Slowdive EP1
A small slice of history
Probably needs no introduction but in the very early days of Slowdive and Shoegaze more generally I drummed on this classic EP. Their story is epic, mine a bit more humble but proud to have played a small part.
When we all headed off to White House Studio near Weston-Super-Mare I don't think any of us would have guessed what was going to follow on: a support slot with Lush; a meeting with a very drunken A&R rep; a meeting with a sober Alan McGee and then the band getting signed to Creation Records, I left to to go to university. The re-recordings of the three tracks were not thought to be as good as the demos so it is those that got released.
A couple of very old photos kindly dug out by Christian and Neil. The bottom one was taken in the basement of the youth club at Chiltern Edge School where we rehearsed for several years. The top one in a field outside of Sonning Common. Photographer not remembered - reminders welcome!
(Initially) unreleased Slowdive tracks
Recorded alongside Slowdive and Avalyn I/II
The demo that got Slowdive signed is most famous for the tracks that made up the first EP (pictured at the top of the page) but the other tracks were also pretty good (and subsequently self-released by the band). Beach Song and Take Me Down were both recorded at the White House near Weston-super-Mare.
NB the image is from the later flexi single release.
What's So Funny?
The Pumpkin Fairies
Well, I was sixteen when we recorded this, and some great tunes on it (I can claim that without fear of refutation as I don't think it is available online!)
Demo Tape
Pumpkin Fairies
About a year after What's So Funny and now available thanks to the wonders of the internet. The recordings helped us get a number of local gigs and you can hear a proto-shoegaze sound emerging on some of them.