NC: Would you sign to a large record company?

TM: Natural instincts say no, but you should keep an open mind about these things. Search and destroy, investigate. I mean, define 'Big'. What is that? Compared to how they were in 1976 Rough Trade are big, Stiff are big.

NC: Any opinions on people bootlegging your gigs?

TM: Bootlegging? No thanks. Do you like people in the street taking your photo without asking?

NC: Who writes the lyrics and who writes the music?

TM: Generally, I write the lyrics and Bill Carter writes the music. However, the whole thing comes together collectively in the studio.

NC: What other bands have you been in?

TM: Other bands are not really relevant. Nothing of any note OK?

NC: Do you want success, money, etc?

TM: First off, I like how you put money and success together. Veeery interesting.

NC: Would you go poppy, just for a hit?

TM: Aha, a hidden drug reference in this one. Caught you out, you bastard. Are you kidding?

NC: Do you aim to further R'n'B's limits?

TM: We have been described as an R'n'B group but not in the sense that you think; we are not a typical pub rock outfit playing standards and a few hackneyed originals. You'd have to see us to see what I mean. Maybe we're the only real R'n'B group. Check out Howlin' Wolf. The Magic Band?

NC: In NME you were compared with Pere Ubu: what did you think of that?

TM: I like Pere Ubu, so if we are compared, that's OK.

NC: Is Wilko Johnson an influence?

TM: Wilko is the original R'n'B headcase: "I'm walking sideways and my mind's in neutral". He is one of the few - very few - people in this country who can write real R'n'B beat tunes. We like him, we don't do any of his tunes.

NC: What do you think of fanzines?

TM: I like fanzines. I used to edit one myself. Some of them are still knocking around in 1977 somewhere. There is a lot that can be done: layouts should change, articles should be broader.

NC: Do you mind being ignored by the press?

TM: No.

The End