Life Without BuildingsCountry of origin:Scotland Type of music generally:Alternative pop Status:The band broke up in 2002; most recent release Live at the Annandale Hotel (2007); sole full-length studio release, Any Other City (2000) See also:Wikipiedia's entry for Life Without Buildings Comparisons:Mix Altered Images, Sugarcubes-era Björk's and Sleater Kinney. Then shake it up. Covers/own material:Own General comments:This band has an immediately distinctive sound. Sue Tompkins not-quite-baby voice belting out staccato (and interesting) lyrics with an energetic sound behind her, as though Altered Images were reborn in 2000 having lived through punk and come out the other side into pop, dragging their roots behind them. It's where pop and post-punk meet, and of course it's a Scottish band that delivers it. Recommended first album:Any Other City Recordings:
Any Other CityRelease info:2000—DC/Baltimore 2012/Tugboat Records—DCB 003 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended for any post-punk/pop fans Group members:Sue Tompkins—vocals Produced by:Andy Miller Comments:I love this album. The well-crafted songs have an impressive DIY energy. I'm not always in the right mood for this, but when I am there's nothing like it. Anyone who can sing the words "the right stuff" in so many different ways is all right by me. The whole album is full of great songs and intriguing lyrics. It's sad that this is their sole studio album. (Neile) Live at the Annandale HotelRelease info:2007—Absolutely Kosher Records—AK071 Availability:Wide in U.S. Ecto priority:Highly recommended for any post-punk/pop fans Group members:Will Bradley—drums Comments:It's hard for me to say just what I find so appealing about Life Without Buildings, but it's definitely here on this life album. Something about the energy I suppose, and the juxtaposition of the Sue Tompkins' vocals against the driving instrumentation. Whatever it is, I find it charming, and this album makes me wish I'd seen them live. (Neile) |
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