January was pretty much a continuation of an established theme. On the surface, Editors are still on hold and remaining out of public view with Smith and Burrows very much the ongoing concern. I use the phrase on the surface because it was confirmed that there is still writing going on, as Tom mentioned in this chat with Jo Whiley. It's not clear if those songs will gestate and blossom into Editors songs or S&B tracks, or when they will eventually be given a mass audience...if ever (we're looking longingly at you, Dream Dark as Your Heaven). The overwhelmingly positive takeaway from this, even if ambiguity abounds, is that Tom's creativity is ongoing.
Only Smith and Burrows is Good Enough is due out on the 19th of February and beyond that, nothing is certain. There may have been plans to go out and tour this record when it was
first conceptualised, but the restrictive nature of life on our Earth
has obviously put a stop to that. Most of the conventional methods underlying record promotion are impossible, so I would guess that they will be relying more heavily on radio or TV appearances, and maybe doing more online stuff through their social media?
Also in play are the 3 concerts that Editors have booked within the next 6 months. Is the idea to focus primarily on Smith and Burrows, given they have units to shift, but use the Editors concerts to slowly and gradually bring that entity back out of its pandemically-induced stasis? That's assuming those shows even take place. I hate to say it, but given that Glastonbury has already become toast this year, the odds are shrinking by the day for a gathering of any consequence to happen successfully. There's also the logistics involved in becoming stage-ready in time. I hate that negativity is so pervasive in everything right now, including this post, but it's not all been about sadness this month.
Ed used January to put together a charity drive for female refugees, and all the details are available using this link. The prizes on offer in the draw include Editors stuff, but also some ultra-rare sunglasses made from one of Ed's drum kits. He was actually the main contributor to the Editors Instagram post this month, even sharing a celebratory video clip of him drinking tequila whilst putting himself through a purple hair and eye makeup filter. Good on you, Sir.
Before I go, and on a very trivial note, it was lovely to see Tom's book-case in one of the photos he shared towards the end of January. It had a copy the Johnny Marr biography Set the Boy Free on it, coincidentally a book that I just finished reading. A very, very talented man. Without taking into account all that came after, which was impressive enough, he accomplished everything he did in The Smiths during a 5 year stretch between the ages of 19 and 24. That's ludicrous.
Enjoy the snaps.
Editors Instagram - January 2021
For all of Editors' previous Instagram posts, go here.
brought to you with lots and lots of lemming-love :) x
