The original line-up consisted of Indian born lead singer and principal songwriter Bid (real name Ganesh Seshadri), Canadian guitarist Lester Square (real name Thomas W.B. Hardy), drummer John D. Haney, and bassist Charlie Harper. The band went through several bassists in the next few years, including Jeremy Harrington, and Andy Warren of the Ants, a childhood friend of Bid.
Experimental filmmaker Tony Potts began collaborating with the band in 1979, designing lighting and stage sets with film projections for their live appearances. The band's early persona was defined by the shadowy, uncertain stage images created by the films to such an extent he is often described as being the band's "fifth member."
They released several singles for the Rough Trade label before recording their debut album, "Strange Boutique", produced by Bob Sargeant, for Virgin Records' imprint DinDisc in 1980, as well as their follow-up effort, Love Zombies, produced by Alvin Clark and the band later that same year. John Haney left the band in 1981 and was replaced by Lexington Crane.
In 1982, the band switched labels to Cherry Red to release their third full-length album, Eligible Bachelors, produced by Tim Hart. Lester Square and Lexington Crane left soon afterwards, and were replaced by keyboardist Carrie Booth and drummer Nicholas Weslowski. This line-up recorded 1982 single Cast a Long Shadow, for Cherry Red before Booth was in turn replaced by new lead guitarist James 'Foz' Foster.
In 1983, Cherry Red released Volume, Contrast, Brilliance... sessions & singles vol. 1, a retrospective of the band's early Rough Trade singles, BBC and Capital Radio sessions, and other unreleased early sessions.
In 1985, with the same line-up as on Cast a Long Shadow, The Monochrome Set recorded the relatively mainstream album The Lost Weekend for major label Warner Bros. Records. The Lost Weekend failed commercially, and after a few singles, the band officially broke up, though they served as Jessica Griffin's backing band on the first album by the Would-Be-Goods, The Camera Loves Me.
In early 1990, Bid, Lester Square and Andy Warren reformed the band, with the addition of keyboardist Orson Presence and drummer Mike Slocombe (who was quickly replaced by Trevor Ready). The new band toured extensively--especially in Japan, where Bid had become a major star.
The band released several low-key albums for Cherry Red Records during the 1990s, and went on hiatus from 1998 to 2008 though during that off time Bid recorded a number of albums with another band, Scarlet's Well.
The band reunited on 8 October 2008 for a one-off performance at Cherry Red's 30th Anniversary party at Dingwalls, London. It also marked the 30th year of The Monochrome Set. Bid, Andy Warren and Lester Square were joined by Jennifer Denitto (drums) and Sian Dada (keyboards) of Scarlet's Well, and performed 13 songs.
Band reformed in 2010.
The Strange Boutique
The Monochrome Set Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In black or white, orange, green or red
I want to be a devil
Style 2: I crush your chest with barrage
In small or medium or extra large
I want to be a devil
In silk or satin or velvet or suede
I want to be a devil
Style 4: I coat your liver with lard
In cash or cheque or in credit card
I want to be a devil
At first glance, the lyrics to The Monochrome Set's song The Strange Boutique may seem disturbing and violent. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that these lyrics are actually a commentary on the consumerist culture that had taken over Britain in the 1980s. Each of the four styles mentioned in the song represents a different aspect of this culture.
Style 1 refers to the fashion industry, with its obsession with cutting and shredding fabric into new styles and designs. The use of colors like black or white, orange, green or red indicates the constant need for something new and trendy.
Style 2 is a reference to clothing sizes and the pressure to fit into a certain size. The use of terms like small, medium or extra large indicate how society defines what is considered an acceptable body size.
Style 3 is a nod to the home decor industry and its obsession with patterns and textures. The use of different types of fabrics, including silk, satin, velvet and suede, indicate how people are always seeking something new and visually stimulating.
Style 4 is a commentary on the financial industry and its obsession with consumer credit. The use of phrases like cash or cheque or in credit card points to the pressure society places on people to spend more and more money to keep up with the latest trends and styles.
In short, The Strange Boutique is a critique of capitalist consumer culture and how it can turn people into "devils" who are only interested in material things and constantly seeking the next big trend.
Line by Line Meaning
I cut your face into shreds
I am willing to destroy your image and reputation.
In black or white, orange, green or red
It doesn't matter what color you are, I will still destroy you.
I want to be a devil
I aspire to be evil, menacing and create chaos.
I crush your chest with barrage
I am capable of causing you physical harm.
In small or medium or extra large
No matter what size you are, I can still cause you harm.
I bunch your back into plaids
I will mess with you in any way possible, including playing with your clothing.
In silk or satin or velvet or suede
I am not partial to certain fabrics, any material will do for my destructive tendencies.
I coat your liver with lard
I will cause harm to your insides as well.
In cash or cheque or in credit card
I am willing to do harm regardless of payment method or financial status.
I want to be a devil
My desire to cause chaos and destruction remains strong.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BID, HAR, SESHADRI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind