SUPER FURRY ANIMALS

Hi! I'm a lurker and a regular visitor to ilxor and this thread in particular. Super Furry Animals were and still are one of my favourite bands ever since I heard Mark Radcliffe play Hometown Unicorn on his late night BBC Radio One show. I can remembering him marvelling at the guitar solo on the song.

I've really enjoyed watching Gruff's solo shows since his first solo record, he's become a really engaging and entertaining performer. I wonder if the band got back together again would the live shows be a lot more interesting than they used to be. I can remember a show on the Phantom Power tour being a bit hard going with too many slow and midpaced songs all in a row.

I'm looking forward to hearing Bunf's record and am hoping that it gets released on vinyl or at least CD, the clips I've heard sound great. From that Clash interview it sounds like they're trying to do something interesting.

ha! i was just subjecting my coworkers to Love Kraft and Hey Venus yesterday!

Calimero, I agree that Gruff's solo show is a lot better than many of the SFA shows I've been to. Two of his shows were some of the most memorable I've ever been to. The first one was a Candylion show that also featured Tony Da Gatorra. He also had some other guys on stage with him. I'm not sure who they were.

The second one was his totally solo American Interior show. My wife, who has almost zero interest in Gruff or SFA, enjoyed the American Interior show as much as I did. He really refined his act for general consumption. I wish I'd seen him with Y Niwl and Kliph Scurlock backing him, but I still loved it.

SFA are very stationary and ehearsed and also rely a lot on backing tracks. That's been my issue with their shows in the past. I've still seen a couple really memorable shows. The one where they wore those fiber optic boiler suits was awesome.

I also saw Gruff on the recent American Interior tour in a church, there was a drum kit and amps behind him which made me think Kliph and Y Niwl would join him at one point. It turned out the gear was for the church band! Despite this disappointment it was a great show, the songs sounded fine without a band, and Gruff was an entertaining and interesting storyteller.

I didn't really appreciate Yr Atal Genhedlaeth until I saw Gruff play a gig for it a few months later and then saw how he builds up the title track. It was interesting to see him play it again, and slightly differently, on this recent tour.

Like your wife, my partner had zero interest in the band, but now loves him after seeing a few of his gigs, the two films and an American Interior q&a. I don't think that would have happened if I'd taken her to a few regular SFA shows!

Gulp and The Earth recently played my town but I will was too lazy to see them, has anyone here seen either of the two bands live?

I have not seen either band. I hear Gulp is pretty good live. There are a couple nice videos online. I'm sure it's a lot more stationary than a Gruff show. I don't know much about The Earth, but I will say I really enjoyed their new album (I said that already, I think). It sounds much fuller and more varied than their first LP. I know it's not an essential release, and the vocals aren't going to pull in a lot of SFA fans, but I recommend it.

Strangetown, the record label that's put out all this other stuff, just sent .wavs of the new Pale Blue Dots album. It's unfortunately extremely short (under half an hour), but I love the whole thing. I never knew how much Bunf contributed to the band's sound. I always kind of at Gruff and Cian as the holy alliance. Honestly, The Pale Blue Dots' album comes closest to capturing the sound I fell in love with so many years ago. I understand that they are going to record more songs in the studio, so I guess Lots of Dots is more of an EP than an LP. There is an odd dance-y track with Bunf on lead vocals at the end of the album that I did not expect to like, but I can't get it out of my head.

I guess I have to give Richard Chester some credit, too. There are some great strings on the album.

I always kind of viewed*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y22dwqhMXSU

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p029nbdr

The Pale Blue Dots sounded kind of rough on their first outing, but they'd only rehearsed the night before. I enjoyed Daf coming in with his "Ice Hockey Hair" drums every couple minutes.

Yeah, I've had a similar new found appreciation for Bunf's contribution to the band. These days I'm able to recognise his voice more easily!

I never realized how prominent Cian's voice is on certain songs. Take for instance "Chewing Chewing Gum." It's almost his first lead vocal.

The Pale Blue Dots' album is streaming again (it's officially out today):

https://soundcloud.com/strangetown-records/sets/the-pale-blue-dots-lots-of

I stole a fuse from their tank at Phoenix Festival 1996. Not many bands you can say that about tbh,

Can we just say they've split up now yet?

If gruff embarks on another multimedia extravagnza, sure. All the rest of them are recording, producing and releasing their music together.

Can we just say they've split up now yet?

― PaulTMA, Tuesday, November 4, 2014 12:46 AM (21 hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

In my mind, they pretty much have.

I'm still in denial. If they announced it, it would feel like when Supergrass split up. A band that always seemed to be there putting out good to great albums every couple of years. Both bands that make me incredibly nostalgic.

If they were split it up, wouldn't they just say they're split up? Gruff keeps insisting there'll be a 10th album.

From what it sounds like, it doesn't seem like any of the band members have or are aware of any concrete plans for Super Furry Animals, and none of them seem particularly enthusiastic about it either, which makes me feel that the ship as sailed. I can't help but get the impression that there's a gulf between Gruff and the rest of the band, too. If they have split up and they're keeping quiet about it, then that's somewhat of a shrewd move, really. People will be more accepting of/tolerate even the shittiest of solo products if they feel a new Super Furry Animals album is eventually going to happen: like "hmm, yeah, okay this Neon Neon/Cian/Earth/Pale Blue Dots album is a bit shit, but that's okay, they'll get around to giving us the real stuff soon". Remember also that Blur never actually announced that they'd "split up" either following Think Tank, but they may as well have done for all that's happened since.

I'm still in denial. If they announced it, it would feel like when Supergrass split up. A band that always seemed to be there putting out good to great albums every couple of years. Both bands that make me incredibly nostalgic.

― Kitchen Person, Tuesday, November 4, 2014 10:50 PM (Yesterday) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

When Supergrass split up, my overall feeling was one of unrealised potential. As good as records like In It For The Money and Road To Rouen are, I still think they had a lot more ground to cover and a lot left to explore as a unit. The album they were working on when they split, Release The Drones sounded very promising.

By comparison, I think the Super Furry Animals have explored every avenue they possibly can together. I honestly don't see where else they could possibly go from here. It would be a good time to leave it, I think. They've already released 10 records if you count Out Spaced as a "proper" album, anyway.

Gruff's certainly drawn more attention to himself, with his most critically-acclaimed album and a fantastic stage show. The rest of the guys clearly have their work set out for them. we'll agree to disagree on the quality of the other side projects, though I've never been a neon neon fan.

Can't say much about Supergrass. I always found them pretty slight. "Alright" is a nice song and their self-titled album seemed to draw more flack than it deserved. I kind of left them behind. I know most that read this thread probably rate SFA similarly, but that's life.

Griff's just announced another American Interior UK tour, this time it's with Kliph and Y Niwl as his backing band:http://www.gruffrhys.com/gruff-rhys’-uk-tour-2015-with-full-band/

Excuse the misspelling of Griff's name and the dodgy URL in that last post...

Damn autocorrect on my smartphone did it again!

It's how you pronounce it anyway

Professor Gruff

Kliph's drumming on American Interior is pretty great. It'll be a good show. I've loved what Y Niwl and Gruff have done together. Live, they're a more dynamic backing band than SFA (I hate to admit it). The songs aren't as good, but that's a different story.

Can't help but feel Kliph's powerhouse drumming talents are wasted drumming for Gruff. I would have thought he would have been more at home in something a bit more Zeppelin-like than backing Gruff's light folk ditties.

http://roadsandkingdoms.com/2014/american-interior/

The film is now streaming for American audiences. I haven't seen it yet. Can't wait to watch it later.

Can't help but feel Kliph's powerhouse drumming talents are wasted drumming for Gruff. I would have thought he would have been more at home in something a bit more Zeppelin-like than backing Gruff's light folk ditties.

I think it complements the songs nicely. I don't usually focus on the drumming on these solo endeavors, so it's a nice addition. It's insane Kliph has managed to drum for two of his idols (well, one former).

I can't imagine what a relief it must be to tour w/ Gruff after a stint in the Flips, regardless of musical suitability

I just watched the film since they're taking the stream down tomorrow. It's extremely entertaining and a superior film to Separado. Gruff has really become a great entertainer and he presents the tale perfectly. There are a couple weird interviews with fawning fans who kind of fetishize Wales . Not sure if that's supposed to be flattering, but I really enjoyed it otherwise. The film stream seems to work internationally, btw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHtTFwp2UFQ

Gruff Rhys is best known as the frontman of the Welsh psych-rock band Super Furry Animals, but this time of year I tend to remember him as the songwriter behind some of the most disturbing Christmas songs ever written. Rhys has been performing solo for quite awhile, and back in 2011 he released the Atheist XMAS EP, a collection of delightfully morbid Christmas songs — “Slashed Wrists This Christmas” is a personal favorite. This time around, Rhys is moving in a less seasonal direction, though his new track “Set Fire To The Stars” embodies some of the same darkness. The track will be featured in the forthcoming biopic Set Fire To The Stars about the life and work of the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, starring Elijah Wood. The title of the film and the track is lifted from Thomas’ poem “Love In The Asylum.” Rhys also wrote the movie’s jazzy score and recorded it with a band including Portishead collaborator Jim Barr.

Went to his solo American Interior show last night in Cardiff. Fantastic performance from Gruff and the songs sounded great acoustically. He was also extremely funny when relating the story of John Evans' journey.

http://diymag.com/2015/01/05/gruff-rhys-co...se-married-2-me

The year’s barely begun, but Welsh hero Gruff Rhys already has his heart set on one specific occasion: Valentine’s Day.

