"I love my label and my label loves me" — Nick Lowe "For me it was never about money" — Elon Musk -------------------------------- Good morning and welcome to a bright new dawn. We are back with a new album and that means new content. Where rock and roll goes, merchandise will follow, and there is no more loyal disciple than the hard sell. So, in order to line the pockets of their well tailored suits, the brains in the corner offices have got their heads together and come up with four startling bundle options for the true connoisseur. My pick is the one with the dynamite shirt. A guaranteed conversation ender on trains and buses, it's made of 100% fibers, with each shipment inspected by known person, Alex Rice. Can't argue with that. -------------------------------- "If you got a trumpet, get on your feet brother, and blow it!" - Nick Cage -------------------------------- My second favourite bundle is the one with the cd and cassette. What better way to connect with strangers on the street than to tell them about your triple format bundle. Give it a try and send us a photo of you and your new friends at spoughtsteem@gmail.com! -------------------------------- Another week, another mailbox full of filth. Thanks to Jack and Greg for the sycophancy amongst the swill. If you would like to be published in an industry mailer, get in touch at spoughtsteem@gmail.com Hi Alex, At Reading Festival 2021, I was able to see your band perform live for the first time. A truly magical experience for me and my girlfriend, Bethany. Anyways, after all the bashing and screaming was over me and Beth sat on the grass nearby to which I started a joyful rant about the performance, but specifically about your keyboardist, Ben. I was mesmerised by his stone facial expression and lack of movement. Then, as if he was summoned, Ben walked by right in front of me to which my jaw dropped. At first Beth tried to convince me I was full of it but I frantically approached Ben to introduce myself, now from this point on the story is a blur as I began rambling about how much I loved him and how great the set was, I presume it was well received as we took a picture together and he went on his merry way. That was a mental moment for me, so mental that I’ve booked to get a tattoo of your infamous cat logo, courtesy of Ben himself as I received a signed vinyl around November 2021. You guys signed it for me on behalf of as you said it “my perfect uncle”. So cheers for that boys and when I get this tattoo the drinks are on you. Thanks, Jack -------------------------------- Hi Jack, Thanks for your touching note. I don't know what we could have meant by "my perfect uncle". Maybe we'd been drinking. Ben has been working on the tattoo but it's turned into more of a robot wars style cat with machine guns for arms. Hope you like it, ST -------------------------------- If you or a family member would like a custom Ben Mack tattoo, email spoughtsteem@gmail.com with the subject line "tattoo" -------------------------------- Hi Alex, Once more a sheepish tale of being sports-struck for you. Me and my friend had left his university dormitory to hit up the town of the great Leeds in preparation for a gig of yours at the wardrobe. We had recently stocked up on supplies from a local Tesco express and were in transit to the centre of Leeds when we came across a strangely familiar looking rabble of individuals, sporting garments of a simple yet avant-garde nature. We froze in our tracks as the realisation that the band we would be entertained by that very night were walking towards us. My friend held back as my shock morphed into an impulse to greet them in some form. I second guessed myself, attaching myself to thoughts of embarrassment and mishappage. Something within me went into override; before I knew it I was asking the group if they were who I in my mind knew full well they were. They were. Our duo would later take a picture after the event with you Alex, slightly regretting the bewilderingly well-wrapped attire as we posed soaked with sweat. Moshing in such attire was an untouchable experience though, and one I wouldn’t trade for the world. What a gig it was. And I can’t not ask… were you stopping off at Tesco’s? If so, I would be interested in what your meal deals consist of. All the love and hope each of you are keeping well and keeping each other together. With thanks -Greg xx -------------------------------- Hi Greg, I prefer the Boots meal deal. The snacks are better and you can get premium drinks. I hope that answers all your questions, ST -------------------------------- I've seen Oli in the car park of the horrifying Surrey Quays shopping centre a few times. He fits right in among those quay folk. Also think he got smaller every time. Nice. Matty -------------------------------- Thanks for keeping us updated Matty, be sure to write if you see him again, ST -------------------------------- I spotted Rob in Greggs in Wigan. He was super angry at the lack of Meat and Potato pasties. He just kept shouting, “Call yourself a bakery?? IT’S THE STANDARD PASTY, IT’S THE STANDARD PASTY!!!” I hope he’s ok. Brad -------------------------------- Brad, Thank you for your letter, ST -------------------------------- Have you spotted a member of sports team? Would you like to? Be sure to write to us at spoughtsteem@gmail.com with the subject line "spotted"