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Decoy For A Dognapper!

by The Chrysanthemums

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  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Double CD in a six-panel gatefold sleeve.

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1.
Alan Jenkins: Vocals, Mellotron Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Lane Steinberg: Radio Announcer Yukio Yung: Guitar, Bass, Vocals Words and music by Alan Jenkins Published in 2022 by Octagonal Rabbit Music
2.
Chasing dogs and chasing beaver The alpha male and the hot cheerleader Some facts of life can't ever be denied And the geek and hopeless slacker? They’re mouldy cheese on a stale cream cracker Simple truths without a user guide Because when push comes down to shove Happiness is a baseball glove And if there’s trouble going down I’ll always be around, I’ll always be around I’ve been sketching out this smart vignette The die is cast and the bait is set I'm primed and ready and my head is in the zone And even if this sounds a touch offensive A new Great Dane isn’t that expensive We could call in at the pet shop on our way back home. But there’s one certainty we know That in the world of Bill and Joe When we’re encountering a crime Every single time, things will work out fine. Louis Burrows: Clarinet Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Trombone Geraldine McKewen: Violin Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Piano Words and music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
3.
Down in dog town the streets are paved with fear. It's a canine crimewave what am I doing here? I sniff fire hydrants but it's just a ploy, I'm a professional decoy. And those beauty parlour pooches, They think I'm second class but they're all douches. Just when the answer seems out of reach, The hand of exposition slips me off my leash. And the case is broken two seconds too late. Now I'm a decoy in a crate. Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Bass, Mellotron Geraldine McKewen: Violin Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Organ, Synthesiser Words and Music by Alan Jenkins Published in 2022 by Octagonal Rabbit Music
4.
Hello world! It’s only me, your favourite little girl, Who’s up and ready for another brilliant day. I only want to say, I love you world! And it’s great to know the way you feel about me! I’m all aglow – I’m rich, I'm white, I'm pretty. Anyone can see that you belong to me. I’ve got the world. I know you want my kind around, Won’t fuck me over if I’m down, So confident that I am bound to say… I love my life and my life loves me, We fit together like a glove, We are the perfect team, always will be, The Great Big World and Daphne. Since the day my mom gave birth, You've always taught me what I'm worth, I'm going to inherit the earth, you told me. I love my life and my life loves me. Together we’re like Fred and Barney. Our names together inseparably. The Great Big World and Little Daphne. LOOK AT ME! I’M THE QUEEN OF THE WHOLE WORLD! Jack Dunn: Trumpet Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Trombone Geraldine McKewen: Backing Vocals Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Organ, Piano, Vibes, Jennings, Synthesisers Words and Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
5.
Incarcerated in the back of this old camper van. Unscrambling all of those mysteries and master plans. But when the day is done, It's a Corby trouser press in a hotel room for one. Splendid isolation, when it’s better on your own. Splendid isolation, soprano or a baritone. Splendid isolation, don’t hate everyone around me. Splendid isolation, well, some of them maybe. And as for matters of the heart I simply haven’t got a clue. I don’t know how I feel or where to start or what to do. Body chemistry, Boys might make me feel warm inside, but sometimes so does Daphne Splendid Isolation, I will keep myself in check. Splendid Isolation, a tomboy in a turtleneck. Splendid Isolation, speaking metaphorically. Splendid Isolation, I’m a car wrapped round a tree. Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Synthesiser Geraldine McEwan: Violin, Backing Vocals Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Lane Steinberg: "Beach Boys" Vocals Yukio Yung: Lead Vocals, Bass, Organ, Piano, Vibes, Synthesisers Words and music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung At Heart Music
6.
Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Trombone Geraldine McKewen: Violin Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Organ, Piano, Vibes, Mellotron, Saxophone Words by Alan Jenkins Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
7.
No sign of that show dog anywhere on this train, There's just that ugly-looking great dane. You're quite convincing but you won't win me round, Because you're a substitute for another hound. You are the tramp, now what did you do with the lady? The switch, as you call it, will not be changed! The switch, as you call it, will not be changed! At lunch you were a little bit pushy but it's not your fault. That fuss when you asked the Englishman to pass the salt ... you said My favourite dog food, you can't beat it, Didn't you know a million Mexican dogs eat it? You know what they say - a million Mexican dogs can't be wrong! The switch, as you call it, will not be changed! The switch, as you call it, will not be changed! The switch, as you call it, will not be changed! The switch, as you call it, will not be changed! That would be a little outside our range! 'Cause the switch, as you call it, will not be changed! Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Trombone Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Vibes, Organ, Piano, Saxophone, Guitar Words by Alan Jenkins Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung At Heart Music
