Excellent socialist indiepop group from London who released 3 albums between 1987 and 1990. The Manic Street Preachers have often been quoted as saying that McCarthy are their favourite band and it's easy to see why: in an era of superficial 80's pop and kowtowing 'alternative' acts (sound familiar?) McCarthy refused to write love songs (unless you count
Boy Meets Girl So What), but wrapped their political lyrics in a sugar-frosted coating of 12-string jangly guitars and melodies.
One of my favourite C86 bands (they featured on the original tape) along with
Shop Assistants and others that don't have threads yet.
Their final album prominently featured the voice of guitarist Tim Gane's girlfriend Lætitia Sadier, the two would go on to form Stereolab (whilst retaining a social conscience).
Keep An Open Mind Or Else
Oh come along now
It's not quite like you say
With my last breath
I'll fight for your right to disagree
But I don't believe
It's as simple as you say
No I don't believe
In our arguing myself
Now well I know you should never
Think that you know everything
You should never, oh never
Think that you know everything
An open mind
Oh why don't you keep?
It's the true sign
Of the civilized
Argue forever
But don't you ever rest
I don't believe
In any such arguments as these
They might win the game
But they never will with me
For I make mine up
As I go along
You should always try to see
Another person's point of view
You should never, oh never
Think that you know everything
Because you will find
There are mysteries
Too deep to be explained
With the brain
Oh shut your trap
Or I'll shut it up for you
I don't believe in facts
No I just believe in me
Argue, I don't care
Would you like your face smashed in?
Say anything
I will be never be convinced
You should always try to see
Another person's point of view
You should never, oh never
Think that you know everything
An open mind
Oh why don't you keep?
It's the true side
Of the civilized
If you ever put your ideas
Into practice anyway
To be sure I'll be the first one
To be calling the police