The Long Blondes - appreciation thread
Four years later and I still really miss The Long Blondes. Here's some reasons why I love them:
1) Such sharply crafted and intelligently written singles. As a trio Weekend Without Makeup, Giddy Stratospheres and Separated by Motorways are faultless pop gems. Choppy tension/release energy reined in by the dazzling Kate Jackson..
2) Who can flick from bitter darkness to Care Bear sweetness in the space of a few syllables. Her live performances were never less than magnetic and she pulled off the glamourous new-wave femme-fatale vibe without a shred of contrivance. Plus, she's insanely hot, obviously.
3) Erol Alkan-produced songs like Century on 'Couples' hinted at a sorta warped mutant-disco direction that was sadly cut short with Dorian's stroke. Where most bands run their course leaving a definitively time-and-a-place album, Long Blondes were clearly out-growing Sheffield '05-'08. The latter songs sound like they coulda been simmering underground back when Debbie Harry was in hot-pants. They were just....cool. And really, not many bands even go near that.
4) Two universally acclaimed albums, no weak tracks. I think they're one of those bands whose aesthetic necessitates style with everything they do. There's no songs that aren't at least evocative and atmospheric
So yeah. They deserve loadsa recognition I think. Here's a great performance - and the latest I could find on Kate Jackson..
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Really great band, they seemed to have endless fantastic melodies
and the songs were perfectly executed- the balance of contrived/kitsch to honesty was perfect.
There's definitely some issues with sexism in the lyrics, specifically regarding objectification and women-hating, which is especially troubling as the lyrics were written by a man.. I remember a great article in 2006 in Newcastle magazine The Cuckoo Press regarding those issues.. but I just try to forget about that and listen to the class songs.
Not that the OP will be particularly bothered about that, judging from the "she's insanely hot" comment (sorry, I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but comments like that are just unnecessary. She was an amazing performer, end of.)
Kate Jackson doesn't seem to be doing all that much at all. I remember listening to a couple of demos a while back? They were alright I think, but I dunno, she didn't really write for Long Blondes so I don't see it as a continuation or anything. Is Dorian working with anyone, doing any writing if not performing?
Man in
'Finds woman attractive' shock
yeah, but it's not relevant to whether or not the band are good
and it leaves a bad taste.
Saw a Kate Jackson solo gig earlier this year
Surprisingly enjoyable, still stylish as ever. Would definitely check out an album if it ever materialised.
where did you see her? does she gig much?
https://www.facebook.com/katejacksongroup/app_178091127385
It there was one band I thought would be huge
and people would generally get excited about it was the Long Blondes. They seemed to have everything and an exciting frontwoman. I don't know maybe in the Brit-pop or post Brit-pop era they would have had more success.
amen to all this
my vote for the most unfairly under-rated single track of the last 10 years would pretty much be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRbGeaKjAdo
Agree with all of the above
A very good band that ended too soon. I play Someone To Drive You Home every couple of months or so. Cracking little album.
Shameless borrowing from Pulp
completely superficial lyrics and an awful foghorn of a lead singer. May they never return!
I absolutely loved their first album. I just couldn't get into their
second album. Fun live band nonetheless.