8.
You glanced at me as we strolled 'round the garden. We laughed and joked about the nature of carbon. Let me say hats off to Mr Darwin. You always were the guilty one. But this is strictly extracurricular. Before I never had the nerve to correct ya. But I know for years you thought my name was Thelma. And I know that you’re the guilty one. Daphne used to tell me that men won't make passes, At nerdy girls like me when I’m wearing glasses. To me those guys are all just fuckin' asses. I’m sure that you’re the guilty one. Between your lies the turbulence will flow. And things are never clear because you say they’re so. I may not quite be an Inspector Columbo, But you are the guilty one. Alan Jenkins: Guitar, "Dick-Dale-on-Acid" solo Geraldine McKewen: Violin Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Piano, Vibes, Strings, "Santana" solo Words and Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
9.
Collar Maker 02:06
Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Trombone Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Organ Vladimir Zajkowiecz: Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitar Words and music by Vladimir Zajkowiecz Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
10.
Alan Jenkins: Guitar Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Baritone Harmonics, Organ, Strings Words by Alan Jenkins Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Octagonal Rabbit Music
11.
"OK, I can do this. Just my motor scooter ... Just my motor scooter ... JUST MY MOTOR SCOOTER!" Just another small-town head that’s filled with crazy dreams. I came to California to hit the silver screen. It’s just one line I know but it could be the break I need. (And pray that casting couch won’t one day burst back in to haunt me.) Charlie, Charlie’s gonna be there on the big screen! Charlie, Charlie’s gonna be there on the big screen! Charlie, Charlie’s gonna be there on the big screen! Charlie, Charlie’s gonna be there on the big screen! Tension’s building, waiting for my moment to arrive. Adrenalin, these fleeting seconds, wonderful to be alive. Been practising my line for days and wowing everyone. “JUST MY MOTOR SCOOTER!” Nailed it! Hollywood here I come! Louis Burrows: Clarinet, Saxophone Alan Jenkins: Trombone, Vocals, Percussion Lenny: Vocals Joe O'Brien: "Brian Blessed" Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Mellotron, Organ, Vibes Words and Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
12.
Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Bass, Vocals Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Organ, Bass Vladimir Zajkowiecz: Guitar, Vocals Words and music by Alan Jenkins Published in 2022 by Octagonal Rabbit Music
13.
Paleface intruders creeping in the dusk, we’ll ignore his warning. It reeks of rank implausibility and a picture's forming. Flawless in his pronunciation - it’s Dick Van Dyke all over again! If there’s a danger it comes from above, not the supernatural. Histoplasmosis from exposure to certain fecal matter. Eptesicus Fuscus is its name ... or common Big Brown Bat, the very same. Airborne spores attack my lungs, the alveoli compromised. A supernova bursting deep inside. Feeding on anxiety and fear … Is that what did for those conquistadores buried here? Alan Jenkins: Guitar/Synthesiser Geraldine McKewen: Vocals, Violin Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Chiptune, Guitar, Bass, Electric Piano, Strings, Vibes Words and Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
14.
Trolley Girl 02:14
15.
Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Synthesiser, Strings, Electric Piano, Trombone Geraldine McKewen: Violin Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Piano, Organ, Harmonica, Saxophone Words by Alan Jenkins Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
16.
Alan Jenkins: Guitar Geraldine McKewen: Violin Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Organ, Synthesizers Vladimir Zajkowiecz: Guitar Word by Alan Jenkins Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Octagonal Rabbit Music
17.
Mexicans 03:18
Our focus group has made its report There are concerns that you need to address The apache never wore war paint And that's not an authentic headdress The old man yawned and scratched his head “You know you people make me retch when you talk about branding In retrospect the red man should have fought you motherfuckers till the last man standing” Our lawyers say you can't use the name Geronimo You'll have to cease and desist Come on Chief Thundercloud, get off your pony You know you don't really exist The old man fixed him with a stare Said: "You're not really there, or you might be Mexicans I'm going to fight your lawyers and your focus group to death Yeah, I think they're probably Mexicans" Jack Dunn: Trumpet Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Bass Geraldine McEwan: Violin Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Organ, Vibes, Baritone Guitar Vladimir Zajowiecz: Guitar, Chants Words and music by Alan Jenkins. Published 2022 by Octagonal Rabbit Music
