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The Cribs

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The Cribs
Former Cribs guitarist Johnny Marr and current member Ryan Jarman in 2010.
Former Cribs guitarist Johnny Marr and current member Ryan Jarman in 2010.
Background information
OriginWakefield, West Yorkshire, England
GenresIndie rock, garage rock, punk rock, lo-fi
Years active2000–present
LabelsWichita, Warner Bros., Universal
MembersGary Jarman
Ryan Jarman
Ross Jarman
with
David Jones
Past membersJohnny Marr
Websitewww.thecribs.com

The Cribs are an English three-piece indie rock band originally from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The band consists of twins Gary and Ryan Jarman and their younger brother Ross Jarman. They were subsequently joined by ex-The Smiths and Modest Mouse guitarist Johnny Marr who was made a formal member of the group in 2008. Marr would remain as part of the band until 2011; his departure was officially announced on 11 April through the band's website. Despite returning to the original trio, the band currently enlists David Jones of Nine Black Alps as a second guitarist for live shows. The band, who first became active on the concert circuit in 2002, were initially tied to other like-minded UK bands of that time, most notably The Libertines, by a British music press that were looking for a 'British rearguard' to the wave of popular US alternative rock bands of the time. They had outgrown this tag by the time of the commercial success of their third LP. In 2008, Q magazine described the band as "The biggest cult band in the UK".

Formation and early years (2001-2003)

The Cribs were formed in late 2001 as a recording project for the three brothers, who had set up their own Springtime Studios, a lo-fi, all analogue affair in an ancient mill.[1] After recording a demo and garnering label interest, the band started playing live around this time, at venues like the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, and “squats and warehouse parties” with artists such as Calvin Johnston, Subway Sect, Herman Dune, and Ballboy. They also released a split 7” single on Leeds based garage/riot grrrl/punk label Squirrel Records during this period with former Shove/Boyskout member Jen Schande.[2] Limited to 300 copies on blue vinyl the record is now a rarity that sells for upwards of $150 on eBay.[3] According to Mojo magazine, 'On the strength of one demo, the rush to find the UK Strokes saw the three-piece fielding calls from major labels, pluggers and label managers' in 2002.[1] After several high profile support slots, the band signed to the fledgling independent label Wichita Recordings in 2003 "we thought (they) were great because they sounded a bit like Pavement and had a big hook. We went to see them at the Metro on Oxford Street and completely fell in love with them. They seemed like such an obvious pop band. Every song sounded like a single" - Mark Bowen, Wichita Recordings.[4]

The Cribs (album) (2004)

After signing with Wichita Recordings, the band began re-recording many of the songs from the original demo, as well as several new tracks for what would be their debut record. Sessions began in London with Chicago based avant-garde musician Bobby Conn producing, after the band had supported him on some UK dates and impressed him "They had this cassette demo they had recorded on a boom-box, I suggested overdubs, they were too kitchen-sink for overdubs. I tried handclaps, they were 'not sure about handclaps'. It was all 'Keep it real'" - Bobby Conn.[1] Then sessions moved to Toe Rag Studios studios in Hackney with the band self-producing. The album was completed in 7 days, live to 8-track tape, with Ed Deegan engineering.

Released on 8 March 2004, the album found early supporters in the NME, who commented on it’s “supreme pop melodies”, and referred to it as “lo-fi, hi fun” giving it an 8/10 review.[5] Lo-fi would be a term that would follow the band around for the next few years, and something that became synonymous with the group. Again, from the NME in 2011: "Recorded in a week, it's the definition of indie lo-fi. But not willful indie lo-fi; the scratches, clangs and gawwumps all heard here are genuinely the product of the trio's shoestring methods rather than the usual contrived fuzz that bands spend ages poring over beaten up eight-tracks to achieve".[6] Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq was also an early champion. Lois Wilson of Mojo magazine described the album in 2009 as "intelligent lyrics on a background of clipped guitars and tumbling drums, with nods to The Strokes, Beat Happening, and C86's inept charm"[1] Three singles were released from the album – the limited edition 7" only "Another Number"/"Baby Don’t Sweat" in November 2003, followed by first single proper "You Were Always the One", which climbed to #2 in the indie charts. "What About Me" was the third and final single from the album, again making the indie top 10. The Cribs toured extensively throughout 2004 and into 2005, both as headliners as well as supporting artists like old friend Bobby Conn, Death Cab For Cutie and The Libertines. Over the campaign they toured the UK and Ireland, Europe, Japan, and the USA, as well as several significant international festival appearances such as Reading and Leeds Festivals, Summersonic, T in the Park and Pukkelpop amongst others.[7] Though only a moderate underground success at the time “Another Number” has gone on to become one of the bands most enduring ‘hits’ – seldom being left off the set-list and usually accompanied by a full crowd sing-along of the signature, repeated guitar riff.[4][8]

