Musician, writer and improv comedian Tom Clabon joins Mark to fight about which of Birmingham’s bands are best, and possibly what the word “definitive” means.And by Birmingham, we mean Birmingham. The proper one, in the UK.Tom has performed in bands (like Bussy), and like Mark knows the pain of publishing music to Bandcamp to little fanfare. But they’re both absolutely not bitter about it. Tom also presented Indie Mixtape on local station Brum Radio.The pair share gig-playing memories, the venues they’ve nearly been thrown out of (Mark), and the ones they’ve scammed their way into (Tom’s dad).If you’ve heard of the majority of Tom’s picks, then you already know more about Birmingham’s music scene in 2019 than Mark does. If you’ve heard of the majority of Mark’s picks, then you’re a granddad and death will claim you soon.Also, Mark tries to coin a phrase for the pro-life movement, but doesn’t do a good job, and Tom threatens to give Mark a weird handshake.(00:00) - Introduction
(12:13) - Honourable mentions
(22:52) - Tom's pick: Johnny Foreigner
(27:10) - Mark's pick: Electric Light Orchestra
(31:14) - Tom's pick: Mutes
(35:36) - Mark's pick: Misty's Big Adventure
(39:53) - Tom's pick: Hoopla Blue
(43:29) - Mark doesn't pick Pram
(45:40) - Mark's pick: The Moody Blues
(48:47) - More of Tom's honourable mentions
(49:34) - Tom's pick: The Cosmics
(52:53) - Building the final list
(57:05) - Final honourable mentions
(01:00:08) - Wrapping up
To follow our Spotify playlist, full of all the bands we mention — even the ones Mark doesn’t like – sign up to Extra Envy, our free newsletter.Check out Cat’s Cabinet of Curiosities, the podcast Tom co-hosts, and OK Stop, the improv troupe he and Mark can be found performing in, every month.

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