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Blonde Redhead

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Blonde Redhead

Blonde Redhead is a rock trio comprised of Kazu Makino and Italian twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace. They take their name from a song by DNA, a 1970s and 80s no wave band from New York. The band performs in multiple languages including English, Japanese, Italian, and French.

History

Amedeo and Simone Pace were born in Milan and grew up in Montreal, but moved later on to Boston to study jazz. After earning their Bachelor's degrees, they began playing in the New York City underground music scene. The Pace brothers and Japanese art students Kazu Makino and Maki Takahashi (now no longer in the band) 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 was replaced by her friend and fellow musician, Toko Yasuda as bassist, though Yasuda doesn't appear on any studio recordings. Yasuda soon left the group as well, explaining that "it wasn’t comfortable for me to write songs so I was kind of frustrated".[1] The remaining members of Blonde Redhead 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 and 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 (Nine Inch Nails, U2, Smashing Pumpkins) produced their most recent record, 23, which was released on 4AD in April, 2007.

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.[2] Much of Misery Is a Butterfly's imagery and illustration is equestrian or reflective of the accident.

Discography

Albums

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, 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 (AD2720)

References

  1. ^ Chun, Kimberly (2002-08-09). "Enon blends Indie Rock With Electro-pop". AsianWeek.com. Retrieved 2007-10-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/april_2004/blonde-redhead.html
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