| The Blue Aeroplanes | |
|---|---|
The Blue Aeroplanes performing live, April 2006 |
|
| Background information | |
| Origin | Bristol, UK |
| Genres | Alternative rock, post-punk, art-rock |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Labels | Party Fire Ensign Beggars Banquet Art Star Harvest/EMI |
| Associated acts | Art Objects Massive Attack Strangelove Rita Lynch Witness Exploding Seagulls Oyster Band Suede |
| Website | (http://www.theblueaeroplanes.com) TheBlueAeroplanes.com |
| Members | |
| Gerard Langley John Langley Wojtek Dmochowski Rodney Allen Gerard Starkie Max Noble Chris Sharp Rita Lynch Angelo Bruschini |
|
The Blue Aeroplanes are an English rock band from Bristol,[1] the mainstays of which have been Gerard Langley, brother John Langley, and dancer Wojtek Dmochowski. All three had previously been members of the New Wave “art band” Art Objects (1978–81).
Contents |
The Blue Aeroplanes first performed under that name at the King Street Art Gallery in Bristol in 1981. They consisted mostly of former members of the Art Objects, with the addition of Nick Jacobs on guitar and vocals. The same line-up played three or four concerts over the next couple of years, either at the gallery or for benefits, including a Karl Marx centenary performance at the Victoria Rooms, with the addition of trumpet and didgeridoo.[2] The Blue Aeroplanes first album Bop Art was released on their own Party Records in 1984, and rapidly picked up by the Abstract (US) and Fire (UK) labels.[3] It contained material that had been considered for a follow up to Art Objects only album, Bagpipe Music. Gerard Langley's largely spoken poetic lyrics were combined with a heavily guitar-centric band that went on to release Tolerance (1986) and Spitting Out Miracles (1987) and several singles and EPs whose B-sides were brought together in the compilation FriendLoverPlane (1988), all on the Fire label.
In 1989 the band released probably their most critically acclaimed album, Swagger, this time on a major label Chrysalis/Ensign. This was followed by Beatsongs which was recorded in the United States and released in 1991. This second album on the major label was their highest charting, reaching no.33 in the UK album charts. A second compilation of rare B-sides and out-takes, FriendLoverPlane2 (Up In A Down World), was released in 1992.
The follow-up to Beatsongs was delayed until 1994 when the album, Life Model' was released on the Beggars Banquet label, followed by Rough Music in 1995. "Broken & Mended" from Life Model was the band's last single to chart and is a favourite at gigs.
A long break and another label change to ArtStar preceded the release of Cavaliers in 2000. Following negotiations with EMI who now owned the rights to Swagger and Beatsongs, The Blue Aeroplanes made a surprise return to this major label. EMI re-released Swagger Deluxe as a 2-CD version in January 2006 and an album of new material called Altitude later that year. The group then recorded an album of cover versions of classic tracks that were originally recorded by artists signed to the Harvest Label. The album, called Harvester, was released by EMI in 2007.
As well as the two FriendLoverPlane compilations, several other compilations have been released in recent years. Huh! The Best of The Blue Aeroplanes (1987-1992) was released by EMI/Chrysalis in 1997 and featured many of the songs from Swagger and Beatsongs. Also in 1997, Warhols 15 The Best Of The Blue Aeroplanes (1985-1988) was released and covered the preceding period when the band was signed to Fire records. In 1996 Fruit (live 1985-1995) was released on Fire records and covered 10 years of live performances recorded at various venues. Then in 2001, ArtStar released Weird Sh*t which featured both rare tracks and alternative versions of some of the band's best-known songs from Swagger through to 'Cavaliers.
In 2008 and 2009 limited edition live albums were released and sold at the annual Christmas gig at Fiddlers in Bristol. Live in Cheltenham (2008) and Skyscrapers (2009) were limited to just 100 copies each and each featured songs not included on the other live CD.
Much of the appeal of The Blue Aeroplanes lies in their excellence as a live act. Happy headlining gigs in small indie venues or supporting big acts such as REM and Siouxsie & the Banshees on major international tours, The Blue Aeroplanes have a reputation for keeping their set list as fresh as the line-up of guitarists. Frontman Gerard Langley has a huge stage presence, always wearing his trademark shades even at night in dark venues, and will move from casually introducing songs and making cryptic comments to answering questions from the audience back to his half-sung, half spoken snarling delivery of his lyrics. Memorable performances include the band's 1992 appearance at Glastonbury which was broadcast on BBC Radio 1, the famous finale at the Hammersmith Apollo when 12 guitarists were seen on stage performing 'Breaking in My Heart' and not to forget, the now annual appearance at Fiddlers in Bristol.
1) Bop Art, 2/84, LP, Party PART1; ?/85, LP, Abstract ABT009; 12/94, CD, Regeneration Records RGNR 4001
Note: Reissued for one pressing only on Abstract as part of a general deal with them that never happened. CDs were pressed only for the 10th anniversary gig in London.
2) Tolerance, 11/85, LP, Fire FIRELP3; 5/90, CD, Fire FIRECD3
Note: A European edition was issued with three extra tracks from the _Lover And Confidante_ EP added.
3) Spitting Out Miracles, 10/87, LP, Fire FIRELP10; 5/90, CD, Fire FIRECD10
Note: Originally released with a flexi-disc of Rodney Allen performing "Days Of 49" and Ian Kearey performing "Cowardice And Caprice". Neither musician was in the band at the time. It's these two versions that are on _Friendloverplane_. The CD says tracks marked with '*' are remixed.
4) Friendloverplane, 11/88, 2 LP, Fire FIRELP15; CD, FIRECD15; ?/88, LP, Restless 7 72314-2; CD, ? [USA release]
Note: Available in both a light and dark blue sleeve design. Issued in the USA as a single LP and on a 17-track CD (missing "Complete Blessing", "Weird Heart", "Police (38 Divinity)", "Days Of 49", "I Wanna Be Your Lover", "The Couple In The Next Room", but has "Cowardice And Caprice").
5) Swagger, 2/90, LP, Ensign CHEN13; CS, ZCHEN13; CD, CCD1752; 2/90, CD, Chrysalis F2 21752 [USA release]; 2/21/2006, 2 CD, EMI [reissue]
Reissue bonus CD:
6) World View Blue, 6/90, CD, Chrysalis, F2 21818 [USA release]
Note: USA release only.
7) Beatsongs, 8/91, LP, Ensign CHEN21; CS, ZCHEN21; CD, CCD1856; 8/91, CD, Chrysalis F2 21856 [USA release]
8) Friendloverplane 2, 10/92, LP, Ensign CHEN28; CS, ZCHEN28; CD, CDCHEN28
9) Life Model, 2/94, LP, Beggars Banquet BBQLP 143; CS, BBQMC143; CD, BBQCD143; 8/94, ? [USA release]
10) Rough Music, 1/17/95, LP, Beggars Banquet BBQLP 167; CS, BBQMC167; CD, BBQCD167; 1/17/95, CD, Beggars Banquet 92516-2 [USA release]
11) Fruit, 6/96, CD, Fire FIRECD 57
12) Weird Shit, 12/12/96, CS, self-released; 2/26/2001, CD, Cargo UK SFCD 041
Cassette:
CD:
Note: The cassette was a limited edition of 100 and sold at gigs, featuring artwork by Doug Smith. The tracklisting was typed onto 4" squares of paper and hand glued.
13) Huh!: The Best, 1987-1992, ?/97, CD, Chrysalis 101
Note: Only source for "Lovething/Higherthing".
14) Warhol's 15 - The Best Of The Blue Aeroplanes 1985-1988, ?/2002, CD, Nectar 530
Note: Only CD source for studio version of "Breaking In My Heart".
15) Cavaliers & Roundheads, 6/13/2000, 2 CD, Swarf Finger 38
16) Altitude, 04/03/2006, 1 CD, EMI CDCHSP4132
1) Action Painting & Other Original Works Of..., 2/85, 12", Fire FIRE 2
2) Lover & Confidante And Other Stories Of Travel, Religion & Heartbreak, 3/85, 12", Fire FIRE 8
3) Tolerance, 10/86, 7", Fire BLAZE 12S; 12", Fire BLAZE 12T
4) Bury Your Love Like Treasure, 10/87, 12", Fire BLAZE 23T
5) The Janice Long Session, 4/88, 12", Night Trax SFNT 009
6) Veils Of Colour, 5/88, 12", Fire BLAZE 24T
Note: Came with free poster.
