THE recent resurgence of interest in the Proclaimers just goes to show that you can’t keep a good band down. The duo — identical twins Craig and Charlie Reid — first came to national attention in 1987 after a tour with the Housemartins led to a memorable appearance on the sadly-missed music programme, The Tube. Hits such as Letter From America and I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) soon followed. But, by 1994, their singles were failing to hit the UK top 20, even if they remained a massive live draw in their native Scotland. However, following 500 Miles’ inclusion on the Shrek soundtrack, people seemed to begin remembering just what an excellent band the Proclaimers were and, indeed, still are. The song gained further momentum after it was overhauled as this year’s official Comic Relief record, with added vocals from Brian Potter and Andy Pipkin. Now the band are back with a new single and album — both called Life With You — and a major UK tour coming up. Incidentally, every one of the Scottish dates booked have already sold out completely. Although there are plenty of heart-felt love songs on Life With You, the duo are still keen to tackle other subjects in their songs, and they are often about subjects that raise their hackles. Take In Recognition, for example, which is a pop at former young rebels who are only too happy to receive a gong from Her Majesty in later years. I talked to Charlie Reid recently and asked him if the band had anyone specific in mind when they penned the tune. He told me: “Not really, it’s not a kick at the honours system as such, it’s more a kick at those that say they don’t believe in it and then they start taking stuff, you know? “If you’re against it, then fair enough, but if you’re gonna be against it why then start taking stuff off them 10 years later? “So it’s more a kick against folk like that . . . it’s not really about anyone in particular.” Some people have found it hard to categorise the Proclaimers over the years . . . after all, exactly how do you describe two white boys armed with acoustic guitars singing in broad Scottish accents? Well, I call it soul music. It might not fit in with the traditional idea of soul, as there’s no discernible African-American influence or thumping dance beat, but the Proclaimers sing passionately and from the heart, and that makes it soul . . . in my book, at least. I asked Charlie if he agreed with this interpretation or not, and he told me: “I completely agree, I think that that’s exactly what we do and a lot of people miss that point. “If soul is about a band or a singer who believes in putting something over passionately, then that’s what we’ve always done.” V The Proclaimers play at Newcastle City Hall on November 4. Tickets are £22.50 from the box office, or telephone 0191-261 2606. | 
