The Mekons
Although initially based in Leeds, England, the Mekons made their recording debut for the Edinburgh-based Fast Product label in 1978. Never Been In A Riot, the outlet's first release, was the subject of effusive music press praise, and its joyous amateurism set the standard for much of the group's subsequent work. Having completed a second single, Where Were You, the Mekons were signed to Virgin Records where a line-up of Andy Carrigan (vocals), Mark White (vocals), Kevin Lycett (guitar), Tom Greenhalgh (guitar), Ross Allen (bass) and Jon Langford (drums) completed THE QUALITY OF MERCY IS NOT STRNEN. This unusual title was drawn from the axiom that, if you give a monkey a typewriter and an infinite amount of time, it would eventually produce the complete works of Shakespeare, a wry comment on the group's own musical ability. Nonetheless, the Mekons’ enthusiasm, particularly in a live setting, was undoubtedly infectious and has contributed greatly to their long career. Despite numerous personnel changes, they have retained a sense of naive adventurousness, embracing world music, folk and roots material in their customarily ebullient manner.