7) Jacket Hangs, 2/90, 7", Ensign ENY 628; CS, ENYMC 628; 12", Ensign ENYX 628; CD, ENYCD 628
8) ...And Stones, 5/90, 7", Ensign ENY 632; CS, ENYMC 632; 12", Ensign ENYX 632; CD, Ensign ENYCD 632
12", Ensign, 12", ENYXR 632
9) The Loved EP, 10/90, 10", Ensign ENY 10636; 12", Ensign ENYX 636; CD, Ensign ENYCD 636
10) Yr Own World, 7/91, 7", Ensign ENY 647; CS, ENYMC 647; 12", Ensign ENYX 647; CD, Ensign ENYCD 647
11) The Boy In The Bubble, 10/91, 7", Ensign ENY 649; CS, ENYMC 649; 12", Ensign ENYX 649, CD, Ensign ENYCD 649
12) Stranger, 5/92, Flexi 7", Given out at Bristol University gig.
Note: These are both _Beatsongs_ out-takes.
13) Fun, ?/92, CD, Ensign, CDP 560
14) Up In A Down World, 8/93, 12", Fantastic Plastic FP 002
15) Broken & Mended E.P., 1/94, 12", Beggars Banquet BBQ 26T; CD, BBQ 26CD
16) Detective Song, 12/94, 7", Beggars Banquet BBQ 39; CD, Beggars Banquet BBQ 39 CD
17) Sugared Almond E.P., 3/95, CD, Beggars Banquet BBQ 53CD
18) China Brilliance Automotive, 10/10, 7", Albino Two Recordings ALBTW010
1) Bludgeoned, ?/85
Includes different version of "Action Painting".
2) Imminent Episode One, 11/85, LP, Food BITE 1
Includes an alternate version of "Outback Jazz".
3) On The Dotted Line, ?/87, EMI
Includes two live tracks from the ICA, listing unknown.
4) Great Fire Of London, 1/89, LP, Fire FIRELP 8
Includes the uncredited version of Dave Brubeck's "Unsquare Dance" (an out-take from _Bop Art_), and a different version of "Gunning The Works".
5) Lime Lizards, ?/91, CAS, LL1
Includes "Autumn Journal XV".
6) Volume 2, ?/91, CD
Includes the original album version of "Aeroplane Blues" (pre-overdubs, etc).
7) Ruby Trax, 11/23/92, CD, NME NME40CD
Includes "Bad Moon Rising".
8) NME Presents Viva! Eight, ?/92, CD, NME Viva8
Includes "Yr Own World (live)".
9) The Indie Scene 1985 - The Story Of British Independent Music, ?/92
Includes "Action Painting".
1) Hard Objects, 7", Fried Egg EGG007, ?/80
2) Showing Off To Impress The Girls, 7", Heartbeat/Cherry Red Music, ?/81
3) Bagpipe Music, LP, Heartbeat HB5, ?/81.
Reissue CDREM316 2007
Bonus Tracks:
1) Record Player, CD, ?/2001
2) LIT, CDR, Europa/Art Star, Limited edition of 50.
3) LIT Volume 2, CDR, Europa/Art Star, Limited edition of 50.
4) LIT Volume 3, CDR, Europa/Art Star, Limited edition of 50.
1) Siamese Boyfriends, 3/86, LP, Fire LP4
Note: This is dedicated to the Blue Aeroplanes and the Oyster Band. A new version of "Dear, Though The Night Is Gone" later appears on _Rough Music_.
1) Happy Sad, ?/87, LP, Subway Organization, SUBORG2.
2) Bittersweet 16, ?/88, CD, Subway Organization, SUBORG17CD
Various artists compilation, includes "Glastonbury" and "Cupid's Bow".
