I Am Kloot
Encyclopedia
I Am Kloot are an English
band formed in Manchester
, in 1999 by John Bramwell
(guitar/vocals), Peter Jobson (bass) and Andy Hargreaves
(drums).
, Natural History, in the UK
in March 2001 on the Wall of Sound
offshoot 'We Love You', followed by the I Am Kloot
album in September 2003, on the Echo
imprint.
Echo had originally planned to release "Proof" as a single
to promote the second album, but after agreeing on artwork and a track listing (and commissioning a video
featuring Christopher Eccleston
, directed by Krishna Stott), the label shelved these ideas and subsequently issued the single as a download only (though a few copies were issued in Europe on the PIAS imprint). This action is commonly seen as the start of the dispute that would subsequently see the band leave the label.
The band remained with Echo for their third LP, Gods and Monsters (2005), but left the label citing a lack of financial support after another planned single, "I Believe", was cancelled at short notice. Later that year they issued a limited edition single entitled "Maybe I Should
" on November 21, following some of their biggest headlining gigs
in the UK
, culminating in a show at the London Astoria
.
In April 2006 "Only Role in Town", was made available for free download to their fanbase, followed by the release of an album of John Peel
session tracks in October 2006, recorded over two sessions in 2001 and 2004.
I Am Kloot's fourth studio album, I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge
, was available at gigs in November 2007 as a limited edition of 2000 copies, before going on general release on 14 April 2008.
In October 2009, they released a double album
compilation of B-sides, rarities and unreleased songs collected under the title of B
.
I Am Kloot's next studio album, Sky at Night
, was released on 5 July 2010 through Shepherd Moon Records. The album was produced by Craig Potter and Guy Garvey
from Elbow
.
The Sky at Night album was shortlisted for the 2010 Barclaycard Mercury Music Prize.
From I Am Kloot
From Gods and Monsters
From I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge
Non-album Single
From Sky at Night
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
band formed in Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
, in 1999 by John Bramwell
John Bramwell
John Harold Arnold Bramwell is an English singer-songwriter. He is the frontman for the three-piece alternative rock band I Am Kloot, and has previously issued solo material under the guise of Johnny Dangerously....
(guitar/vocals), Peter Jobson (bass) and Andy Hargreaves
Andy Hargreaves (musician)
Andy Hargreaves is the drummer for Manchester band I Am Kloot.He uses KD custom drums and Zildjian cymbals.-References:...
(drums).
History
Formed out of the ashes of Manchester band The Mouth with whom Bramwell co-fronted with Bryan Glancy and released one single in the U.S, I Am Kloot released their debut albumAlbum
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
, Natural History, in the UK
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...
in March 2001 on the Wall of Sound
Wall of Sound (record label)
Wall of Sound is an independent record label based in London, England. It is part of the [PIAS] Entertainment Group, a European independent music company....
offshoot 'We Love You', followed by the I Am Kloot
I Am Kloot (album)
I Am Kloot is I Am Kloot's self-titled second album, as well as their highest charting album to date, reaching #68 on the UK Albums Chart. It was released in 2003 and yielded four singles and one download-only single...
album in September 2003, on the Echo
Echo Records
The Echo Label was a record label started by Chrysalis Group in 1994, and linked with Pony Canyon in Japan. The Chrysalis Group were the original owners of Chrysalis Records, which they sold to EMI....
imprint.
Echo had originally planned to release "Proof" as a single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
to promote the second album, but after agreeing on artwork and a track listing (and commissioning a video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
featuring Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston is an English stage, film and television actor. His films include Let Him Have It, Shallow Grave, Elizabeth, 28 Days Later, Gone in 60 Seconds, The Others, and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra...
, directed by Krishna Stott), the label shelved these ideas and subsequently issued the single as a download only (though a few copies were issued in Europe on the PIAS imprint). This action is commonly seen as the start of the dispute that would subsequently see the band leave the label.
