JOE Lean and the Jing Jang Jong are a fantastic band with a rubbish name. They’re one of my favourite bands of the year, and next week they’re back in town for the second time in as many months.
Led by singer/actor Joe Lean (of Peep Show, Starter for Ten and The Tudors fame), they’ve been hyped almost beyond credibility. It seems like they’re everywhere.
“That’s because I’m stalking you Jade,� laughs Joe. “I’ve been outside your window every night looking in.
“We’ve been in a few too many magazines I think, but now we’re getting music out there to hopefully prove that it’s not just hype.
“We’re inspired by all kinds of music, but mostly old stuff, My tastes are very retro.
“But why can’t the most progressive music be the most popular? That’s what they had with Motown.
“At the moment I love Who'll Be The Next In Line by The Kinks. Ray Davies sings it like he’s speaking it. (Sings) “Who'll be the next in line? Who'll be the next in line for heartache?� I love it. I love it too much. I keep singing it at soundcheck and annoying everyone with it.
“I love The Zombies – my new favourite band. I’m listening to everything by them. And Elgar Cello concertos played by Jacqueline du Pré.
“Black Sabbath – I’m listening to a lot of them. The whole Paranoid album. I love it. I don’t know the words, but I try to sing along anyway. That annoys everyone too.
“In our tour bus there are lots of arguments about the music we listen to, and a lot of my CDs don’t have anything written on them. They’re things I’ve burnt off my computer then forgotten about, so it can be a surprise.�
Joe Lean and The Jing Jang support CSS at the Carling Academy on Tuesday, and the NME Awards Tour on February 7. For more information see www.jingjangjong.com.