A new release, ‘Married 2 Me’, is scheduled for 14th February this year. It sees Gruff collaborating with Super Furry Animals bandmate Dafydd Ieuan in a track with The Earth, featuring Dionne Bennett on vocals.

It’s the first time Gruff and Ieuan have put their name to a release since 2010’s Super Furries number ‘Dark Deays / Light Years’.

‘Married 2 Me’ is a digital release only, out via Strangetown Records.

Last year saw Gruff Rhys releasing his latest solo album ‘American Interior’.

Seems fairly significant considering Gruff has not collaborated with anyone from SFA since DD/LY came out.

Here's the track:

http://soundcloud.com/strangetown-records/the-earth-married-2-me

This surfaced on their Facebook today:

http://i.imgur.com/iFNilUK.jpg

And everyone is now abuzz with speculation.

ain't that old, though? Looks 'Rings' era.

Looks like a mixture of DD/LY, RAtW and Fuzzy Logic. Could be a tour poster or something less exciting like promotional material for their biography.

I can't believe people are getting such a hard-on over this.

Just realised that Love Kraft is going to be 10 this year. Fuck!

If they were about to bring out a new album I would be very exited.

Any news is good news.

That Gruff was just in the studio with Daf is a nice sign there's no bad blood.

Love Kraft full album tour plz

Can't see that happening. Isn't the biography out next month or something?

It's some new Pete Fowler art.

Ric Rawlins (author of biog) has just posted "if it's about that (the book) it's news to me!"

It does have elements from at least three of their eras (I see Fuzzy Logic, RAtW and DD/LY), so it could possibly be some sort of greatest hits artwork. Still hopeful it means a new album.

It's going to take a lot more than this to convince me that there's a new SFA album on the way, I'm afraid. In fact, the only thing that will convince me is if they actually come out an announce it. Speculation over a Facebook image is just lunacy, really.

Any news is good news.

That Gruff was just in the studio with Daf is a nice sign there's no bad blood.

― afriendlypioneer, Thursday, January 15, 2015 7:46 PM (1 hour ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

I thought the "bad blood" was between the members of the band who aren't Gruff and their former manager?

If they were about to bring out a new album I would be very exited.

― Kitchen Person, Thursday, January 15, 2015 7:42 PM (1 hour ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

I'd be curious enough to give it a listen at the very least if they choose to release something. If I'm to be honest, though, I'm not exactly desperate for a new SFA album. I've kinda got used to them being inactive, truth be told.

The font reminds me of Love Kraft as much as Fuzzy Logic.

It sucks they don't get along with Gruff's management because Turnstile has done a great job promoting Gruff's albums.

I was kind of hoping they'd handle an inevitable SFA release.

I don't get Gruff's obsession w/ double-necked guitars. He's done that gag a few times and never actually uses it for anything.

Yeah this is v good and enjoyable and it’s taken me through a couple 3 hr rides on repeat. but all i can do is like, refer to some techno touchstones to which it feels sorta like? It’s like outta genre for me

And all the more great for it.

It’s candy and I love that they’re threatening to deluge us with more. They’re apparently just a recording machine right now, like they were when they were SFA. About time.

"Gruff buggered off and we still wanted to play together" - DK speak out on the Riley session

I guess it’s just simple artistic differences. I remember when Dark Days came out the PR mentioned Daf banned the use of pedal steel guitar.

Gruff did promote the DK album in the mail blast I got about his new song and album.

Yeah I notice he likes some of their social media stuff and the other members posts. Was just funny to hear it blurted out that way

Das Koolies are excellent. Thirsting for more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhp7Vk7d8bw

Might be my favorite track in a long, long time. Hits the sweet spot.

the fusion of core groove with the outlier bleeps blorps satisfies a portion of my sfa love that sfa really migrated away from over time.

ha i have played this album quite a lot in backcountry rides and nordic ski sessions. good for my focus.

New Gruff Rhys album out today. Had no idea one was even on the horizon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OprFcUKXzJs

Liking it so far, potentially more memorable that his other previous stuff in this vein

*than

New Gruff album is actually pretty good.

It sounds a lot like Seeking New Gods to me. I think his band's found its groove, so to speak. Still waiting for a jam-fest. They were doing some really good bits when it was Y Niwl (is that still the core band) and Kliph first starting out.

Presumably their first NME interview:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEyqZJGbYAA9FTd?format=jpg&name=large

Late to the party and only 1/4 (1/5?) through it, but agree that this Das Koolies album is really fun. I’m a fan of when they are all over the place stylistically and sonically and playful. TBH, I am not missing Gruff that much thus far.

Still not heard the Das Koolies album but I saw their short set in Bristol last month and it was pretty thrilling.

First time I had heard ACID in a crowd since Aphex Twin

SFA were apparently a round on Pointless yesterday

The DK album isn't perfect, but I'm eager to hear more. 'Police Next Door' is a bonafide banger.