The band remained with Echo for their third LP, Gods and Monsters (2005), but left the label citing a lack of financial support after another planned single, "I Believe", was cancelled at short notice. Later that year they issued a limited edition single entitled "Maybe I Should
Maybe I Should
"Maybe I Should" is the first single I Am Kloot released after parting ways with their former record label Echo. The songs were recorded during the autumn of 2005. The single was released on 21st November 2005 by Skinny Dog label, co-founded by I Am Kloot's bass player, Peter Jobson, and Elbow's...
" on November 21, following some of their biggest headlining gigs
Concert
A concert is a live performance before an audience. The performance may be by a single musician, sometimes then called a recital, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, a choir, or a musical band...
in the UK
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...
, culminating in a show at the London Astoria
London Astoria
The London Astoria was a music venue, located at 157 Charing Cross Road, in London, England. It had been leased and run by Festival Republic since 2000. It was closed on 15 January 2009 and has since been demolished...
.
In April 2006 "Only Role in Town", was made available for free download to their fanbase, followed by the release of an album of 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...
session tracks in October 2006, recorded over two sessions in 2001 and 2004.
I Am Kloot's fourth studio album, I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge
I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge
I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge is the fourth studio album by the band I Am Kloot. A limited edition version of 2000 copies was on sale to the public attending their show at Manchester Academy 3 on 24 November 2007, and the following dates on their mini-tour of England and Europe...
, was available at gigs in November 2007 as a limited edition of 2000 copies, before going on general release on 14 April 2008.
In October 2009, they released a double album
Double album
A double album is an audio album which spans two units of the primary medium in which it is sold, typically records and compact discs....
compilation of B-sides, rarities and unreleased songs collected under the title of B
B (I Am Kloot album)
B is a compilation album of b-sides, rare recordings and unreleased material from Manchester band I Am Kloot.The album was released in September 2009...
.
I Am Kloot's next studio album, Sky at Night
Sky at Night (I Am Kloot album)
Sky at Night is the fifth studio album by Manchester band I Am Kloot. The album was produced by Guy Garvey and Craig Potter of the band Elbow and was released on 5 July 2010. Since 2 July 2010, the whole album has been streamed for free on the guardian.co.uk website.On 20 July 2010, the album made...
, was released on 5 July 2010 through Shepherd Moon Records. The album was produced by Craig Potter and Guy Garvey
Guy Garvey
Guy Edward John Patrick Garvey , is the singer/guitarist in the band Elbow, as well as a presenter for BBC 6 Music and A&R manager of Skinny Dog Records...
from Elbow
Elbow (band)
Elbow are an English rock band. They have played together since 1990 and recorded five studio albums, the most recent of which is Build a Rocket Boys!, released in March 2011...
.
The Sky at Night album was shortlisted for the 2010 Barclaycard Mercury Music Prize.
Albums
- Natural History (2001, #119 UKUK Albums ChartThe UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
) - I Am KlootI Am Kloot (album)I Am Kloot is I Am Kloot's self-titled second album, as well as their highest charting album to date, reaching #68 on the UK Albums Chart. It was released in 2003 and yielded four singles and one download-only single...
(2003, #68 UKUK Singles ChartThe 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 ...
) - Gods and Monsters (2005, #74 UK)
- BBC Radio 1 John Peel Sessions (2006)
- I Am Kloot Play Moolah RougeI Am Kloot Play Moolah RougeI Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge is the fourth studio album by the band I Am Kloot. A limited edition version of 2000 copies was on sale to the public attending their show at Manchester Academy 3 on 24 November 2007, and the following dates on their mini-tour of England and Europe...
(2007, #74 NLNetherlandsThe Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
) - BB (I Am Kloot album)B is a compilation album of b-sides, rare recordings and unreleased material from Manchester band I Am Kloot.The album was released in September 2009...
