Earl Brutus!

In observation of the passing of front man Nick Sanderson, here are six excellent factoids re 90's Britpop/rock also-rans Earl Brutus:

1. At an early show they set vats of Brut cologne in front of electric fans which blew scent wafting onto the crowd, on the premise that "a band should have a smell."

2. One of them was Jamie Fry, brother of one Martin "ABC" Fry.

3. They knew how to make those Computer World-era Kraftwerk blips and beeps that I wish I knew how to make (check out old single "On Me, Not in Me" for details). Also: Bowie obsessives (always a plus!).

4. They had a Japanese dude called Shin-Yu who would just shout stuff.

5. The main guitar guy was one of the Joboxers (of "Just Got Lucky" 80s semi-obscurity).

6. They had an onstage spinning garage forecourt sign (think of the "HOME" sign in A Clockwork Orange) which would switch sides from reading"MUSIC" to "CHIPS."

Here is the video for "Come Taste My Mind." Check the Mick Ronson equation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi_mTvH4HMI

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article4391616.ece