Television Personalities Yes Darling, But Is It Art? (Seed)
Treacy is one of the few alternative rockers who isn’t afraid to critique the values and ethics of his own milieu. Long a foe of mainstream political, social, and religious conformity, Treacy has also cast a sardonic eye on youth culture’s mob mentality, which rockers often reinforce.
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It happened all too quickly I was too young I had too much Before I’d even begun But I’m feeling much better now I’ve only just begun And soon I know my day will come Don’t get me wrong It’s not hard luck story number 39.
Yes Darling, But Is It Art? is a compilation of rare Television Personalities material from throughout their career. It charts Treacy’s growth from a ham-fisted punk rocker to a more polished and melodic, though very idiosyncratic, songwriter. Almost half the material predates the band’s debut record and captures the early TVPs with all of their awkward sincerity. But even Treacy’s early lyrics reveal a wry and ruminative mind. The songs “Part Time Punks” and “Posing at the Roundhouse” ridicule those whose “punkness” had more to do with clothes and hair than selfless integrity.
