I was the typo, you were the liquid paper

One of my favourite obscure bands is Harvey Danger. Their single Flagpole Sitta from the album Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone? is a classic and a song most people recognise, even without knowing the artists responsible. It's been played on TV football coverage and a variety of radio stations since its release in 1998. Commercially at least they seem a bit of a one-hit wonder. The album never really took off and was very difficult to get hold of (and I know, because I tried... I made it all the way to Bendigo Sanity in 1999 before I managed to buy a copy). And it's not perfect, but it's a fairly solid album. Highlights include the opening track Carlotta Valdez, the aforementioned single and a couple of great tracks later on: Terminal Annex and Old Hat. There are also the excellent Private Helicopter and Woolly Muffler on the album. All in all, it's definitely worth listening to if you like ear-friendly rock with a bit of originality.

Most people would assume the band's career ended back in the late nineties, along with their record deal. They did release another album called King James Version in 2000 which tops their previous record. It features many consistently addictive tracks, from Meetings With Remarkable Men, Humility on Parade, Authenticity and Why I'm Lonely. It also features two of the all time greatest song titles: You Miss the Point Completely, I Get the Point Exactly and This is the Thrilling Conversation You've Been Waiting For. And the songs are as good as the titles. This album was never released in Australia but it's available on Amazon and through the band's web site.

Then in 2005 the band followed this up at last with Little By Little. Aside from some excellent tracks like the anthemic Little Round Mirrors, Wine Women and Song, and Happiness Writes White, the album is also FREE to download from the band's web site. Or if you pay a small amount you can have a copy on CD.

The band is still touring in the US (as far as I know they've never made it out here) and I presume that at some stage they'll be recording again. It's a pity more people don't know about them really. They're also responsible for some of the most interesting and original metaphors and similes in song lyrics... 'I'm yawning like a kid in a carpet store', 'I am the mustard on the wedding dress, the weevil in the watercress'.