Blonde Redhead
Blonde Redhead |
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Blonde Redhead is an alternative rock or indie rock band. It was formed by Kazu Makino, Maki Takahashi and Italian twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace. They take their name from a song by DNA, a 70's and 80's no wave band from New York. Kazu Makino is married to Amedeo Pace. Amedeo and Simone Pace were born in Milan and grew up in Montreal, but moved later on to Boston to study jazz. After achieving their Bachelor's degrees, they began playing in the New York City underground music scene. The Pace brothers and Kazu Makino and Maki Takahashi - Japanese art students - formed the band in 1993 after a chance meeting at an Italian restaurant in New York.
Blonde Redhead caught the attention of Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley, who produced their self-titled debut in 1993. Shortly afterwards, Maki Takahashi left the band, and the remaining band members continued as a trio. On their third album, Fake Can Be Just as Good, they were joined by Vern Rumsey of Unwound as a guest bassist. After this, they continued without a bass player for the release of the remainder of their albums. On their fourth album, In an Expression of the Inexpressible, Guy Picciotto of Fugazi was hired as producer, as well as contributing to / singing on the song "Futurism vs. Passeism Part 2". Guy Picciotto also produced their records, Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and Misery Is a Butterfly. Alan Moulder (U2, Smashing Pumpkins) produced their most recent record, 23.
Blonde Redhead has slowly built a sizable fanbase in the underground music scene. Their early music has been described as emulative of Sonic Youth, but their more recent releases have diverted from this generalization. Kazu Makino is noted for her high, eerie voice, which hovers over melodic guitar riffs and clockwork drum beats.
The large span of time between Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and Misery Is a Butterfly is attributed to Makino's recovery time after being trampled by a horse.[1] Much of Misery Is a Butterfly's imagery and illustration is equestrian or reflective of the accident.
Their most recent album, 23, was released on 4AD in April, 2007.
Equipment
- Hiwatt amp
- Gibson SG
- Fender
- Gretsch drums
- Paiste Cymbals
- Nordlead Keyboard
Discography
Albums
- 1995 - Blonde Redhead
- 1995 - La Mia Vita Violenta
- 1997 - Fake Can Be Just as Good
- 1998 - In an Expression of the Inexpressible
- 2000 - Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons
- 2004 - Misery Is a Butterfly
- 2007 - 23
EPs & Singles
- 1993 - Amescream / Big song - 7" Single - Oxo Records (SLR007)
- 1994 - Vague / Jet star - 7" Single - Smells Like Records (SLR007)
- 1995 - 10 Feet High / Valentine - 7" Single - Single - Smells Like Records (SLR014)
- 1995 - Flying Douglas / Harmony 7" Single - Rough Trade (45rev36)
- 1997 - Symphony of Treble / Kasuality - 7" Single - Touch & Go Records (TG168)
- 1998 - Limited conversation / Slogan - 7" Single - Touch & Go Records (TG188)
- 2000 - Melodie Citronique - 12"/CD EP - Touch & Go Records (TG219)
- 2004 - Elephant Woman - 7" Single - 4AD/Beggars Banquet (BAD2408)
- 2004 - Equus - 7" Single - 4AD/Beggars Banquet (AD2415)
- 2005 - The Secret Society of Butterflies - CD EP - 4AD/Beggars Banquet (BAD 2503)
- 2007 - 23 - 7" Single - 4AD (AD2714)
- 2007 - Silently - 7" Single - 4AD (AD2714)
External links
- Official website
- Template:Amg
- 4AD's Blonde Redhead page - Current label
- Smells Like Records Steve Shelley's record label, Blonde Redhead's first label
- Brh.free.fr - Fan site with lyrics, concert photos etc.
- 23 Album Review
- Official Myspace