(2009) - Sky at NightSky at Night (I Am Kloot album)Sky at Night is the fifth studio album by Manchester band I Am Kloot. The album was produced by Guy Garvey and Craig Potter of the band Elbow and was released on 5 July 2010. Since 2 July 2010, the whole album has been streamed for free on the guardian.co.uk website.On 20 July 2010, the album made...
(2010, #24 UKUK Albums ChartThe UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
, #51 NLNetherlandsThe Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, #59 AUTAustriaAustria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
)
Singles
From Natural History- "To You"/"Titanic" (1999, only 1000 vinyl copies released) Ugly ManUgly Man RecordsUgly Man Records was started as a Manchester-based independent record label, but it is now based in Leeds. The label released debut singles for many Manchester bands, including Elbow, the Man From Delmonte and I Am Kloot. Ugly Man Records was set up in Bootle, Merseyside in 1986 with the release of...
- "Twist"/"86 TV's" (2000, double A-sideA-side and B-sideA-side and B-side originally referred to the two sides of gramophone records on which singles were released beginning in the 1950s. The terms have come to refer to the types of song conventionally placed on each side of the record, with the A-side being the featured song , while the B-side, or...
on CDCompact DiscThe Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
and red vinylGramophone recordA gramophone record, commonly known as a phonograph record , vinyl record , or colloquially, a record, is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove...
) Ugly ManUgly Man RecordsUgly Man Records was started as a Manchester-based independent record label, but it is now based in Leeds. The label released debut singles for many Manchester bands, including Elbow, the Man From Delmonte and I Am Kloot. Ugly Man Records was set up in Bootle, Merseyside in 1986 with the release of... - "Dark Star" (2001, #90 UKUK Singles ChartThe 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 ...
, CD and vinyl) - "Morning RainMorning Rain"Morning Rain" is a single release by I Am Kloot. Included with the single is a demo of "Proof" and a live version of "Twist" from a February 14, 2001 gig in Paris and features a French sung chorus too .-Track listing:All songs written by John Harold...
" (2001, #94 UKUK Singles ChartThe 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 ...
, CD and vinyl)
From I Am Kloot
- "Untitled #1" (2003, #101 UKUK Singles ChartThe 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 ...
, limited edition vinyl) - "Life in a Day" (2003, #43 UKUK Singles ChartThe 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 ...
, 2x CD and vinyl) - "3 Feet Tall" (2003, #46 UK, 2x CD and vinyl)
- "From Your Favourite Sky" (2004, numbered CD and download)
From Gods and Monsters
- "Over My Shoulder" (2005, #38 UK, CD and 2x vinyl)
From I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge
- "Hey Little Bird" (2008, CD)
Non-album Single
- "Maybe I ShouldMaybe I Should"Maybe I Should" is the first single I Am Kloot released after parting ways with their former record label Echo. The songs were recorded during the autumn of 2005. The single was released on 21st November 2005 by Skinny Dog label, co-founded by I Am Kloot's bass player, Peter Jobson, and Elbow's...
" (2005, #128 UKUK Singles ChartThe 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 ...
, limited CD, vinyl and download)
From Sky at Night
- "Northern Skies/Lately" (2010, digital single)
- "ProofProof (I Am Kloot song)"Proof" – a song by English band I Am Kloot.A demo version of "Proof" was released in 2001 as a B-side on the single "Morning Rain" from the album Natural History. This version is also included on the compilation album B from 2009....
" (2010, digital single) - "Fingerprints" (2010, digital single)
Band members
- John Harold Arnold BramwellJohn BramwellJohn Harold Arnold Bramwell is an English singer-songwriter. He is the frontman for the three-piece alternative rock band I Am Kloot, and has previously issued solo material under the guise of Johnny Dangerously....
: SongwriterSongwriterA songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
s. - Peter Jobson: BassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, Slide GuitarSlide guitarSlide guitar or bottleneck guitar is a particular method or technique for playing the guitar. The term slide refers to the motion of the slide against the strings, while bottleneck refers to the original material of choice for such slides: the necks of glass bottles...