The New Fellas (2005-2006)

After concluding touring duties for the first record, the band were taken off the road to start writing the follow up. However, The Cribs decided they still wanted to tour and took to posting their phone numbers and email addresses on the internet, professing to play anywhere for fuel money and a crate of beer. This DIY approach is something the band and label now feel was a key factor in their success, as it helped nurture a very strong, passionate fanbase.[4][9]

The New Fellas, the band's second album release, was recorded with Edwyn Collins, the singer-songwriter and guitarist from Glasgow's influential Orange Juice in London at his own West Heath Studios. Again, it was a comparatively unpolished record sonically, as both the producer Collins and the band themselves were achieving sounds similar to those heard on the Orange Juice records. This was, however, the intention and the reason the band and producer were put together. "They had definite ideas what they wanted the record to sound like…They had this work ethic, there was nothing spoiled about them - they were proper indie; everything done on a shoe-string and they just got on with it….they were tremendous" - Edwyn Collins.[1] One song, "Haunted", was even recorded on Scarborough beach on a whim, after hearing a Steve Martin ukulele duet recorded on a beach.[10]

The first release from the record was the single "Hey Scenesters!" on 18 April 2005. It reached no. 27 in the UK charts, and started their run of 7 consecutive top 40 singles. The album followed on 20 June 2005 although it had leaked onto the internet several months prior to the official release date, hampering its first week sales. The record has however, gone on to be certified Silver by the BPI, and in a recent poll held by the NME was proved to be the overall fans favourite record.[6] The other singles released from the record were "Mirror Kissers", "Martell", and non album track "You're Gonna Lose Us" (produced by Bernard Butler), which was paired with "The Wrong Way To Be" as a AA side. The extensive New Fellas world tour took in several UK tours, Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, and their first trip to Iceland.[11][12] They appeared at numerous festivals at this time, including an appearance on the main stage at Reading and Leeds Festivals (becoming the first band to ever progress through all three stages in consecutive years), headlining the tent at T in the Park, Fuji Rock festival in Japan as well as an extensive USA arena tour with Death Cab for Cutie and Franz Ferdinand. A European tour during this period with ex Pavement man Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks would introduce Gary to his future wife Joanna Bolme.

Shortly before their appearance at the Fuji Rock festival, The Cribs released a Japan-only mini album called Arigato Cockers, made up of B-sides and rarities from both the first and second albums.

In their year-end issue, the NME made The New Fellas the #11 album of the year, and Hey Scenesters a single of the year.[13]

Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever (2007-2008)

At the conclusion of The New Fellas campaign, The Cribs signed a major label deal with Warner Bros. Records – though they remained on Wichita in the UK at the bands insistence. 
The subsequent album, Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever saw the band finally take steps to progress forth from their 'lo-fi' roots, being recorded in Vancouver, BC, Canada with Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand as producer. The band and producer had met during the US tour the bands did together with Death Cab for Cutie, and hit it off immediately.[14] The album was mixed by Andy Wallace (Nirvana, Foo Fighters). They collaborated with Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth on the track "Be Safe" – Ranaldo contributing his spoken word poetry to the bands music.

Prior to the records release The Cribs took in a run of small UK club dates to preview songs from the new record. This is documented in the first Cribs documentary Leave Too Neat. The first cut from the album was the single "Men's Needs", released on 7 May. It proved to be the bands first breakthrough with mainstream radio and reached no. 17 in the UK charts, becoming their biggest hit to date. The accompanying video, filmed in Hollywood by director Diane Martel has achieved over 7 million Youtube views to date.[15]

The album was released on 21 May 2007, and entered the UK album charts at #13.

