Blonde Redhead Explained

Blonde Redhead
Landscape:yes
Origin:New York City, U.S.
Years Active:1993–present
Current Members:Kazu Makino
Amedeo Pace
Simone Pace
Past Members:Maki Takahashi
Toko Yasuda

Blonde Redhead is an American alternative rock band composed of Kazu Makino (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar) and twin brothers Simone (drums, keyboards) and Amedeo Pace (lead guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals) that formed in New York City in 1993. The band's earliest albums were noted for their noise rock influences, though their sound evolved by the early 2000s with the releases of Misery is a Butterfly (2004) and 23 (2007), which both incorporated elements of dream pop, shoegaze and other genres.[1] They have released ten studio albums and have toured internationally.

Career

Amedeo and Simone Pace were born in Milan, Italy,[2] and grew up in Montreal (Saint-Léonard), but later moved to Boston to study jazz. After earning Bachelor's degrees, they entered the New York City underground music scene. Blonde Redhead formed in New York in 1993 after Amedeo and Simone met Kazu Makino, a film student at the time, through mutual friends.[3] John Lurie stated in his memoir that he introduced the twins to Kazu, a long time friend. The band named themselves after a song on the 1981 EP A Taste of DNA by the no wave group DNA. For the group's first decade, Amedeo and Makino were romantically involved.[4]

Blonde Redhead's self-titled debut album was released in 1995.[5] Shortly afterwards, fourth member Maki Takahashi left the band and was replaced by her friend Toko Yasuda as bassist. Yasuda played on the band's second album La Mia Vita Violenta also released in 1995.[6] Both records appeared on the New York label Smells Like. The band continued as a trio.[7]

Their third album, Fake Can Be Just as Good, was released through Touch & Go in 1997.[8] The band enlisted the help of Vern Rumsey of Unwound, who filled the role of guest bassist, while the subsequent albums have featured the Icelandic musician Skúli Sverrisson.[9]

On their fourth album, In an Expression of the Inexpressible, Guy Picciotto of Fugazi was hired as producer.[10] Picciotto also contributed in the construction to the song "Futurism vs. Passéism Part 2" as well as lending it his vocals to the 1998 release. In 2000 Picciotto also co-produced Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons with Ryan Hadlock, an album about the relationship between Makino and Amedeo Pace.[11]

The four-year delay between Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and Misery Is a Butterfly is attributed to Makino's recovery time after being trampled by a horse.[12] Much of the visual and lyrical imagery of Misery Is a Butterfly is reflective of the accident, especially in the music video for "Equus." It was the last time Picciotto produced the band.[13]

In 2006 Makino recorded vocals for the film Sisters.[14] Alan Moulder mixed the trio's album 23 which was released on 4AD, in April 2007.[15]

In mid-2008, they wrote and recorded the score of the documentary feature film The Dungeon Masters.[16] The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released on February 12, 2010; a soundtrack album was released in July 2010.[17] [18] In 2009, Blonde Redhead collaborated with Devestations on "When the Road Runs Out" for the AIDS benefit album Dark Was the Night produced by the Red Hot Organization.[19]

In March 2010 the band included a demo version of the song "Not Getting There" on a 4AD sampler entitled Fragments From Work In Progress.[20] Their eighth album, Penny Sparkle, was released in September 2010 through 4AD.[21] The album was again mixed by Alan Moulder,[22] and reached 79 in the Billboard 200 chart.[23] For the subsequent tour the band added a key-board player.[24] The band released a six-track remix EP in July 2011.[25]

A year later, the band started the project for their next album but without the support of 4AD. Self-financed, the band embarked on a haphazard recording schedule with producer Drew Brown. Simone Pace noted about Brown's involvement that "he has so much experience and definitely dictated the direction of the record; the choices of instruments, concept and that it was minimal." He forced the band to use analogue instruments.[26]