, backing vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
, PianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, OrganOrgan (music)The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
. - Andy HargreavesAndy Hargreaves (musician)Andy Hargreaves is the drummer for Manchester band I Am Kloot.He uses KD custom drums and Zildjian cymbals.-References:...
: drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
, GlockenspielGlockenspielA glockenspiel is a percussion instrument composed of a set of tuned keys arranged in the fashion of the keyboard of a piano. In this way, it is similar to the xylophone; however, the xylophone's bars are made of wood, while the glockenspiel's are metal plates or tubes, and making it a metallophone...
.
Contributing musicians
- Guy GarveyElbow (band)Elbow are an English rock band. They have played together since 1990 and recorded five studio albums, the most recent of which is Build a Rocket Boys!, released in March 2011...
: ProducerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, EngineerEngineerAn engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
, Backing vocals, Percussion, Sound effects, HarmonicaHarmonicaThe harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...
, GuacamoleGuacamoleGuacamole , is an avocado-based dip that originated in Mexico. It is traditionally made by mashing ripe avocados with a molcajete with sea salt. Some recipes call for limited tomato, spicy Asian spices such as white onion, lime juice, and/or additional seasonings.-History:Guacamole was made by...
, wineWineWine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
glasses - Mel Wesson: Programming
- Tony Gilfellon: Additional guitar
- Bob Sastry: French hornHorn (instrument)The horn is a brass instrument consisting of about of tubing wrapped into a coil with a flared bell. A musician who plays the horn is called a horn player ....
- Isabelle Dunn: CelloCelloThe cello is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is a member of the violin family of musical instruments, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. Old forms of the instrument in the Baroque era are baryton and viol .A person who plays a cello is...
- Amanda Drummond: ViolaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
- Stella Page, Prabjote Osahn: ViolinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
- Robert Marsh: TrumpetTrumpetThe trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
- Norman McLeod: Pedal steel guitarPedal steel guitarThe pedal steel guitar is a type of electric guitar that uses a metal bar to "fret" or shorten the length of the strings, rather than fingers on strings as with a conventional guitar. Unlike other types of steel guitar, it also uses pedals and knee levers to affect the pitch, hence the name "pedal"...
- Colin McLeod: Producer
- Craig PotterElbow (band)Elbow are an English rock band. They have played together since 1990 and recorded five studio albums, the most recent of which is Build a Rocket Boys!, released in March 2011...
: Producer
Additional live performers
- Norman McLeod: Pedal steel guitarPedal steel guitarThe pedal steel guitar is a type of electric guitar that uses a metal bar to "fret" or shorten the length of the strings, rather than fingers on strings as with a conventional guitar. Unlike other types of steel guitar, it also uses pedals and knee levers to affect the pitch, hence the name "pedal"...
, Electric guitarElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker... - Colin McLeod: keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
- Bob Sastry: French hornHorn (instrument)The horn is a brass instrument consisting of about of tubing wrapped into a coil with a flared bell. A musician who plays the horn is called a horn player ....
- Guy GarveyElbow (band)Elbow are an English rock band. They have played together since 1990 and recorded five studio albums, the most recent of which is Build a Rocket Boys!, released in March 2011...
: Extra Vocals - Robert Marsh: TrumpetTrumpetThe trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
- Scott Alexander: Electric guitarElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
played with an ebow
Quotes
- "It's only in the context of the bleakness and the quite filthy passion at the core of us, that when we present something that naïve and that simple that it really gets its charm and finds its beauty." - John Bramwell
- "There’s a bit of schadenfreudeSchadenfreudeSchadenfreude is pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others. This German word is used as a loanword in English and some other languages, and has been calqued in Danish and Norwegian as skadefryd and Swedish as skadeglädje....
in our stuff, black humour. I hope it gives a feeling of wanting to embrace life, to carry on life, that life is a great thing, and that love is a great thing. It’s just that it comes with some baggage. I feel that we’re optimistic." - John Bramwell (2005)