Touring began at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 30 March for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The rest of 2007 and most of 2008 was spent on the road promoting the record, taking in extensive UK and European touring, several USA and Canada tours, Japan, and the bands first trip out to Mexico for a main stage appearance at the MX Beat Festival, as well as some later headline shows.[16][17] During their US touring schedules they appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Late Show with David Letterman, and the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

The second single to be released from the record was "Moving Pictures", again charting in the UK Top 40, and then later a 7" only release of "I'm a Realist". The latter was backed with a cover of The Replacements song "Bastards of Young", a band The Cribs cite as a large influence.[18] Another non-album single "Don't You Wanna Be Relevant" was paired with album cut "Our Bovine Public" and again climbed to the UK top 40. There were numerous festival slots around this time including main stage slots at Lollapalooza, T in the Park, and V festival, as well as returning to Fuji Rock, and a first time appearance at Coachella amongst others. In November 2007, The Cribs were invited by a re-formed The Sex Pistols to play with them for three nights at Brixton Academy in celebration of the 30 year anniversary of Never Mind the Bollocks[19] In December the band announced three intimate shows at their old haunt the Brudenell Social Club in aid of Cystic Fibrosis where they would play all three albums to date in sequence with secret unannounced support bands each night (Franz Ferdinand, Kate Nash, and Kaiser Chiefs respectively). This was documented for the bands second DVD, the 3 disc Live at the Brudenell Social Club. In the year-end issues "Men's Needs" was named third-best track of 2007 by NME[20] with the album coming in at #9,[21] Track of the Year 2007 by the Metro newspaper and finishing in the 100 best tracks in Rolling Stone magazine in the USA.

2008 began with The Cribs being nominated for 4 awards at the annual NME awards ceremony (Best British Band, Best Live Band, Best Track and Hero of the Year for Ryan Jarman).[22] Through this they were asked to headline the annual NME Awards Tour, which they undertook through January and February featuring some of the bands largest headline shows up to that point and culminating in a show at the o2 Arena in London. They also made a live appearance at the Awards ceremony itself, playing "I'm a Realist" and a cover of The Smiths' "Panic", featuring their new guitarist Johnny Marr (of the aforementioned The Smiths), who had been guesting with them throughout the tour. Another USA tour followed this, and then some more festival appearances including main stage slots at the Isle of Wight Festival, Rockness, Primavera Festival, Fuji Rock and Sziget, as well as a headline appearance on the John Peel Stage at Glastonbury, and headlining the second stage at Reading and Leeds Festivals.[17]

Ignore the Ignorant (2009-2010)

After a chance meeting with Johnny Marr (at the time a member of Modest Mouse) in Portland, OR The Cribs and Johnny became close friends.[23] Once Modest Mouse completed touring duties for their record, The Cribs and Johnny started to hang around and jam together - "It's been going well and it would be shame to cut it short, the original intention was to be doing an EP" the band told BBC 6 Music in January 2008.[24] However it was later announced that they would be working on an album together and that Johhny had joined as a full-time member of the group.

Much of the remainder of 2008 was spent writing new material in Portland, OR, Manchester and Wakefield, followed by a short UK tour taking in Glasgow ABC, Bradford St. Georges Hall, two nights at Manchester Ritz, and Heaven in London to road-test some of the new songs before recording commenced. Studio time was booked for March 2009 in Los Angeles with veteran producer Nick Launay (Nick Cave, PIL, Yeah Yeah Yeahs).[25] Ross Jarman performed most of the drum tracks for the recording with a broken wrist after a skateboard accident.[26]

Preceded by the single "Cheat On Me", the album Ignore the Ignorant was released on 7 September 2009, and scored The Cribs their first UK Top Ten album. Released the same week that The Beatles re-issued their entire 13 LP back-catalogue, Ignore The Ignorant managed to out-sell all but two of them to chart at number 8, something the band described as "surreal". Touring began with a headline slot at the White Air festival in Brighton followed by a UK tour of large halls. The band then went on to tour Japan (including a show at Budokan with Arctic Monkeys) then on to South Korea where they headlined the Grand Mint festival at the Olympic Park, Seoul. Next was a USA/Canada tour, as well as a European arena tour with Franz Ferdinand before The Cribs returned to the UK for their largest headline shows to date.[27]

