Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine

Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine (Carter USM)

Her Song (LISTEN)

I have been into Carter USM since Sheriff Fatman way back in 1989. The song was written about a South London slumlord and was followed by the album 101 Damnations - a critical account of life South of the river, full of black humour, cynicism, wordplay and puns. The album went straight to the top of the Indie charts.

Just check out the song titles,

1. "The Road To Domestos"
2. "Everytime A Churchbell Rings"
3. "Twenty Four Minutes From Tulse Hill"
4. "An All American National Sport"
5. "Sherif Fatman"
6. "The Taking of Peckham 123"
7. "Crimestoppers A' Go Go"
8. "Good Grief Charlie Brown"
9. "Midnight on the Murder Mile"
10. "A Perfect Day to Drop The Bomb"
11. "G.I Blues"

I personally think that Fruitbat is very possibly one of the most prolific song writers we have spawned. (Well, along with Paul Heaton anyway)

And who can forget their assault on Phillip Schofield at the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party in 1992. THIS WAS FANTASTIC AND IS ETCHED IN MY MEMORY FOREVER!!

Carter, after finishing their tune promptly smashed their instruments in true Rock 'n' Roll style. To which the wimpy Schofield commented, “How original”. Then as he proceeded with his dialogue to camera, FRUITBAT LAUNCHED HIMSELF AT SCHOFIELD. And to add insult to injury the theme of the party was medieval so the security flanking Schofield were in full suits of armour, thus making a swift separation (well to be fair pull Fruitbat off of him!!) impossible.

Bear in mind this is a LIVE show which is essentially a kids show with thousands of squealing teeny boppers.

In fact I'm even giggling about it as I write!!

Now for me this ranks right up there with Jarvis Cockers Michael Jackson protest!!

Which in Jarvis's defence was preceded by George Michael stating that when Wacko Jacko dances, “You can see God move” or some very similar blasphemous remark.

After doing a little bit of online research (notably Wikipedia) it is alleged that the group is reputedly named because of Fruitbat's diligence, aptitude, and stamina .

I BEG TO DIFFER!! Like I say I am a huge fan and can remember seeing them interviewed about the name of the band. To which they replied that it was named after a newspaper article they had seen. The article was about an old man (named Carter) who was told that he would die if he didn't stop having sex!! Well he didn't stop and promptly died!!

The resulting headline was. “Carter, The Unstoppable Sex Machine”.

And so a legend was born.

I didn't want to put all of my favourite Carter USM songs in this blog as to be honest I love -and own- practically all of them!! So, after much deliberation I have decided on (for now at least) a little tune called, “Her Song”.

This is on the –never usually considered for song fodder- vile subject of child ............. and climaxes with a very bold call to arms.

“Get on the streets and do it now. You've got to get yourself some fire power!!”

With regards to the subject matter, I COULDN'T AGREE MORE!!!!!!!!!!

Her Song (LISTEN)

The Official Carter USM Website