The CLUAS Archive: 1998 - 2011

13

On their Choice Music Prize nominated album The Duckworth Lewis Method

The Duckworth Lewis MethodCLUAS fires some questions at The Duckworth Lewis Method, creators of Choice Music Prize nominated album The Duckworth Lewis Method. Answered by Thomas Walsh (a.k.a. Duckworth).

Tell us about the album - its conception, creation, response... Is there anything you'd go back and change about it now?
It is a 'cricket pop' album, was conceived for fun and laughter, created through sheer bloodymindedness, sweat, toil and a dollop of talent here and there and the response has been phenomenal. Especially in the U.K where it spent 6 weeks in the album charts reaching the number 40 position (the week Micko Jackson popped his ivory clogs too). The only thing I'd change is one 'Am' chord but I won't tell you where or on which song that would be.

How relevant do you think music awards really are to musicians and music fans?
The pertinence of music awards is double edged. On the one side they are meaningless and on the other they are slightly less meaningless. Though myself and Lewis have always had a soft spot (just below the knee) for the Choice Music Prize. That's the one that's all about the music 'innit? (Sorry, went a bit urban on your bottom there). So to answer your question in a chewable soundbite....."The chosen choice of Duckworth & Lewis's award of choice, if we had to choose, would be chosen as the Choice".

Do you think the idea of the album is relevant and capable of holding its own in a world of digital downloading and plummeting CD sales?
Personally neither myself nor Lewis make records and think about their relevance in today's world. We just make music we want to make. If people want to buy it we're as happy as a one armed opening batsman hitting a six at Lord's. Other than that..... Simon Cowell and Susan Boyle are relevant in music at present. Need I say more?

Do you feel the Irish music scene is in a healthy state at the moment?
(Noise of gun clicking and trigger being cocked) "The Irish music scene is very healthy."

Any artists who weren't nominated for the Choice Award, who you feel should have been?
Gilbert O'Sullivan & Twink.

Your favourite album from those also nominated for the Prize?
We had the pleasure of meeting 80% of the nominees recently for a chin-wag and some photos and we all found out that none of us had heard any of the others' albums.

Best gig you went to in 2009?
Macca and/or Roy Wood.

Plans for 2010?
A concept album with comedian Matt Berry about pigeons from Ballymun.


Check out the CLUAS interviews with these other artists who were also nominated for the 2009 Choice Music Prize:


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2000 - 'Rock Criticism: Getting it Right', written by Mark Godfrey. A thought provoking reflection on the art of rock criticism.