Cargo Records

Jumbo / The Long Goodbye

Jumbo / The Long Goodbye is the Figs' second release.The London-based trio pulls out all the stops, with stellar guest performances throughout from the great double bassist John Edwards and what is effectively the Pogues' rhythm section: drummer Andrew Ranken, bassist Darryl Hunt and co-producing banjoist Jem Finer. Alone on the A-side is Jumbo, a great galloping theme-song, big, bright and unstoppable.

With a nod to the great Shadow Morton and Phil Spector productions of the mid-’60s, Jumbo blows the Figs' driving, acoustic sound up to epic proportions, with rushing locomotive horns, prickling guitars, a 16-piece choir, and a jubilant, instantly memorable chorus. Side B has The Long Goodbye EP, which goes great guns through three high-toned rave-ups – the defiantly derelict My Latest Mistake, the honky-tonky Bad Bad Baby and the juvenile delinquency of The Human Tragedy – before rolling into The Long Goodbye, a piano-led barroom ballad, which closes the record with a swaying big-band refrain, a chorus of whistlers and a ‘drunken dogpile’ of a singalong. Marseille Figs Facts: The band is based around the core three members (J. Maizlish, Dorian McFarland and Tom Chant), with an ever-expanding list of regular contributors and guests.

These songs were recorded at the first few sessions for an upcoming full-length album, The Bee Sting, which will be unleashed in 2010. The record was co-produced and mixed by Brian O’Shaughnessy (of My Bloody Valentine, Birdie and Primal Scream fame). Produced by Jem Finer (The Pogues) & J. Maizlish. Additional production & mixing by Brian O'Shaughnessy.

Recorded in London and Berlin by Joe Leach, Michigan Flint and Brian O'Shaughnessy. All songs by J. Maizlish (Wardlaw Banks Ltd). With special guests: Andrew Ranken (drums & percussion), John Edwards (double bass), Jem Finer (banjo & elec. guitar), Darryl Hunt (The Pogues,bass), and Paul Seacroft (elec. guitar). Also featuring the 8-piece Jumbo Chorale.