18.
Don’t know what’s going on with Fred. But I know that Velma thinks I’m just a stupid airhead. So I’ll smile sweetly all around, Even at that hippy and his stinking fucking hound. But one day I’ll step out into the unknown. I’ll smash the fences of my safety zone. I’ll stand up proud and blow my own trombone. ’Cause one day I’ll solve a mystery on my own. One day I’ll solve a mystery on my own. Louis Burrows: Vocals, Clarinet Jack Dunn: Vocals Robyn Gibson: Vocals Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Trombone, Vocals Jonathan Lemon: Vocals Geraldine McKewen: Vocals Steven Plesiosaur: Drums, Vocals Lane Steinberg: Vocals Yukio Yung: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drinks, Brass, Glockenspiel Vladimir Zajkowiecz: Guitar, Vocals [The last line of the chorus ("one day I’ll solve a mystery on my own") repeats at the end of the song, so we thought it would nice to get everyone who had contributed to album to sing it alone. Louis takes the responses in the second chorus. In order of appearance, the singers at the end are: Lane, Geri, Alan, Robyn, Vladimir, Lemon, Steve and Jack.] Words and music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
19.
Illy Birkenwald: Barking Vocals Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Synthesiser Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Organ, Electric Piano Words by Alan Jenkins Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Octagonal Rabbit Music
20.
Exotic spaces, the middle of a desert, Anything could happen if we were just prepared to let it. Some day … some day … Taking a trip, we don’t know where it will end, There’s a mystery to unravel but I’ll solve it with my friends, Although right now I’d rather be on the sofa playing Half Life 3. We’re taking a trip, I’m not sure I won’t regret it, They say fear eats the soul, but only if you let it. Hope my worst dreams don’t come true, And the perpetrator is a serial killer too. Hope my worst dreams don’t come true, And the perpetrator is a serial killer too. Alan Jenkins: Guitar Geraldine McKewen: Violin Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Piano, Strings Words and music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
21.
Robyn Gibson: Guitar Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Bass, Mellotron, Vocals, Percussion, Synthesiser Geraldine McKewen: Violin Steven Plesiosaur: Drums, Spoons Yukio Yung: Vocals, Organ, Banjo, Piano Vladimir Zajkowiecz: EBow Words and Music by Alan Jenkins Published in 2022 by Octagonal Rabbit Music
22.
Cynophilia 03:39
(Recitative) I’ve been looking into paraphilia. I found this women from Sweden who got married to the Berlin Wall. She even added Berliner-Mauer to her surname – seriously, I’m not kidding. As for you? You seem to get excited when you see a fridge or Scooby-Doo. My ongoing research into your obsessive nature Must be carried out with sensitivity Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that it’s weird or unnatural It’s just you seem to like him rather more than me. Cynophelia. Cynophelia. If we could just talk about it then I might know It’s only my imagination creating these scenarios And that everything is clear and there’s really nothing strange to see. And then I hear the words I fear - that you're just not that into me. Alan Jenkins: Guitar Geraldine McKewen: Violin, Backing Vocals Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Harpsichord, Bass, Piano, Strings Vladimir Zajkowiecz: Backing Vocals Words and Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music
23.
So you've given up on Fred. The whole things too much like hard work. Sometimes it seems like there's a real connection, And then he’ll do something to prove to you that he's jerk. You may fear that things will never move along. And you may fear you’re running out of time. But these are crazy thoughts when you are young and deluded. Everything will probably work out fine. Don’t lose heart, Daphne. You have all the time you'll ever need. Don’t lose heart, Daphne. The world is more beautiful than it might seem. Don’t lose heart, Daphne. When you’re so young and free. You’ll lose your heart, Daphne, some time, just you wait and see. Don’t lose heart, Daphne. Why the race to settle down? Don’t lose heart, Daphne. There’ll be someone out there for you who’s not gonna fuck you around. Don’t lose heart, Daphne. When you are young and free. You'll lose your heart, Daphne, tomorrow, just you wait and see. Then fifteen years shoot by, and as crazy at it sounds. On a magical night out with Carol from marketing and June from accounts. The DJ plays ‘Native New Yorker’ ... and ‘Zoom’ by Fat Larry's Band ... And he'll see you across the crowded dance floor ... And he’ll take hold of your hand. Alan Jenkins: Guitar, Synthesiser, Percusion Steven Plesiosaur: Drums Yukio Yung: Vocals, Bass, Piano, Organ, Theremin, TR909, Synthesiser Vladimir Zajkowiecz: Guitar Words and Music by Yukio Yung Published in 2022 by Jung at Heart Music

