Marc Lemon in conversation with 'House Of The Hits' engineer Taylor D.
What is your favourite Carry On film?
There are about 10 of them that I am really into, the classic era for me is from about 1967, through to the mid 70's, so Carry On Matron, Carry on Doctor, and especially Camping are my favourites.
I used to think they were really uncool, but then I got hacked off with modern comedy which isn't usually funny.
It's about being clever clever, it's hard hearted and people pretend it's funny while congratulating themselves on their good taste for watching it. I find the sauciness harmless, the terrible gags amuse me and it is a time capsule of a very different time.
What made you decide to write a song about the carry on cast?
My affection for 'the gang'. They are my beloved heroes, and I don't mind taking it on the chin, I am not easily offended.
The actors, Charles Hawtrey, Kenneth Williams, Sid James, Hattie Jacques and Joan Sims, the list goes on and on of great actors in these films.
I like it when Matron is trying to take advantage of Kenneth, while Hawtrey is hiding in the wardrobe smoking a cigar. And also, very importantly, snobs find these films puerile and distasteful, which makes me celebrate them all the more.
Tell me about the song.
I was sat up in bed one night, and made most of it up in my head without touching an instrument. Yes, I didn't touch my instrument at all that night.
Most of my family have passed away, and the Carry On team are almost like a surrogate family, really. The characters are all crazy, and are believable because I'm sure we all know slightly cranky, eccentric people.
The song is influenced by Bob Dylan, The Kinks, Syd Barrett and the guitar overdub is a little bit Oasis, all these classic British pop elements came through.
We recorded it really simply. I like proper tunes, I hope it is like pop songs used to be, full of catchy bits. My heart is in it, I have a lot of affection for the films and characters, and how naughty they were.
Marc.
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Emerging from the semi detached suburbia of Birmingham England, Marc Lemon creates his own brand of melodic guitar pop, with a gritty lo-fi edge, and thought provoking lyrics. Relentless vocal and guitar hooks blend with tight arrangements, in an often swaggering 4/4 groove. Music that you can dance to meets lyrics that make you think, with melodies you cannot help but hum. A retro fashion clothes horse and vintage collector, Marc Lemon defies the cynicism, angst and doom of modern pop in favour of something more humorous, uplifting and innocent.
