->
Just stopping by to say hello and give you some news. The award winning album 'Coolgilly and the Freakshow' from Centascope is available worldwide from CD Baby and directly from the merchandise page of the official website. You can also get the album from Apple iTunes, MSN Music, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon.co.uk and many more.
The Ian McNabb MySpace Tour 2007 continues at a pace.
"I WILL COME AND PLAY IN YOUR LIVING ROOM. ROUND UP THE TROOPS, GET THE BOOZE AND FOOD IN, AND I WILL ROCK YOUR CURTAINS."
NO PARKING PROBLEMS!
NO BABYSITTERS REQUIRED!
NO RIP OFF TICKET PRICES/OVERLY PRICED DRINKS!
NO CURFEW!
NO ENDLESS PLUGGING OF NEW MATERIAL!
JUST HIT AFTER HIT AFTER HIT - COVERS TOO!
YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR!
FOR DETAILS EMAIL ME AT: ian@ianmcnabb.com
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IAN McNABB ON TOUR 2007:
Apr 27 2007 9:00P Black And White bar Nerja
May 3 2007 7:30P The Half Moon, Putney London
May 4 2007 7:30P The Royal Standard London
May 5 2007 7:30P Riga Live Music Bar Essex
May 6 2007 7:30P Cox"s Yard Warwickshire
May 26 2007 7:30P Manchester Academy 3 Manchester
Jun 8 2007 7:30P Philharmonic Hall Liverpool.
Jun 9 2007 7:30P Philharmonic Hall Liverpool
Jun 14 2007 8:00P Fleece and Firkin Bristol
Jun 24 2007 5:00P Knowsley Hall Music Festival Nr. Liverpool (The Icicle Works - w/Keane, The Zutons, The Who. Shack. The Coral, The View, Pete Wylie, Joss Stone etc).
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"Merseybeast - A Musical Memoir - 1962 - 2006" The Ian McNabb Autobiography. Available March 2008 - Liverpool European Capital Of Culture year.
"Any drummers in the house?" - Pete Townshend - first night of U.S. Quadrophenia tour 1973.
Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season Rob and sincere thanks for your kindness, encouragement and loyalty through the years.
Wishing you and the lads all the best and hope to see you in 07'.
Peace and Love,
Sharp
Great CD Rob and gang... and just at the right time it seems as (pardon me if I'm wrong)... isn't jangly pop coming back these days. Well, I bloomin' well hope so otherwise I'll have to stick to playing all my old Syd Barrett and Kinks albums as per usual.
Good playing and harmonies... most enjoyable - and you hid the kick ass track (Let It Go) away until the end. Nice surprise.... all the best, your chum - Cap'n S
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