Looking back

2010 has been some year for The Distractions since teaming up with Occultation Recordings.  We've seen the first release since 1981, the Black Velvet digital EP with promo CD, comprising three tracks from the legendary mid '90s sessions.  These were the epic title track Black Velvet, a fine reworking of Still It Doesn't Ring, and a new song, the aching If You Were Mine.  Another track from these sessions - (I Thought You Were Dead) Josephine - was also available on the Scream City 5 compilation and as part of the Save The 100 Club campaign.

The Distractions - or rather founder members, Mike and Steve, plus prior Distraction, Nick Garside, with Nick Halliwell and Stuart Mann - were back together in the studio for the first time in 15 years this summer.  This lead to the Come Home EP, their first 12" release since 1978's debut EP and Occultation's first 12" too.  Halliwell, Occultation's founder, wrote the closing track to the EP, Oil Painting, which complemented beautifully Steve's pop perfection of Lost and the haunting Nicole, all delivered in stunning style by Mike. 

Some terrific pieces were written in praise of The Distractions in 2010, going some way to matching the critical acclaim which greeted the first incarnation in the late '70s.  The two EP press releases from David Quantick set the scene.  He also wrote a piece for the Scream City 5 magazine featuring new interviews with Mick Middles, Kevin Cummins, Cath Carroll, Liz Naylor, Kevin Hewick, Tracey Thorn and Neil Storey, as well as Mike, Steve and Alex Sidebottom.  Later, the notable writers Everett True, and Mick Middles and Neil Storey themselves, published wonderful articles which brought historical perspective to the 2010 releases.  

With the releases that Occultation are planning for The Distractions in 2011, we can surely look forward to further coverage for the great lost band of Manchester...