Diamond Hoo Ha
Encyclopedia
Diamond Hoo Ha is the sixth and final studio album
by British rock
band Supergrass
, released in the UK on 24 March 2008, and offers a return to punchier Supergrass songs, in comparison to the more mellow Road To Rouen
, their previous album released in 2005. Several songs appearing on the album were performed at Guilfest
2007. In November 2007, the track "Diamond Hoo Ha Man
" - one of the songs debuted at Guilfest — was distributed as the first single on a limited vinyl release, restricted to 1500 copies. "Bad Blood
" followed as the second single on 17 March 2008, peaking in the top 75 at #73.
The third single, "Rebel in You" with B-side "Car Crash", was limited to 1500 copies on 7" white vinyl only and released on 30 June 2008 via Supergrass Records (the release date and distribution, however, were delayed past 30 June due to a problem at the record pressing plant). The single is only available for mail order purchase from the Supergrass Records website, with the first 200 copies ordered being signed by the band themselves. The single was planned to be distributed by Parlophone, but EMI refused to fund its release, along with any costs for the creation of an accompanying video. The singles' covers all follow the trend of having a gorilla
's hand on them.
in Berlin where David Bowie
, amongst others, had also previously recorded albums. "The whole place hasn't changed much since the Seventies – the furniture hadn't been cleaned, loads of the stuff didn't work. The mixing desk was quite fucked, so it took three or four days to get the first backing track done. But the atmosphere was great. It was a bit of a shaky start but we were flying after that," recounted Danny Goffey
.
The group apparently spent six months writing lyrics for the album, splitting into pairs for inspiration.
Nick Launay
, who had worked with names such as PiL
, Kate Bush
, Gang Of Four
, Midnight Oil
and Nick Cave
was nominated as producer for the record; "He [Launay] knew Danny was like an animal on the kit, about Rob's experimentation on the keyboards, what Mick could do on the bass. Nick just understood us. He's loved our band for a long time, seen us live, recognized the energy. At the start he said, I know what you can do, and I've seen you do it, but I'd love to make a record where you all go for it," said Gaz Coombes
. The track Bad Blood
is used in the video game Need for Speed Undercover.
. The inner photo pictures a sign on a striped wall reading "ON A&R" taken by Greg Allum (also responsible for the photography book "The Night Shines Like Fireflies - A Portrait of Supergrass in Berlin"), and the overall album artwork design was compiled by Traffic.
" playlist. But because the three singles didn't enter the top 40 they did not receive very regular airplay on the more mainstream radio stations.
The NME
said that the album was "definitely worth making a Hoo Ha over", and Uncut
claimed that it was "Twenty four carat stuff guaranteed."
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by British rock
British rock
British rock describes a wide variety of forms of music made in the United Kingdom. Since around 1964, with the "British Invasion" of the United States spearheaded by The Beatles, British rock music has had a considerable impact on the development of American music and rock music across the...
band Supergrass
Supergrass
Supergrass was an English alternative rock band from Oxford. The band consisted of brothers Gaz and Rob Coombes , Mick Quinn and Danny Goffey ....
, released in the UK on 24 March 2008, and offers a return to punchier Supergrass songs, in comparison to the more mellow Road To Rouen
Road to Rouen
Road to Rouen is the fifth studio album by English rock band Supergrass. The album was released in the UK on 15 August 2005 by Parlophone, and in the US on 27 September 2005 by Capitol Records...
, their previous album released in 2005. Several songs appearing on the album were performed at Guilfest
GuilFest
GuilFest, formerly the Guildford Festival of Folk and Blues is a music festival held in Stoke Park, Guildford, England each July. The festival, like the larger Glastonbury Festival, features a range of genres including rock, folk, blues, and in recent years pop...
2007. In November 2007, the track "Diamond Hoo Ha Man
Diamond Hoo Ha Man
"Diamond Hoo Ha Man" is a song by British rock band Supergrass. The single was first played live at Guilfest 2007 in Guildford, England, and this live version was then released as a free download via the band's website...
" - one of the songs debuted at Guilfest — was distributed as the first single on a limited vinyl release, restricted to 1500 copies. "Bad Blood
Bad Blood (Supergrass song)
"Bad Blood" is the second single from British rock group Supergrass' sixth album, Diamond Hoo Ha. It was released on 17 March 2008, which was one week before the album's release date...
" followed as the second single on 17 March 2008, peaking in the top 75 at #73.
