Bitter Springs - My Life as a Dog in a Pigsty
by Dixie Ernill
published: 10 / 5 / 2010
Label:
Harvey Records
Format: CDS
intro
Gritty and wryly humorous latest download single from constantly undervalued West London act Bitter Springs
Similar to Davey Woodward (The Brilliant Corners/The Experimental Pop Band), Simon Rivers is one of indie’s great ‘lost’ songwriters, having plied his impressive, but sadly undervalued trade, since the 1980s as frontman of Last Party before they morphed into the Bitter Springs in the early 1990s. Despite almost total indifference from the mainstream media, the Bitter Springs have delivered some worthy long players of gritty urban tales not too far detached from the early output of Pulp. Having mined the seam of relationships and all of their bitter and twisted manifestations, it was perhaps inevitable that sooner or later Rivers would cough up a song about bestiality, albeit with a heavy topping of wry humour that has gloriously coloured his back catalogue thus far (in a good way – Chas ‘n’ Dave this ain’t!). ‘My Life as A Dog in a Pigsty’ is up to the Bitter Springs' usual high standard and will be lapped up by the enlightened few, but unfortunately will not bring the band the deserved success it warrants, which is a crying shame because in these 'X-Factor' infected times we should be more grateful for bands like the Bitter Springs.
Track Listing:-
1 My Life As A Dog In A Pigsty2 The Hospital Run
Band Links:-
http://www.thebittersprings.com/https://www.facebook.com/TheBitterSprings/
interviews |
Interview (2019) |
In our sixth interview with him, Simon Rivers, the frontman with the West London alt. rock band the Bitter Springs, talks to John Clarkson about their forthcoming ninth album, 'The Odd Shower'. |
Interview (2016) |
Interview (2013) |
Interview (2007) |
Interview with Simon Rivers (2003) |
live reviews |
Bull and Gate, London, 7/1/2011 |
Neil Palmer sees the often under rated Bitter Springs play a shortened, but life affirming set of their unique brand of indie rock at the Bull and Gate in London |
12 Bar Club, London, 1/5/2007 |
favourite album |
(Suburban Crimes of) Everyday Happiness (2021) |
In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Kimberly Bright finds that the Bitter Springs’ magnificent remastered 2001 masterpiece '(Suburban Crimes of) Every Happiness' hasn’t aged a day. |
That Sentimental Slush (2006) |
soundcloud
reviews |
Cuttlefish and Love's Remains (2016) |
Challenging but thought-provoking and highly rewarding eighth album from West London-based band, the Bitter Springs |
Gary Glitter Fan Club Convention (2011) |
TV Tears (2011) |
And Even Now (2009) |
Poor Trace (2006) |
Firm Family Favourites (2006) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
most viewed reviews
current edition
Marika Hackman - Big SighSerious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning Dew
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Banter - Heroes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
related articles |
Oldfield Youth Club: Interview (2018 |
Simon Rivers, the front man with the Bitter Springs, talks to John Clarkson about his decision to form also another band Oldfield Youth Club, and both groups’ forthcoming appearance at the Pennyblackmusic 20th Anniversary gig at the Water Rats in London. |
Band of Holy Joy: Feature (2015) |
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart