The Crimea (band)
Encyclopedia
The Crimea are a British
indie
band
, based in Camden
, London
. The band were featured in the late John Peel
's Festive Fifty, ranking higher than bands such as The White Stripes
and all eleven of the initial album demos were played on his show. The Guardian
has described The Crimea's songs as "mini-epics" that reduce frontman Davey MacManus to "spasms of jerking anguish".
, signing to a UK major label, V2, in 1998 and releasing two albums; however, in late 2001, the band were dropped from the label's roster as part of a 'rationalisation' plan. Unwilling to quit following this setback, Davey MacManus and Owen Hopkin formed The Crimea. Comparing The Crimea to their former band in an early press release, "if the Crocketts were four cavemen banging stones together, [then] this is the sound of four Tchaikovskys banging Kylie Minogue".
Their song "Lottery Winners On Acid" was played frequently by John Peel
in 2002. They recorded a Peel session on 16 January 2003.
The Crimea were signed to Warner Bros Records following a showcase at the 2004 SXSW Festival in Texas. Their debut album, Tragedy Rocks
, was released in 2005, with the first single from the album, "Lottery Winners On Acid", released on January 9, 2006; it entered the UK singles chart
at No. 31 and became the first of three singles to appear as Single of the Week on what was then the show hosted by both Colin Murray
and Edith Bowman
on BBC Radio 1
. In support of The Crimea's second single, "White Russian Galaxy", the band then performed on Top of the Pops
.
Due to poor album sales Warner Bros dropped The Crimea in late 2006. Displaying remarkable tenacity, the band continued to write new material and in April 2007 released Secrets of the Witching Hour
as a free download from the band's website; a CD was also available, with artwork by Joe Udwin, the band's bassist, in collaboration with London-based, visual artist Tersha Willis. The band received a lot of support from Radio 1 DJ, Colin Murray, who gave the Crimea airtime on his nightly show by playing one track from the album each week and advocating downloading the album. The band hoped to tour substantially off the back of the new record.
The Crimea have toured with artists including Regina Spektor
, Billy Corgan
, Kings Of Leon
, Travis
, Primal Scream
, Stereophonics
and Ash
. During December 2006 the band played three dates in support of Snow Patrol
on their UK arena tour ending at Wembley Arena
. In May they also supported Modest Mouse
on their short UK tour. In late 2007 the band supported Stereophonics on their UK tour.
In early 2008 their single "Loop a Loop" featured in a television advert for Trident gum
.
Davey MacManus is the brother of Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac
, who appears as backing vocals on their two records.
2011, the album has been downloaded 115,296 times. The band planned to upload a different version of the album once it hits 100k downloads.
At midnight on 13 May 2007 the band performed an acoustic gig at the summit of Primrose Hill
to celebrate the release of the album.
Several of the songs on the album feature spoken introductions by Regina Spektor
.
The 2006 LWOA, WRG and BB singles are not re-issues, but new recordings with new b-sides.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
indie
Indie (music)
In music, independent music, often shortened to indie music or "indie" is a term used to describe independence from major commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, and an autonomous, Do-It-Yourself approach to recording and publishing....
band
Band (music)
In music, a musical ensemble or band is a group of musicians that works together to perform music. The following articles concern types of musical bands:* All-female band* Big band* Boy band* Christian band* Church band* Concert band* Cover band...
, based in Camden
London Borough of Camden
In 1801, the civil parishes that form the modern borough were already developed and had a total population of 96,795. This continued to rise swiftly throughout the 19th century, as the district became built up; reaching 270,197 in the middle of the century...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. The band were featured in the late John Peel
John Peel
John Robert Parker Ravenscroft, OBE , known professionally as John Peel, was an English disc jockey, radio presenter, record producer and journalist. He was the longest-serving of the original BBC Radio 1 DJs, broadcasting regularly from 1967 until his death in 2004...
's Festive Fifty, ranking higher than bands such as The White Stripes
The White Stripes
The White Stripes was an American rock band, formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan. The group consisted of the songwriter Jack White and drummer Meg White . Jack and Meg White were previously married to each other, but are now divorced...
and all eleven of the initial album demos were played on his show. The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
has described The Crimea's songs as "mini-epics" that reduce frontman Davey MacManus to "spasms of jerking anguish".
