Speis

I've been watching the progress of Nizlopi and their JCB Song ever since Marty Whelan got into the habit of waking me up with the bloody thing every morning. If you've missed this pop culture snowball so far it's a tuneful acoustic ballad about a kid driving in his Dad's digger, layered over with references to Bruce Lee and Transformers. It bullseyes the childhood nostalgia nerve and is catchy as a fresh does of bird flu.

It could well be the Christmas No. 1. (Paddy Power is giving it good odds, put a bet on before they shrink), despite having no famous names attached, no marketing budget and no seasonal relevance.

It's been interesting to watch. Marty takes a shine to the song and starts playing it every morning. It gets into people's heads and it starts to become an event. "Dear Marty, why haven't you played the JCB Song yet this morning?" "Marty you old sod, how about dedicating today's JCB Song to my niece for her birthday?" etc.

Public interest grows. Marty invites the band on to his morning show. They play a great version of the song, then they play another song and the switchboard lights up. People start whispering 'No1 for Christmas'. It gets picked up in the Guardian. All of a sudden, it's more than a possibility, it's become a foregone conclusion.

The website is the pivot, guaranteeing that a fleeting amusement will tip over and become a cultural phenomenon. The site is charmingly childish and fun, pasted with pictures of Mr. T and hand drawn JCBs. You can read the story behind the song, how it was based on true events, how lead singer Luke was bullied for his dyslexia by pupils and teachers alike. Though the best bit is the site's digital pencil that lets you doodle on the copybook.

All in all, it's the best way of saying 'Fuck Westlife'. Apart from just saying 'Fuck Westlife'. So, fuck Westlife.