press 
Newsletter (2) from Cohesion label (4th Feb 2004)
Hello all
First of all, a (belated) Happy New Year to everyone and thanks for all the good wishes we received from fans.
So far this year there is not a lot of news to report but there have been several discussions on the message board recently that we feel deserve our response.
Firstly, the new album. Manfred has asked us to make it clear that this will be a Manfred Mann album, featuring the Earth Band. The record contains several tracks that do not feature the Band at all. Also the tracks Castles Burning and Dancing In The Dark are NOT on the album. We are now clearing the last samples and hope to release the first single in Spring. Obviously news will appear on site as soon as we have it.
The website has attracted some bad comments lately. We obviously try to keep this updated with real news - hence, we put information on the tour pages as it is confirmed to us; release information is posted as necessary; any other updates and press cuttings appear as required. Nigel Stanworth does a fantastic job on Platform End, with Andy Taylor: their discography and tour pages have more information than we would ever be able to put together without the help of fans. Alec Leslie, with further assistance from Karin Sonntag, keeps the tour information as accurate as possible. Ron Clint ensures the entire site is accessible and as fault-free as any site can be. But, as with all sites of this nature, we can never please everybody: we do try to take on board any suggestions or (constructive) criticism we receive. Please bear in mind, though, that the site is no-one's full-time job. We all spend time inputting and updating information, monitoring the message board and generally keeping things interesting - but far more time is spent on the business of recording and getting the music out to fans, radio stations and press.
However, we are planning a complete overhaul of the website. Ron and a new website designer are updating the whole look; as our original aim was always to concentrate on content rather than merely appearance, this will continue, but we would welcome any constructive suggestions for other improvements.
On the subject of remasters, we were sorry to read of some fans' dissatisfaction with these. The entire job was undertaken by Rob Corich, who has extensive experience in this type of re-release programme and so far we have had far more complimentary feedback than complaints. It should also be remembered that the original masters were lost in the Workhouse fire in the late 80s and finding good source material was a problem. We have noted the comments, however, and if we decide to undertake another overhaul, will try to ensure the same errors are not repeated!
The Elgar album is released on 16 February and is now available to buy online. We are also trying to update the press page as much as we can, as we're getting a lot of interest. Keep an ear out for Manfred's interview with David Hamilton on Saga Radio - this should air in early February. There are also lots of other radio and press interviews in the UK coming up.
Hope everyone enjoys the UK shows next month. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with your suggestions, queries and comments.
Best wishes
Helen Milner and Steve Fernie
Creature Music Limited
(helen@eastcentralone.com or steve@eastcentralone.com)
4 February 2004