Black Box Recorder

Black Box Recorder

This article is about the English indie band. For the recording device, see black box (transportation). For other uses, see black box (disambiguation).

Black Box Recorder are an English pop/indie group. They debuted in 1998 with England Made Me, a collection of lyrically sophisticated pop tunes. They followed this up with The Facts of Life, which gave them their first hit with the single of the same name in April 2000. Their third album, Passionoia, was released in 2003. There is also a compilation album, The Worst of Black Box Recorder, a collection of B-sides, cover versions and remixes.

Musically, the group is influenced by trip hop, ambient music, and French electronic groups such as Air. However the lyrics to these lush and romantic melodies are frequently bleak, ironic or sarcastic: obvious influences are Ray Davies, Morrissey, and Pulp. The video for single "The Art of Driving" depicted the band as crash test dummies, and one photo shoot from around that time portrayed them as survivors of a destructive car crash.

Black Box Recorder are Sarah Nixey, Luke Haines (of The Auteurs), and John Moore (formerly of The Jesus and Mary Chain, John Moore & the Expressway Rising, Revolution #9 & a solo artist). John Moore and Sarah Nixey married in 2001, and have one child. They divorced in 2006.

Preceded by several singles, the first solo album from Nixey, Sing, Memory, was released in February 2007.

Luke Haines toured the UK and Ireland during November 2006, with John Moore guesting on bowed-saw at some gigs.

Reformation

Although no official announcement of the band's split was announced, Black Box Recorder was on hiatus during the mid 2000's.

The band collaborated with Art Brut during 2007 and released the single "Christmas Bumber One" under the name The Black Arts.

In October 2008 the band played live at the Nick Sanderson (Earl Brutus) tribute concert at The Forum, London.

In late 2008 it was announced on Luke Haines' web site that the band would be playing a gig at The Luminaire, Kilburn, London on 18 February 2009. The gig was quickly sold out and a second appearance at the same venue announced. These will be the band's first headlining appearances in five years.

Discography

Albums

• England Made Me (20 July 1998) (UK #110)
• The Facts of Life (1 May 2000) (UK #37)
• Passionoia (3 March 2003) (UK #179)

Singles

• "Child Psychology" (4 May 1998) (UK #82)
• "England Made Me" (6 July 1998) (UK #89)
• "The Facts Of Life" (10 April 2000) (UK #20)
• "The Art Of Driving" (3 July 2000) (UK #53)
• "These Are The Things" (24 February 2003) (UK #91)
• "The School Song" (30 June 2003) (UK #102)
• "Christmas Number One" (December 2007, with Art Brut)

Compilations

• The Worst of Black Box Recorder (21 August 2001)

References

Chart listings: http://zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_B.HTM

External links

• Black Box Recorder - Record Label Homepage - site appears dead
• Sarah Nixey's Official Website
• John Moore's Official Website / Blog
• Luke Haines' Official Website
• Black Box Recorder Fansite (New - Under Construction)
• Black Box Recorder Fansite (Old)