about

SO HERE'S THE STORY. Inactive for two decades, in 2017, the founding fathers of the Chrysanthemums – Alan Jenkins and Yukio Yung (or Terry Burrows if you prefer) – joined a conversation about themselves on an American fan's Facebook page. Gentle cajoling to record some new material quickly escalated. Many of the Chrysanthemums' past concepts had come from Jenkins and Burrows riffing, trying to “out-stupid” one another – exchanges that gave birth to such lo-fi epics as 'Is That A Fish On Your Shoulder Or Are You Just Pleased To See Me?' or their acclaimed sophomore effort, 'Little Flecks Of Foam Around Barking'. On this occasion, what began with a non-committal agreement to “maybe do something” developed at some pace, passing through the predictable “Twenty-minute prog rock EP with contrasting movements and complex shifting time signatures?”… then onto “Only if it’s a concept album” … and, of course, “I’ll do it, but only if the concept is based around Scooby-Doo.“ Discussions concluded with a firm agreement to record a concept album based around a single episode of Scooby-Doo, one from 1969 (episode five of the first ever series) called ‘Decoy For A Dognapper’.

Most sensible people probably would have left it there. In truth, it’s doubtful that even Alan and Terry thought it would go any further. And then something unexpected happened. They both watched the ‘Decoy…’ episode on YouTube and began writing songs. And they carried on writing. And writing. And writing. A. Lot. Of. Songs. Within three or four months a 19-minute episode of a children’s cartoon TV show from the late 1960s had blossomed into nothing less than a grand-scale rock opera, one, indeed, that at almost 90 minutes in length would struggle even to fit onto the obligatory double vinyl LP with gatefold sleeve ... ideally designed by Roger Dean.

During the recording process a wide assortment of colleagues, friends and luminaries found themselves dragged into the mania. Steven Plesiosaur (Tonesucker/Loch Ness Monster), who had drummed on the band's early 90s "London Palladium EP, was called into action; as were original Chrysanthemums Vladimir Zajkowiecz, Jonathan Lemon and Robyn Gibson. Geraldine McKewen (The Real Tuesday Weld) provided violin and backing vocals; Lane Steinberg (The Wind/Noel Coward's Ghost) created sumptuous vocal harmonies; Louis Burrows (Family Yung) wielded his clarinet; Jack Dunn blew his horn; and Illy Birkenwald and Lenny added even more layers of vocalisation; finally, celebrated voice artist Joe O'Connor drew spectacularly on his inner Brian Blessed!

By March 2020, and the first pandemic lockdown, ‘Decoy For A Dognapper!’ was almost ready for release. A three-track taster EP - Splendid Isolation - emerged to a positive response from the band's followers. Even though the album was apparently "95% finished", Burrows nevertheless somehow managed to spend the next two years fiddling around in the studio with the final mixes. Until, in the Summer of 2022, it was agreed that the work was done.

So here it is. Decoy For A Dognapper! A double CD of the classic English psych-prog-pop that, through their early albums and tours of Europe in the 90s, found the Chrysanthemums a cult, devoted following. Will it be 20 years until their next release? Who knows? Will Burrows, Jenkins. Plesiosaur and Zajkowicz ever again grace the stages of Europe? Who knows? So for the time being, immerse yourself with an epic stroll around the realm of the ridiculous. THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS ARE BACK!

credits

released September 5, 2022

Recorded in London, Tuddenham, Leicester, Shotley, Worthing, San Francisco and New York City

Produced at the Piano Factory in London by Yukio Yung

Eggplant Records: SEVENEGGS

Eggplant Records is a Cordelia Records-Onoma Research production.

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The Chrysanthemums England, UK

“The very definition of ‘cult favourites’, the Chrysanthemums are the sort of group who inspire loyalty among a small band of admirers while remaining entirely below the radar of the public at large ... few bands walk the knife's edge between accessibility and impenetrability so well.” [Stewart Mason, AllMusic] ... more

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