In April 2014 their song "For the Damaged Coda" was used in an episode of the first season of the cartoon Rick and Morty. The use of this song was again repeated in April 2017 in the third season. The use of the song became an important plot device regarding the character "Evil Morty" for the series. Around 2018 this song became an Internet meme expressing the sadness one feels at the worst moments of one's life.[27]

The band released their ninth album, Barragán, on September 2, 2014, through Kobalt.[28] It was preceded by the single "No More Honey" that appeared in June.[29] It was followed by the second single, "Dripping,"[30] which included a video.[31] The band also provided the soundtrack to the Danish film The Commentator.[32] [33]

In June 2016 it was announced that the band would release the box set Masculin Féminin on September 30 through The Numero Group.[34] It contains 37 tracks, which cover the first two albums, associated singles, radio sessions and unreleased demos from the period.[35] In 2017, the band released the EP 3 O'Clock, which comprises four songs and featured contributions from Eyvind Kang, Michael Leonhart, Sam Owens and Mauro Refosco, among others.[36]

In September 2019, Kazu Makino released her first solo album, Adult Baby, which featured Ryuichi Sakamoto (on piano, field recordings, and "organic instruments"), Ian Chang and Greg Saunier (drums), and Mauro Refosco (percussion).[37]

The band toured the US in 2022 on select dates supporting Tool.[38] The following year, the band announced the release of their tenth album, Sit Down for Dinner, on September 29, 2023, through section1.[39] In November, they released a reworked version of "Damaged Coda" entitled "More Coda" for Rick and Morty.[40] On June 14, 2024, Blonde Redhead performed at the Forum Melbourne in Melbourne, appearing as part of the 2024 RISING: festival, supported by Melbourne-based singer, Georgia Knight.[41]

Members

Current members

Former members

Timeline

Discography

Albums

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:16em;"
Album detailsPeak chart positions
US
[42]
BEL
(FL)

[43]
BEL
(WA)

[44]
FRA
[45]
GRE
[46]
ITA
[47]
JPN
[48]
SWI
[49]
UK
[50]
UK
Indie

Blonde Redhead
La Mia Vita Violenta
  • Released: September 1995
  • Label: Smells Like
Fake Can Be Just as Good
In an Expression of the Inexpressible
  • Released: September 8, 1998
  • Label: Touch and Go
Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons
  • Released: June 6, 2000
  • Label: Touch and Go
Misery Is a Butterfly
  • Released: March 15, 2004
  • Label: 4AD
180 77 50 41
23
  • Released: April 10, 2007
  • Label: 4AD
63 52 77 38 196 100 152 13
Penny Sparkle
  • Released: September 13, 2010
  • Label: 4AD
79 57 65 89 18 41
Barragán
  • Released: September 2, 2014
  • Label: Kobalt
180 68 86 104
Sit Down for Dinner
  • Released: September 29, 2023
  • Label: Section1
91 127 50
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

EPs

!Year!Title!Label
2000Mélodie CitroniqueTouch and Go
2005The Secret Society of Butterflies4AD/Beggars Banquet
20173 O'ClockKobalt/Ponderosa/Asa Wa Kuru

Singles

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
YearPeak chart positionsAlbum
UK
UK
Indie

"Amescream / Big Song"1993rowspan="2"
"Vague / Jet Star"1994
"10 Feet High / Valentine"1995La Mia Vita Violenta
"Flying Douglas / Harmony"
"Symphony of Treble / Kasuality"1997Fake Can Be Just as Good
"Limited Conversation / Slogan"1998In an Expression of the Inexpressible (Japanese edition)
"Elephant Woman"200482 26Misery Is a Butterfly
"Equus"84 19
"23"200723
"Silently"
"Here Sometimes"2010Penny Sparkle
"No More Honey"2014Barragán
"Dripping"
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Soundtracks

!Year!Film
2008The Dungeon Masters
2012The Commentator

Compilations and remix albums

!Year!Title!Label
2016Freedom of Expression on BarragánAsa Wa Kuru
Masculin FémininNumero

