The Monochrome Set: Idolator’s Semi-Obscure Post-Punk Act Of The Week

Dan Gibson | January 9, 2009 10:30 am

Today we give thanks to the Guardian music blog, not just for hosting extended lists of songs vaguely related to intangible concepts and the nonsensical rantings of Alan McGee, but for giving me an excuse to post a bunch of videos by the Monochrome Set.

The Monochrome Set have everything you would want in a post-punk act—limited success, catchy songs, single releases on an influential label (Rough Trade), famous fans (Morrissey, Marr, Alex from Franz Ferdinand). Plus they’re just a really enjoyable band, even if their discography is hopelessly confusing and they seem to reform every few years for the sole purpose of perplexing their fans. If you can find their 1997 best-of Chaps, you’re in for a good time.

“Jet Set Junta”:

“He’s Frank”:

“Eine Symphonie des Grauens”:

—and on a mildly related note, here’s the Jon Brion/Jason Falkner powerpop project The Grays covering “He’s Frank”:

The Monochrome Set [MySpace]