The third single, "Rebel in You" with B-side "Car Crash", was limited to 1500 copies on 7" white vinyl only and released on 30 June 2008 via Supergrass Records (the release date and distribution, however, were delayed past 30 June due to a problem at the record pressing plant). The single is only available for mail order purchase from the Supergrass Records website, with the first 200 copies ordered being signed by the band themselves. The single was planned to be distributed by Parlophone, but EMI refused to fund its release, along with any costs for the creation of an accompanying video. The singles' covers all follow the trend of having a gorilla
Gorilla
Gorillas are the largest extant species of primates. They are ground-dwelling, predominantly herbivorous apes that inhabit the forests of central Africa. Gorillas are divided into two species and either four or five subspecies...
's hand on them.
Recording and production
Diamond Hoo Ha was recorded at Hansa TonstudioHansa Tonstudio
Das Hansa Tonstudio is a recording studio located on Köthener Strasse in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin, Germany. Amongst English-performing musical acts it used to be known as 'Hansa Studio By the Wall', 'Hansa by the Wall', or 'The Great Hall by the Wall' in reference to the fact that it was...
in Berlin where David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
, amongst others, had also previously recorded albums. "The whole place hasn't changed much since the Seventies – the furniture hadn't been cleaned, loads of the stuff didn't work. The mixing desk was quite fucked, so it took three or four days to get the first backing track done. But the atmosphere was great. It was a bit of a shaky start but we were flying after that," recounted Danny Goffey
Danny Goffey
Daniel Robert Goffey Daniel Robert Goffey Daniel Robert Goffey (born 7 February 1974 in Slough, Buckinghamshire (now Berkshire) is an English musician and singer-songwriter best known as the drummer and backing vocalist for the English Britpop band, Supergrass...
.
The group apparently spent six months writing lyrics for the album, splitting into pairs for inspiration.
Nick Launay
Nick Launay
Nick Launay is an English record producer and recording engineer. He is currently one of the most sought after producers in the world due to his current success with recent albums by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds...
, who had worked with names such as PiL
PIL
PIL may refer to:* Private International Law* Carlos Miguel Jiménez Airport , in Pilar, Paraguay* Port Isabel-Cameron County Airport , in Port Isabel, Texas...
, Kate Bush
Kate Bush
Kate Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Her eclectic musical style and idiosyncratic vocal style have made her one of the United Kingdom's most successful solo female performers of the past 30 years.In 1978, at the age of 19, Bush topped the UK Singles Chart...
, Gang Of Four
Gang of Four (band)
Gang of Four are an English post-punk group from Leeds. Original personnel were singer Jon King, guitarist Andy Gill, bass guitarist Dave Allen and drummer Hugo Burnham. They were fully active from 1977 to 1984, and then re-emerged twice in the 1990s with King and Gill...
, Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil , were an Australian rock band from Sydney originally performing as Farm from 1972 with drummer Rob Hirst, bass guitarist Andrew James and keyboard player/lead guitarist Jim Moginie...
and Nick Cave
Nick Cave
Nicholas Edward "Nick" Cave is an Australian musician, songwriter, author, screenwriter, and occasional film actor.He is best known for his work as a frontman of the critically acclaimed rock band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, established in 1984, a group known for its eclectic influences and...
was nominated as producer for the record; "He [Launay] knew Danny was like an animal on the kit, about Rob's experimentation on the keyboards, what Mick could do on the bass. Nick just understood us. He's loved our band for a long time, seen us live, recognized the energy. At the start he said, I know what you can do, and I've seen you do it, but I'd love to make a record where you all go for it," said Gaz Coombes
Gaz Coombes
Gaz Coombes is an English musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the English alternative rock band, Supergrass. He first entered the music scene aged sixteen as the lead singer of the band The Jennifers which featured Supergrass band mate Danny Goffey...
. The track Bad Blood
Bad Blood (Supergrass song)
"Bad Blood" is the second single from British rock group Supergrass' sixth album, Diamond Hoo Ha. It was released on 17 March 2008, which was one week before the album's release date...
is used in the video game Need for Speed Undercover.
Packaging
The front cover displays the band in a group photo with their instruments; (the photography for this is credited to Kevin Westenberg) the guitar Gaz Coombes is pictured with is a Fender Telecaster DeluxeFender Telecaster Deluxe
The Fender Telecaster Deluxe is a solid-body electric guitar originally produced from 1972 to 1981, and since re-issued by Fender in 2004 as the '72 Telecaster Deluxe.-History:...
. The inner photo pictures a sign on a striped wall reading "ON A&R" taken by Greg Allum (also responsible for the photography book "The Night Shines Like Fireflies - A Portrait of Supergrass in Berlin"), and the overall album artwork design was compiled by Traffic.
Track listing
CD / 12" / DD- "Diamond Hoo Ha ManDiamond Hoo Ha Man"Diamond Hoo Ha Man" is a song by British rock band Supergrass. The single was first played live at Guilfest 2007 in Guildford, England, and this live version was then released as a free download via the band's website...