Notes

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Misery is a Butterfly. Pitchfork. April 12, 2004. Carr, Eric. November 5, 2011.
  2. News: Blonde Redhead's Simone Pace Finds His Backbeat in Two Tiny Sips. Mishan. Ligaya. May 11, 2015. The New York Times. 0362-4331. September 12, 2016.
  3. Web site: Phares . Heather . Blonde Redhead . November 2, 2013 . Allmusic.
  4. News: Chick . Stevie . 2023-09-22 . 'The hate and contempt are as strong as the love': alt band Blonde Redhead on their twisted bond . en-GB . The Guardian . 2023-12-10 . 0261-3077.
  5. Web site: Blonde Redhead (1995). Lobenfeld. Claire. May 8, 2013. Stereogum.com. August 25, 2016.
  6. Web site: La Mia Vita Violenta (1995). Lobenfeld. Claire. July 12, 2013. Stereogum.com. August 27, 2016.
  7. Web site: Blonde Redhead Albums From Worst To Best. Lobenfeld. Claire. July 12, 2013. Stereogum.com. August 25, 2016.
  8. Web site: Fake Can Be Just As Good (1997). Lobenfeld. Claire . July 12, 2013. Stereogum.com. August 27, 2016.
  9. Web site: Pálsson . Páll Ragnar . 2015-09-21 . From Iceland — Just Gimme Indie Rock, Again: Blonde Redhead Revisit Reykjavík . 2024-06-17 . The Reykjavik Grapevine . en-US.
  10. Web site: In An Expression Of The Inexpressible (1998). Lobenfeld. Claire. May 8, 2013. Stereogum.com. August 25, 2016.
  11. Web site: Melody Of Certain Damaged Lemons (2000). Lobenfeld. Claire. July 12, 2013. Stereogum.com. August 27, 2016.
  12. Web site: Blonde Redhead . Freewilliamsburg.com . March 23, 2004 . February 20, 2012 . September 27, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110927111747/http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/april_2004/blonde-redhead.html . dead .
  13. Web site: Misery Is A Butterfly (2004). Claire. Lobenfeld. July 12, 2013. Stereogum.com. August 27, 2016.
  14. Web site: Contact Ed Dzubak. Epstein. Sharon. Dzubak.com. August 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20110326103505/http://www.dzubak.com/news.htm. March 26, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
  15. Web site: 23 (2007). Lobenfeld. Claire. May 8, 2013. Stereogum.com. August 25, 2016.
  16. Web site: Blonde Redhead - The Dungeon Masters (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). Discogs.com. September 2011 . August 25, 2016.
  17. Web site: The Playlist: Blonde Redhead Composing The Score To The Documentary, 'Dungeon Masters' . Theplaylist.blogspot.com . July 14, 2006 . February 20, 2012.
  18. Web site: "The Dungeon Masters" Blonde Redhead Soundtrack and DVD Release. August 25, 2016.
  19. Web site: Skinner . James . 2009-02-16 . Album Review: Various - Dark Was the Night . 2024-06-17 . DrownedInSound . en.
  20. Web site: Stereogum. Stereogum.com. August 25, 2016.
  21. Web site: Blonde Redhead interview. Dempster. Gemma. Supersweet.org. August 25, 2016.
  22. Web site: Blonde Redhead: Penny Sparkle Album Review. Cohen. Ian. September 14, 2010. Pitchfork.com. August 25, 2016.
  23. Web site: Blonde Redhead - Chart history Billboard. Billboard.com. August 25, 2016. August 10, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180810142139/https://www.billboard.com/artist/290725/blonde-redhead/chart. dead.
  24. Web site: Blonde Redhead, Ólöf Arnalds @ Music Box, Hollywood 11/16/10. Youssef. Andrew. November 18, 2010. Stereogum.com. August 25, 2016.
