van Courtland Rangers - are go

Formed on the 25th Anniversary of Britain's Mod Revival, the Van Courtland Rangers are taking Pete Meaden's motto, "Clean living under difficult circumstances", to heart. After years of heartbreak and disillusionment in the underground, the members of the Rangers have taken it upon themselves to spread the gospel of hope. The sound is a glorious amalgam of early 60's pop and late '70's punk, with liberal doses of surf and Jamaican rock-steady. Their sordid tales of modern life are set against euphoric pop melodies and driving rhythms, a perfect balance of yesterday and tomorrow.

Psst! Wanna download some free music? We now have seven songs for you.Visit our mp3 page (click here) and hear your favourites:

Taken from: http://www.vancourtlandrangers.com/

A short chat with Ash of
van Courtland Rangers

· Tell me just shortly ‘bout the members… who are van Courtland Rangers?

The band is me, ash wednesday, vocals. Ken Insipid, bass, Rupert Pirrahna, guitars and Ernie Goodguy, drums. Ken and i have been playing in Vancouver bands for about 15 years. The problem was that nobody really saw the world the same way as we did. Because of my voice most of the bands i played in were harder punk bands. I'd show up at a gig in my suit and parka, get up on stage and belt out these punk tunes then go home and listen to reggae and ska. Finally, i called Ken, who was in the same situation and just said,"Let's start the band we should have been in all along." We went through a ton of members trying to find the right guys.

· Name a couple of your main inspiration sorces, Any particulary influences?

Our idea was to play the music we love. Our influences are mostly '79 era revival bands and the early punk bands like Gen-X. Ken is a sucker for sweet, bubblegum pop songs and Motown...me too. We love the Kinks, early Stones and a lot of the '60's Northwest garage bands like the Sonics.

· How are the modscene in your area?

Once we started the band we thought there'd be no audience at all for our music, BUT, at the same time we were getting it together about 4 other bands were forming in town with similiar ideas. The Parrallels, the Abbott St. Racket, the Tranzmitors, the Outs, the Invaders and a couple others. So, suddenly we found ourselves in the middle of a really vibrant, supportive scene.

· How would you defind a Mod?

A mod to me is someone who cares about themselves. Someone who's trying to broaden their perspective.

· Favorite assecoires/clothing… As far as my personal style, i like to wear suits and hats, look sharp. I work in Canada's poorest neighbourhood with homeless life long drug addicts. I used to live in this neighbourhood myself and through perserverance and a bit of good luck i was able to get out and improve my lot in life. Now i come back to this neighbourhood looking sharp everyday, as an outward expression of success and hope. My most important clothing articles are my parka and my hats. I see them as a flag of individuality.

· Music, style or clothes, whats most important for you as a modrelated band?

Music is the most important to me but without the look you're only half way there.

· A film or two one has to see… I just got a copy of the 5 minute documentary on the California mod scene, "MODS". it's pretty cool. www.400blows.com

*Best dressed men through time and space: Weller
*Best modsongs ol’ school: My Generation
*Best modsongs revival: Down in the Tubestation...
*Best modsongs today: Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
*The best modband ever: the JAM!
*Best ways to the artifical paradis: a strong back beat.

Thanks man, -ash-

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