Doncaster Dome controversy

On 5 December 2009, The Cribs headlined Doncaster Dome arena as part of their UK tour. Support that night came from original UK punk band The Slits. After The Slits were booed and heckled by the partisan audience, The Cribs came out and berated the audience, refusing to play unless everyone cheered for The Slits.[28] They later released a statement on the incident saying in part "…Firstly, it's pretty obvious that this band were disgusted by the way that a certain minority treated The Slits during their set. Despite putting on an amazing, powerful performance the night was marred from this point onwards by a handful of people throwing coins, beer and generally putting on a disgustingly chauvinistic display of small mindedness…." and "…To those who would rather treat our (or any bands) show as an excuse to indulge your testosterone - leave us the fuck alone - we have no place for you here."[29]

In December 2009, Ignore the Ignorant was placed at number 11 in Mojo magazine's "Albums of the Year", and at number 7 in The Fly's "Albums of the Year". NME also placed it at #30 in their end of year list,[30] as well as making "Cheat On Me" a track of the year. In Japan, Crossbeat magazine placed it at #8 in its "Albums of 2009" list, whilst Music Magazine called it the #1 album of 2009. Both magazines are leading publications in Japan. At the same time, The New Fellas was named an "Album of the Century" by Q.

2010 began with another extensive USA and Canada tour, before heading off for dates in Australia and New Zealand. Festival appearances including Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, Fuji Rock, Benecassim, and Pukkelpop amongst others followed. During this time the band were invited to support Aerosmith at two arena shows in Spain and France.[31] For Record Store Day 2010 The Cribs released "So Hot Now" as a split 7" single with Portland, OR band The Thermals on legendary riot grrrl label Kill Rock Stars. On 9 August 2010, BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe announced during his show that he would be playing a brand new Cribs song that night. The very next day, "Housewife" was released officially on iTunes. No one, from music industry insiders to the band's fans, had any idea that a new single was being geared up until that moment.[32] The cover art featured Ryan and Gary in drag.[33] Later that month the band appeared on the main stage once again at the Reading and Leeds festivals to close the album campaign. These would be Marr's last shows with The Cribs.

2011 onwards

After announcing Marr's departure from the group on 11 April 2011[34] The Cribs started work on writing the follow up to Ignore the Ignorant, mooted for a May 2012 release.[35] They played several headlining slots at UK festivals in 2011, as well as a show at Le Zenith in Paris with The Strokes. In June 2011 they made their first trip to Brazil, playing two shows in Sao Paolo. In December 2011 they headlined the Clockenflap festival in Hong Kong.[36]

In the Belly of the Brazen Bull (2012)

The Cribs announced the title of their fifth studio album In the Belly of the Brazen Bull and its track-listing on the 14th January 2012. The album was recorded in Tarbox Road studio in New York with David Fridmann, London’s Abbey Road and Chicago's EAR studio with producer Steve Albini. The expected release date of the album is 27 May 2012.

Ethos/politics

The Cribs have always espoused a DIY approach to their career,[1] and have in the past been accused of being critical of their contemporaries for their perceived difference in ethos - most publicly evidenced by Ryan Jarman's controversial onstage remarks at Glastonbury 2007.[37] The band identify themselves as feminist.[38][39] When guest-editing the culture-section for The Guardian they used the opportunity to commission Everett True to write an article about the Riot Grrrl movement.[40]

Band members

Current members

Former members

Touring members

  • Johnny Marr – guitar (2008)
  • David Jones – guitar (2011–present)

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales thresholds)
UK
2004 The Cribs 96
2005 The New Fellas 78
  • UK: Silver
2007 Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever 13
  • UK: Silver
2009 Ignore the Ignorant 8
  • UK: Silver
2012 In the Body of the Brazen Bull

Singles

Year Title Chart positions Album
UK
2004 "Baby Don't Sweat" (limited edition of 1000 7" only) 126 The Cribs
"You Were Always the One" 66
"What About Me" 75
2005 "Hey Scenesters!" 27 The New Fellas
"Mirror Kissers" 27
"Martell" 39
"You're Gonna Lose Us" 30 Non-Album Track
2007 "Men's Needs" 17 Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever
"Moving Pictures" 38
"Our Bovine Public / Don't You Wanna Be Relevant?" 39
2008 "I'm a Realist" (Chart ineligible vinyl-only release) –
2009 "Cheat On Me" 80 Ignore the Ignorant
"We Share the Same Skies" (Chart ineligible vinyl-only release) –
2010 "Housewife" (Unannounced surprise single. Vinyl and download only) 105 Non-album track

