The Wedding Present

小簡(jiǎn)介
翻開英國indie音樂史，The Wedding Present這個(gè)名字肯定占據(jù)了不少篇幅。1985年在英國約克夏成立的The Wedding Present一直堅(jiān)守獨(dú)立精神，對(duì)音樂擁有無比熱誠。過去20年間，他們堅(jiān)持走自己的道路，與潮流作對(duì)，不斷創(chuàng)作出杰出的音樂作品。英國電臺(tái)教父John Peel對(duì)其最為青睞，稱其“重現(xiàn)了新浪潮最后的莊嚴(yán)”。
George Best (1987), 是樂隊(duì)靈魂人物David Gedge建立其作曲地位之作品，他猶如說話般的演繹風(fēng)格道盡人情世態(tài)，飛掠的目光、醉人的吻、背叛行為，全部變?yōu)閯?dòng)人的歌曲元素。 Tommy (1989)走相同路向，繼續(xù)創(chuàng)作小巧含蓄的歌曲; Mini (1995)之"公路"主題, 奠定他們劃時(shí)代之樂壇地位；Saturnalia (1996) 令英國的New Musical Express（NME，獨(dú)立音樂期刊）認(rèn)定“Gedge乃才華洋溢而被嚴(yán)重低估的英國歌曲創(chuàng)作人之一”，而Saturnalia更被公認(rèn)為The Wedding Present的最佳作品
Emerging in the wake of the Smiths demise as the U.K.s most successful indie pop band during the late 80s, the Wedding Present were founded in Leeds, England, in 1985. Formed from the ashes of the short-lived Lost Pandas, the Weddoes (as they were affectionately dubbed by fans) were essentially the vehicle of singer/songwriter David Gedge, the only constant member throughout the groups tumultuous history. Initially rounded out by guitarist Peter Solowka, bassist Keith Gregory, and drummer Shaun Charman, the fledgling band quickly won a loyal following among university students, as well as the patronage of influential DJ John Peel, for whom they cut their first radio session in February 1986.
Named in honor of the popular soccer star, George Best, the Wedding Presents remarkable debut LP, appeared on their own Reception label in 1987. The group became the darlings of the British press overnight, winning acclaim for their distinct guitar pop frenzy as well as Gedges idiosyncratic vocal style and wittily lovelorn, conversation-like lyrics. After the album established a foothold on the U.K. indie charts, Tommy — a hastily compiled overview of early singles, covers, and radio broadcasts — followed in 1988.
The Wedding Presents next effort came completely out of left field: titled Ukrainski Vistupi V Johna Peel, the collection brought together Peel session dates with a sampler of traditional Ukrainian folk tunes inspired by Solowkas father. Additionally, it marked the recording debut of new drummer Simon Smith, recruited after Charman exited to form the Popguns. After reaching the Top 40 with the primal single Kennedy, the Weddoes returned in 1989 with Bizarro, a more conventional effort highlighted by the single Brassneck, produced by Steve Albini. The aggressive 1991 release Seamonsters returned Albini to the producers seat and marked the departure of Solowka, who continued to explore his roots in the Ukrainians; guitarist Paul Dorrington was tapped as his replacement.
Instead of recording a new studio LP, the Wedding Present spent the entirety of 1992 issuing a single on the first Monday of each month. Later compiled as the two-volume Hit Parade set, the singles featured original material on their A-sides and cover songs on the flip sides, among them interpretations of the Monkees Pleasant Valley Sunday, Neil Youngs Dont Cry No Tears, Isaac Hayes Theme from Shaft, and Julee Cruises Falling (better known as the theme to Twin Peaks).
After the departure of Gregory (to found Cha Cha Cohen) left Gedge the groups last original member, the Weddoes resurfaced with new bassist Darren Belk for 1994s Watusi, a nod toward the Amer-indie love-rock scene produced by Olympia, WA-based producer Steve Fisk, complete with vocal assistance from Beat Happenings Heather Lewis. Following a rather uneventful 1995, the group returned in 1996 with a flurry of new material; first up was the auto-obsessed Mini EP, later reissued with bonus tracks as Mini Plus. The full-length Saturnalia appeared at the end of the year, followed early in 1997 by the single Montreal. Gedge then put the band on hold, formed Cinerama (a group that began to sound increasingly Weddoes-like) and came back to release Take Fountain in early 2005. The albums singles and videos were compiled for 2006s Search for Paradise.