" – 3:26 - "Bad BloodBad Blood (Supergrass song)"Bad Blood" is the second single from British rock group Supergrass' sixth album, Diamond Hoo Ha. It was released on 17 March 2008, which was one week before the album's release date...
" – 3:03 - "Rebel in YouRebel In You"Rebel In You" is a song by British rock band Supergrass. It is the third single from the album Diamond Hoo Ha, and is the band's final single release...
" – 4:41 - "When I Needed You" – 2:31
- "345" – 3:39
- "The Return Of..." – 3:36
- "Rough Knuckles" – 3:25
- "Ghost of a Friend" – 3:54
- "Whiskey & Green Tea" – 4:16
- "Outside" – 3:32
- "Butterfly" – 5:11
Band
- Gaz CoombesGaz CoombesGaz Coombes is an English musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the English alternative rock band, Supergrass. He first entered the music scene aged sixteen as the lead singer of the band The Jennifers which featured Supergrass band mate Danny Goffey...
- lead vocals, backing vocals, guitar - Mick QuinnMick QuinnMick Quinn is an English musician and singer-songwriter, best known as founding member of English rock band Supergrass. He formed the DB Band with bassist Paul Wilson, formerly of Shake Appeal in 2010 and released début EP "Stranger In The Alps" on the 17th September 2011...
- bass, backing vocals - Rob CoombesRob CoombesRob Coombes was the keyboard player for Supergrass.He is the older brother of Gaz Coombes and was the newest member of Supergrass, officially joining in 2002...
- keyboards - Danny GoffeyDanny GoffeyDaniel Robert Goffey Daniel Robert Goffey Daniel Robert Goffey (born 7 February 1974 in Slough, Buckinghamshire (now Berkshire) is an English musician and singer-songwriter best known as the drummer and backing vocalist for the English Britpop band, Supergrass...
- drums and percussion, backing vocals, lead vocals on 8
Additional Personnel
- Pete WarehamPete WarehamPete Wareham is a British saxophonist, known for his group Acoustic Ladyland and Seb Rochford's Polar Bear. He is a member of the London based jazz collective F-IRE.- Career :...
- sax on track 6 and track 9 - Jodie Rose - additional vocals on track 8
Production
- Nick LaunayNick LaunayNick Launay is an English record producer and recording engineer. He is currently one of the most sought after producers in the world due to his current success with recent albums by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds...
- producer, mixing - Steven Marcussen - mastering
- Stuart Whitmore - editing
- Rich CosteyRich CosteyRich Costey is an American record producer, engineer, and mixer who has worked with many bands including Muse, Cave In, Thursday, Franz Ferdinand, Glasvegas, The Mars Volta, Doves, Bloc Party, Ontronik , Jimmy Eat World, My Chemical Romance, Supergrass, Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, Nine...
- mixing on track 3 - Ian Davenport - additional recording
- Sam WilliamsSam WilliamsSam Williams is an American journalist. He is perhaps best known as the author of a biography of software programmer Richard Stallman, Free as in Freedom: Richard Stallman's Crusade for Free Software . Prior to beginning Free as in Freedom he met his wife Tracy. She had originally proposed the...
- additional arrangements on tracks 2, 3, 5, 10 and 11 - Traffic - artwork (sleeveRecord sleeveA record sleeve is the outer covering of a vinyl recording. The sleeve is technically the paper covering that is closest in contact to the surface of the recording, as in "dust sleeve", "liner" and "album liner". The term has come to be synonymous with "record jacket" and "album jacket", which is...
) - Kevin Westenberg - photography
- Greg Allum - photography
Reception
The album peaked at #19 in the UK charts, making it their lowest charting album. The three singles from Diamond Hoo Ha received a fair amount of airplay on rock radio stations with all three entering the "XfmXfm
Xfm is a brand of two commercial radio stations focused on alternative music, primarily indie pop, and owned by Global Radio.-History:Xfm was created in London in 1992 by Sammy Jacob, who later co-founded NME Radio in 2008. Xfm subsequently expanded to a network of four stations; there are...
" playlist. But because the three singles didn't enter the top 40 they did not receive very regular airplay on the more mainstream radio stations.
The NME
NME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
said that the album was "definitely worth making a Hoo Ha over", and Uncut
UNCUT (magazine)
Uncut magazine, trademarked as UNCUT, is a monthly publication based in London. It is available across the English-speaking world, and focuses on music, but also includes film and books sections...
claimed that it was "Twenty four carat stuff guaranteed."
Singles
- "Diamond Hoo Ha Man" - Limited vinyl to 1500 copies
- "Bad Blood" - 73#
- "Rebel in You" - Limited vinyl to 1500 copies