3) Circle Line EP, ?/88, 12", Subway Organization, SUBWAY18T
| Player | Bop Art | Tolerance | Spitting Out Miracles |
Friendlover- plane |
Swagger | Beatsongs | Friendlover- plane 2 |
Life Model | Rough Music | Anti-Gravity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Acuna | S | |||||||||
| Joe Allen | P | |||||||||
| Rodney Allen | S | P | P | P | P | P | ||||
| Johnny Baker | S | |||||||||
| Bill Bell | S | S | ||||||||
| Richard Bell | P | P | P | |||||||
| Tracey Bowen | S | |||||||||
| Vivian Bowen | S | |||||||||
| Bob Bradley | P | P | ||||||||
| Paul Bradley | S | |||||||||
| Angelo Bruschini | S | P | P | P | P | P | ||||
| Antoinette Burrell | S | |||||||||
| Steve Bush | S | |||||||||
| Dan Catsis | S | |||||||||
| Dave Chapman | P | P | P | |||||||
| George Claridge | S | |||||||||
| Christian Clarke | S | |||||||||
| Ruth Cochrane | P | P | P | |||||||
| John Cornick | S | |||||||||
| Richard Crabtree | S | |||||||||
| Simon Crump | S | |||||||||
| Fiona Davies | S | |||||||||
| Stephen Davies | S | |||||||||
| Jedrej Dmochowski | S | S | ||||||||
| Wojtek Dmochowski | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| Patrick Duff | S | |||||||||
| Chris Evans | S | |||||||||
| Nigel Eaton | S | S | ||||||||
| Rhian Evans | S | |||||||||
| Mark Espiner | S | S | ||||||||
| Pat Fish (Jazz Butcher) | S | S | P | |||||||
| Alexandra Frean | S | |||||||||
| Matthew Gale | S | S | ||||||||
| Roger Goslyn | S | S | ||||||||
| Caroline Halcrow | P | |||||||||
| Simon Heathfield | P | |||||||||
| Bob Hewerdine | S | |||||||||
| Clare Hirst | S | |||||||||
| Susie Hug | S | S | ||||||||
| Nick Jacobs | P | P | P | P | S | |||||
| Louis Jardine | S | |||||||||
| Tom Johnson | S | |||||||||
| Rachel Jones | S | |||||||||
| Francis Kane | S | |||||||||
| Ian Kearey | P | S | P | S | S | S | P | S | ||
| Tim Keegan | S | |||||||||
| J.J. Key | S | S | ||||||||
| Robin Key | S | |||||||||
| Dave King | S | |||||||||
| Kenny Lacey | S | |||||||||
| Elizabeth Lane | S | S | ||||||||
| Andrew Lang | S | |||||||||
| Gerard Langley | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| John Langley | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | ||
| Alex Lee | P | P | P | P | ||||||
| Jeremy Little | S | |||||||||
| Charlie Llewellin | S | |||||||||
| Georgia Lowe | S | |||||||||
| Rita Lynch | P | |||||||||
| David Mansfield | S | |||||||||
| Jerry Marotta | S | S | ||||||||
| Andy McCreeth | P | P | P | S | ||||||
| Paul Mulreany | P | P | P | P | ||||||
| Dave Newton | S | S | ||||||||
| Max Noble | S | P | ||||||||
| Iain O'Higgins | S | |||||||||
| Nick Powell | S | |||||||||
| Roger Power | P | |||||||||
| Simon Preston | S | |||||||||
| Graham Russell | P | |||||||||
| Andy Sheppard | S | |||||||||
| Michelle Shocked | S | |||||||||
| Bill Stair | S | |||||||||
| John Stapleton | P | P | P | |||||||
| Michael Stipe | S | |||||||||
| Elaine Summers | S | |||||||||
| Danny Timms | S | |||||||||
| Neti Vaandrager | S | |||||||||
| Marcus Williams | P | |||||||||
| Nick Williams | S | |||||||||
| Sharon Williams | S | |||||||||
| Hazel Winter | P | P | ||||||||
| Tony Wrafter | S | S | ||||||||
| Jon Wygens | P | |||||||||
| Loki Lillistone | P | |||||||||
| Chris Sharp | P | |||||||||
| Gerard Starkie | P | P |