Snails

Twenty years ago (good grief!) Syd Meats appeared regularly with the anarchic Boothby Graffoe on Radio Lincoln. Syd’s speciality was comic songs, often only written a few days earlier concerning topical news items. “Snails” was always a favourite of mine. I posted an audio clip featuring it last year. (Incidentally, according to WordPress statistics that, along with my post concerning A.P.Dangerfield remain the least-ever viewed items here!!!!). Nevertheless, as I continue to champion things that amuse ME and not the world at large, I proudly present another (better???) version of this legendary moment in the history of Radio Lincoln…..

Syd Meats – Snails

PS: If you’re wondering what on earth the song is about. 20 years ago there was a news item that the EEC were going to re-classify as Fish (for beaurocratic reasons no doubt) that French delicacy Snails, much to Syd’s chagrin. I’ve no idea if they ever actually did or not though…………………

Syd Meats

Boothby Graffoe has the distinction of being the only comedian named after a Lincolnshire village. From 1988 to 1990 he had a manic weekly 2 hour radio show on BBC Radio Lincoln. An early adopter of the “zoo” format, Boothby filled the studio with friends, listeners and whoever would bring him free beer!

Very few records were played over the two hours. Much of the time was spent with Boothby’s stream-of-consciousness comedy, odd phone-ins and, most weeks, a topical humerous “sogne” (his spelling) from Syd Meats. Here are just two examples of Syd’s “art”.

Things I don’t like blues includes Syd’s misguided attempt halfway through a live performance to devise fresh lyrics only to find that “it didn’t work” !!

Snailscame about due to a news item at the time which claimed the EEC (European Economic Comunity) of which the UK is a member had reclassified the French delicacy of snails as a fish rather than as a meat. I believe the reference to “partial trousers” refers to a running joke in the show at the time regarding the torn jeans worn by Cher in a then current music video.

Syd has his own web site but his music doesn’t seem to be available there. I think its time for a Syd Meats revival.