...Like a shit-eating rabbit on speed! OFFICIAL!

It's entirely in keeping with WHTB's work ethic thus far that it should take this long to produce a piece on the sad passing of former NME journo Steven Wells last week. The web is currently bulging with tributes to the man (Swells to his friends, fans and indeed foes), and in any case I'm sure it would fill him with disgust to think of anyone still preoccupying themselves with his death a week after the event, so I'm not going to even attempt anything approaching an obituary or anything of the kind. Similar but better sentiments can be found on the sterling Old Rope blog, along with links to some other great pieces, all of which which you are sincerely advised to check out instead. Not to mention his final column for the Philadelphia Weekly.

What i will say is that, as a mere reader, I learned a lot from Swells. His writing style was frenetic, breathless, hugely imaginative, supremely daft, intensely clever, often provocative and always entertaining. He also enjoyed capital letters an awful lot. But as a music hack, he frequently challenged the status quo and heartily encouraged people to make up their own minds.

This is important. Because, when you think about it, (whisper it) pop music doesn't actually matter that much. But for fuck's sake, don't tell anyone that! Ideas and opinions are essential, because they define who we are - and what's more, they can be really fucking exciting. So why waste your time devoting yourself to ideas you only half-believe in? If you like pop music, scream it from the rooftops! Defend it to the hilt! Pour forth your venom onto the charlatans and nay-sayers and tedious notions of 'taste'! COMMIT!

So there you go. I know it's not an especially heartfelt tribute, but I think I'd only end up repeating things that other folk have already said far more eloquently than I could hope to. Instead, I'll sign off with a couple of great tunes that the great man would approve of.

Thanks again, Swells.

Daphne & Celeste - Ooh! Stick You!


Butthole Surfers - Sweat Loaf