NeilH

I appreciate everything you say. I've been a massive Verve fan since I first heard 'All in the Mind' in 1992. They were my band, the mightiest 4 musicians to walk the planet.

But I don't share your sense of pessimism. In fact, I'm overjoyed that once again we'll see them walk on stage together, blast out the olds tunes (hopefully).

I think there IS unfinished business. You're right that 'Urban Hymns' is all but Ashcroft's debut album - but the B-Sides on the singles are nearly all Verve creations; the 4 of them going at it - and they are are some top tunes! A progression from 'A Northern Soul' but not the string-laden drudge that makes up most of 'Urban Hymns'.

I can't imagine McCabe getting back with Ashcroft if they are going to revert to the Verve in 'Urban Hymns' mode. He's said himself the new tunes are sounding great and I'm praying he's right. I trust Nick McCabe and if he's happy with the new stuff, it could be magical like the Verve of old.