History
The Crimea began life as The CrockettsThe Crocketts
The Crocketts were a rock group originating at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth in 1995/6. They recorded two full length albums for V2 Records - We May Be Skinny And Wirey and The Great Brain Robbery...
, signing to a UK major label, V2, in 1998 and releasing two albums; however, in late 2001, the band were dropped from the label's roster as part of a 'rationalisation' plan. Unwilling to quit following this setback, Davey MacManus and Owen Hopkin formed The Crimea. Comparing The Crimea to their former band in an early press release, "if the Crocketts were four cavemen banging stones together, [then] this is the sound of four Tchaikovskys banging Kylie Minogue".
Their song "Lottery Winners On Acid" was played frequently by John Peel
John Peel
John Robert Parker Ravenscroft, OBE , known professionally as John Peel, was an English disc jockey, radio presenter, record producer and journalist. He was the longest-serving of the original BBC Radio 1 DJs, broadcasting regularly from 1967 until his death in 2004...
in 2002. They recorded a Peel session on 16 January 2003.
The Crimea were signed to Warner Bros Records following a showcase at the 2004 SXSW Festival in Texas. Their debut album, Tragedy Rocks
Tragedy Rocks
Tragedy Rocks is the debut album by British indie band The Crimea, released in 2005.- Track listing :# "White Russian Galaxy" - 3:43# "Lottery Winners On Acid" - 3:33# "Opposite Ends" - 4:19# "Baby Boom" - 3:48# "Girl Just Died" - 3:48...
, was released in 2005, with the first single from the album, "Lottery Winners On Acid", released on January 9, 2006; it entered the UK singles chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
at No. 31 and became the first of three singles to appear as Single of the Week on what was then the show hosted by both Colin Murray
Colin Murray
Colin Murray is a Northern Irish sports and music radio and television presenter. He is the current host of the BBC Television show Match of the Day 2 on BBC Two, and the BBC Radio 5 Live shows 5 Live Sport and Fighting Talk, as well as a show on BBC Radio Ulster. He has previously hosted regular...
and Edith Bowman
Edith Bowman
Edith Eleanor Bowman is a Scottish music critic, radio DJ and television presenter. She is mostly known for hosting the weekday afternoon show and from September 2009 weekend morning on BBC Radio 1 and for presenting a variety of music related television shows and music...
on BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
. In support of The Crimea's second single, "White Russian Galaxy", the band then performed on Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
.
Due to poor album sales Warner Bros dropped The Crimea in late 2006. Displaying remarkable tenacity, the band continued to write new material and in April 2007 released Secrets of the Witching Hour
Secrets of the Witching Hour
Secrets of the Witching Hour is the second album of British indie band, The Crimea, released on 30 April 2007. It was released a free download from the band's website.The song Loop A Loop has appeared in an advert for Trident Gum.- Information :...
as a free download from the band's website; a CD was also available, with artwork by Joe Udwin, the band's bassist, in collaboration with London-based, visual artist Tersha Willis. The band received a lot of support from Radio 1 DJ, Colin Murray, who gave the Crimea airtime on his nightly show by playing one track from the album each week and advocating downloading the album. The band hoped to tour substantially off the back of the new record.
The Crimea have toured with artists including Regina Spektor
Regina Spektor
Regina Ilyinichna Spektor is a Russian American singer-songwriter and pianist. Her music is associated with the anti-folk scene centered in New York City's East Village.-Early life:...
, Billy Corgan
Billy Corgan
William Patrick "Billy" Corgan, Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and occasional poet best known as the frontman and sole permanent member of The Smashing Pumpkins. Formed by Corgan and guitarist James Iha in Chicago, Illinois in 1987, the band quickly gained steam with the...
, Kings Of Leon
Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon is an American rock band that originated in Albion, Oklahoma but formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 1999. The band is composed of brothers Anthony Caleb Followill , Ivan Nathan Followill and Michael Jared Followill Kings of Leon is an American rock band that originated in Albion,...
, Travis
Travis (band)
Travis are a post-Britpop band from Glasgow, Scotland, comprising Fran Healy , Dougie Payne , Andy Dunlop and Neil Primrose...
, Primal Scream
Primal Scream
Primal Scream are a Scottish alternative rock band originally formed in 1982 in Glasgow by Bobby Gillespie and Jim Beattie and now based in London. The current lineup consists of Gillespie, Andrew Innes , Martin Duffy , and Darrin Mooney...