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Mojo, EMAP publishing, October 2009 - pages 44-49, article 'State Of Independence' by Lois Wilson
  2. ^ "Squirrel Records official site". Squirrelrecords.co.uk. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  3. ^ "THE CRIBS / JEN SCHANDE 7" vinyl single - Baby Don't Sweat / You and I (2003)". eBay. 18 November 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  4. ^ a b c Mark Bowen. "Ten Years of Wichita Recordings". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  5. ^ NME Magazine, IPC Media, 8th March 2004 - Album reviews section, by Tim Jonze
  6. ^ a b "The Cribs:Rank The Albums". Nme.com. 9 December 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  7. ^ "The Cribs Official Gigography 2004". Thecribs.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  8. ^ "Youtube footage of crowd sing-along". Youtube.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  9. ^ "The Cribs On their First Gig Post Johnny Marr". Live4ever.uk.com. 25 May 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  10. ^ Ryan Jarman answers the Questions of Doom | Bad Vibes
  11. ^ "The Cribs Official Gigography 2005". Thecribs.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  12. ^ "The Cribs Official Gigography 2006". Thecribs.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  13. ^ NME Magazine, IPC Media, Year end list 2005. 3/12/05 - page 11(album), page 35(single)
  14. ^ "The Cribs Find a Home with Alex Kapranos". Spinner.com. 17 May 2007. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  15. ^ "Youtube video for 'Mens Needs'". Youtube.com. 12 April 2007. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  16. ^ "The Cribs Official Gigography 2007". Thecribs.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  17. ^ a b "The Cribs Official Gigography 2008". Thecribs.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  18. ^ "The Cribs - new album, MP3, video & shows w/ Johnny Marr". BrooklynVegan.com. 19 August 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  19. ^ "Sex Pistols welcome The Cribs on Tour". NME.com. 15 November 2007. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  20. ^ NME Magazine, IPC Media, Year end list 2007. 15/12/07 page 37
  21. ^ NME Magazine, IPC Media, Year end list 2007. 15/12/07 - page 26
  22. ^ "Shockwaves NME Awards 2008:All The Nominations". NME.com. 30 January 2008. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  23. ^ "Johnny Marr & The Jarmans: The Cribs, The Smiths and the Trouble With Indie". The Quietus. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  24. ^ "The Cribs and Johnny Marr to Release an Album?". Gigwise.com. 30 January 2008. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  25. ^ "Interview with Nick Launay". HitQuarters. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  26. ^ "Ross Jarman has Recorded Album with Broken Wrist - Drummerzone.com". Drummerszone.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  27. ^ "The Cribs Official Gigography 2009". Thecribs.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  28. ^ "The Cribs Nearly Pulled Doncaster Dome Show Due to The Slits Treatment". NME.com. 8 December 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  29. ^ "Statement from The Cribs re: Doncaster". Thecribs.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  30. ^ NME magazine, IPC Media, Year end list 2009. 12/12/2009 - page 27 (album) page 36 (single)
  31. ^ "The Cribs Official Gigography 2010". Thecribs.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  32. ^ "The Cribs:Housewife". Crackintheroad.com. 12 August 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  33. ^ "A Tale of Two Housewives". Thumbsforhire.co.uk. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  34. ^ "Guitarist Johnny Marr Leaves The Cribs for Solo Album". Bbc.co.uk. 12 April 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  35. ^ Q magazine, EMAP publishing, February 2013 Issue - Albums of 2012 feature by Dan Stubbs
  36. ^ "The Cribs Official Gigography 2011". Thecribs.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  37. ^ "The Cribs Discuss Controversial Glastonbury Show". Nme.com. 25 June 2007. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  38. ^ Ed Power. "Women's Cribs". Hot Press. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  39. ^ "Conversations with Gary Jarman - Dischord Music". Dischordmusic.blogspot.com. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  40. ^ "The Cribs Takeover: The 10 Myths of Riot Grrrl". Guardian. 14 September 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
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