The connection is via their song of the same name, but the similarities don't end there. They're both zippy little numbers, the obvious result of a lot of attention, and in a class of their own. But there's obviously more to the story, which drummer, and one half of the band's brotherly creative team, Ben Addison explains.

I know 'Britpop' is almost a dirty word, but does it, or has it, meant anything to you?

"Not particularly, regarding Corduroy. This band evolved from a late 80's rock band called Boys Wonder, which was more 'Britpop', if you like. People like Blur have mentioned us saying we were an influence but I'm glad it's over. There's still a lot of bands around at the moment, exactly the same as each other, some with something to say, some not, but that's the same around the planet."

Your influences aren't so much on show, but more a part of your - if you'll pardon the pun - fabric. Have you had to explain or defend your influences?

"I don't think anyone should have to defend their influences because it's a perfectly free choice as to what you listen to and what you have listened to in your past. Criticism for that is so out of order, just childish nonsense. But for Corduroy, the influences list is so long, 'cos it's so diverse - from Frank Sinatra to Killing Joke. We were brought up on black music and as the 80's were dire years for music, it's not surprising that we started looking back."

Listening to the new album, The New You, you've obviously got a soft spot for early James Bond films and stuff like that...

"Yeah, always have done."

It's not just the music of the time then, but the overall feel from it.

"That's a very interesting point. From an early age my brother and I spent a lot of time in front of the TV, and at the time American television for us was far more exciting, in terms of action stuff. You've got the choice of, say Starsky and Hutch or Dickson of Dock Green, and it's not going to be a hard choice to make, you know what I mean? So these TV composers have forged very strong impressions in us and - not that we'd want to - it's very difficult to get rid of them. You just open up to your influences from other directions and if you're lucky, what you do is an interesting hybrid of the two, or up to eight, as it were."

To borrow a line from your CD booklet, sophisticated humour is also a large part of Corduroy's ideals. Why do some people have a problem with that?

"Someone whose record collection is mostly Leonard Cohen is not going to be the person telling jokes in the pub, you know what I mean? If that's all they want to listen to then that's a shame, but if they get off on that, that's cool. One of the reasons why we have stuck together is we have a laugh together, and if that stops it could be bad news. So other people who dislike groups having a sense of humour - tough shit."

I think a lot of people have their own ideals when it comes to their music, and they frown on anyone else playing with their special toy, so to speak.

"The problem is they've got to accept their view of the world is not THE view."

So with talk of brother Scott's Morrissey impressions, and other hilarities ringing in my ears, I said farewell to Ben, a drummer that would have to be the exception that proves the rule about most in his profession. You can check out the high havoc of Corduroy for yourself when the band tours here soon. I won't miss it, and if you know what's good for you neither will you

- Clem