Much more than just beautifully crafted filth, Marc Almond’s third studio album from April 1987, created with backing band The Willing Sinners, is a doozie.
Taking inspiration from Jean Genet, Judy Garland and the Weimar republic, Almond ‘s musical palette was ever widening, full of left turns and his trademark bon mots- he’s always had a way with a Wildean quip or two.
“And if I die before I wake up/ I pray the Lord don’t smudge my make -up”, he pouts on the lascivious, cheeky Saint Judy.
But alongside the wit and sauciness, there’s real heart, soul and vulnerability. ‘Twas always thus. Almond has always had a knack for sincerity co -existing with a raised eyebrow. It’s just that here, the songs got even more honest…and the eyebrow, even more glittery.
It was a bold move to release Mother Fist…And Her Five Daughters at a time when AIDS was at breaking point globally, and the UK was full of homophobic people, incentivised by a right- wing Tory government who were on the cusp of implementing the hated Section 28 law. They blamed the queer community for “the gay plague”, as they and other bigots termed it. Fisting references, in an album title? What would the neighbours say?
Almond not only ramped up the camp, but defiantly spoke to anyone who wanted to be free to love whoever they wanted, and express themselves in whatever way they chose. Songs like There Is A Bed, Melancholy Rose and Ruby Red were as sweet and romantic as you could find. Almond’s message was simple: “Disgusted of Middle England, we’re not budging”.
It’s some of his finest songwriting ever, febrile and theatrical, tender and hilarious. Like a ruby,ruby red claret, it’s aged very well indeed…a bit like wee Marc himself ,bless him.
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