  25. Web site: Download Blonde Redhead Remix EP Feat. Gayngs, Games, SALEM, Pantha Du Prince. Stosuy. Brandon. July 12, 2011. Stereogum.com. August 27, 2016.
  26. Web site: March 2, 2015 . Blonde Redhead: An Interview with Simone Pace . September 12, 2016 . en-US.
  27. Web site: Mufson . Beckett . March 22, 2018 . 'Rick and Morty's' Most Dramatic Moment Has Spawned a Savage New Meme . VICE.
  28. Web site: Simone Pace of Blonde Redhead: "We've always done what we wanted". Hannah. Andrew. September 9, 2014. Thelineofbestfit.com. August 25, 2016.
  29. Web site: Blonde Redhead – "No More Honey" + Barragán Details. Bowe. Miles. June 10, 2014. Stereogum.com. August 27, 2016.
  30. Web site: Blonde Redhead – "Dripping". July 8, 2014. August 27, 2016.
  31. Web site: Blonde Redhead – "Dripping" Video. Breihan. Tom. December 3, 2014. Stereogum.com. August 27, 2016.
  32. Web site: Martin . Ian . June 17, 2014 . Blonde Redhead gets comfortable with past records . September 12, 2016 . The Japan Times . en-US.
  33. Web site: Thorne . James . March 21, 2012 . The Commentator . September 12, 2016 . Cool Hunting.
  34. Web site: Blonde Redhead - MASCULIN FÉMININ [Numero Group]]. Numerogroup.com. August 25, 2016.
  35. Web site: Blonde Redhead Announce Numero Group Box Set Masculin Féminin. Minsker. Evan. June 14, 2016. Pitchfork.com. August 25, 2016.
  36. Web site: Ross . Rob . 2017-03-20 . EP Review: Blonde Redhead, "3 O'Clock" . 2024-06-17 . Popdose . en-US.
  37. Web site: Sherburne . Philip . September 17, 2019 . KAZU: Adult Baby . Pitchfork.com.
  38. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/maynard-james-keenan-why-i-picked-blonde-redhead-open-tool Maynard James Keenan: Why I Picked Blonde Redhead to Open for Tool
  39. Web site: Blonde Redhead announce new album and tour, share "Snowman". Pearis. Bill. May 30, 2023. BrooklynVegan. May 31, 2023.
  40. Web site: Blonde Redhead Release Rick & Morty Song "More Coda": Listen . News . Hattie . Lindert . . 2023-11-14 . 2023-11-14 . en-US.
  41. Web site: 2024-06-14 . Blonde Redhead . 2024-06-17 . 2024.rising.melbourne . en.
  42. Web site: Blonde Redhead - Chart History - Billboard 200 . . October 31, 2023.
  43. Web site: Ultratop Flanders Belgian Charts . ultratop.be . October 31, 2023.
  44. Web site: Ultratop Wallonie Belgian Charts . ultratop.be . October 31, 2023.
  45. Web site: lescharts.com - Discographie Blonde Redhead . lescharts.com . Hung Medien . October 31, 2023.
  46. Web site: Greekcharts.com – Blonde Redhead – Penny Sparkle. Hung Medien. May 17, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20121021024457/http://greekcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Blonde+Redhead&titel=Penny+Sparkle&cat=a. October 21, 2012. dead.
  47. Web site: italiancharts.com - Discography Blonde Redhead . italiancharts.com . Hung Medien . October 31, 2023.
  48. Web site: 23 ブロンド・レッドヘッド. Oricon. July 1, 2014. ja. https://web.archive.org/web/20200919093717/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/146819/products/700953/1/. September 19, 2020. dead.
  49. Web site: Blonde Redhead - Hitparade . Hitparade . October 31, 2023.
  50. Peaks in the UK:
  51. Web site: Blonde Redhead - Chart History - Hot Rock & Alternative Songs . . October 31, 2023.