, Stereophonics
Stereophonics
The Stereophonics are a Welsh rock band now living in turners x that formed in 1992 in the village of Cwmaman in Cynon Valley, Wales. The band currently comprises lead vocalist and guitarist Kelly Jones, bassist and backing vocalist Richard Jones, drummer Javier Weyler, guitarist and backing...
and Ash
Ash (band)
Ash are an alternative rock band that formed in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland in 1992. The band has sold 8 million albums worldwide.-Band beginning, Trailer and 1977 :...
. During December 2006 the band played three dates in support of Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol are an alternative rock band from Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. Formed at the University of Dundee in 1994 as an indie rock band, the band is now based in Glasgow...
on their UK arena tour ending at Wembley Arena
Wembley Arena
Wembley Arena is an indoor arena, at Wembley, in the London Borough of Brent. The building is opposite Wembley Stadium.-History:...
. In May they also supported Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse is an American indie rock band formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Washington, by singer/lyricist/guitarist Isaac Brock, drummer Jeremiah Green, and bassist Eric Judy. They are based in Portland, Oregon. Since their 1996 debut album, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think...
on their short UK tour. In late 2007 the band supported Stereophonics on their UK tour.
In early 2008 their single "Loop a Loop" featured in a television advert for Trident gum
Trident gum
Trident is a brand of sugarless chewing gum popular in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Greece, Guyana, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, Venezuela, Morocco, Thailand, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador and in Argentina & Uruguay as 'Beldent'. It was introduced by Cadbury in the United Kingdom...
.
Davey MacManus is the brother of Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac
Annie Mac
Annie Mac is an Irish DJ and television presenter who hosts an eponymous electronic dance music show on BBC Radio 1 in the United Kingdom which airs at 7:00 pm on Friday evenings as well as a Sunday evening show alongside co-presenter Nick Grimshaw.-Personal life:Annie Mac was born in Dublin,...
, who appears as backing vocals on their two records.
Secrets of The Witching Hour
From 30 April 2007, Secrets of the Witching Hour was available for free download at The Crimea's website; the original release date was set for 13 May 2007. As of 10 July2011, the album has been downloaded 115,296 times. The band planned to upload a different version of the album once it hits 100k downloads.
At midnight on 13 May 2007 the band performed an acoustic gig at the summit of Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is a hill of located on the north side of Regent's Park in London, England, and also the name for the surrounding district. The hill has a clear view of central London to the south-east, as well as Belsize Park and Hampstead to the north...
to celebrate the release of the album.
Several of the songs on the album feature spoken introductions by Regina Spektor
Regina Spektor
Regina Ilyinichna Spektor is a Russian American singer-songwriter and pianist. Her music is associated with the anti-folk scene centered in New York City's East Village.-Early life:...
.
Square Moon
According to , The Crimea's next album is set to be released on October 31st, and will be a double album containing 22 songs.Albums
- Tragedy RocksTragedy RocksTragedy Rocks is the debut album by British indie band The Crimea, released in 2005.- Track listing :# "White Russian Galaxy" - 3:43# "Lottery Winners On Acid" - 3:33# "Opposite Ends" - 4:19# "Baby Boom" - 3:48# "Girl Just Died" - 3:48...
(2005) - Secrets of the Witching HourSecrets of the Witching HourSecrets of the Witching Hour is the second album of British indie band, The Crimea, released on 30 April 2007. It was released a free download from the band's website.The song Loop A Loop has appeared in an advert for Trident Gum.- Information :...
(2007) - Square Moon (2011)
Singles
- "Lottery Winners on Acid" (November 2002 - UK self-released)
- "White Russian Galaxy" (June 2003 - UK self-released)
- "Baby Boom" (November 2003 - UK self-released)
- "Lottery Winners on Acid" (January 9, 2006 - UK Warner) #31
- "White Russian Galaxy" (April 2006 - UK Warner) #51
- "Baby Boom" (August 2006 - UK Warner)
The 2006 LWOA, WRG and BB singles are not re-issues, but new recordings with new b-sides.
Members
- Davey MacManus - Vocals, guitar, twangle
- Joe Udwin - Bass, backing vocals
- Andrew Stafford - Keyboards, backing vocals
- Owen Hopkin - Drums