58. ‘Es Schmecht’

B-side of ‘Chemical World’ 12-inch and one of two-part CD. Produced by Blur.

‘Es Schmecht’ is a slight misspelling of “es schmeckt”, a German expression meaning “it tastes good”. This experimental but rewarding B-side, with its staccato guitar chops and keyboard-derived saxophone blurts, was written by Damon in May ’93 on a trip to Germany with Alex to promote ‘Modern Life is Rubbish’. It was recorded at Ritz Rehearsal Studios in Putney later the same month on an eight-track recorder Damon had purchased from Andy Partridge (see 44). The engineer was Dave Rowntree.

Damon: “It’s the most lo-tech thing we’ve ever done, but I liked it. It’s a strange, Can-influenced piece.” Alex’s bass-plying, in particular, tries to emulate Can’s magnificent bassist, Holger Czukay.