Babybird
Encyclopedia
Babybird are a British
indie band
formed in 1995. The band is fronted by Stephen Jones, who has also released records
as a solo artist, using his own name.
writing
songs and recording
home demos
as part of an experimental theatre
group in Sheffield
. A collection of these demos, I Was Born a Man
, was released in July 1995, under the name Babybird. He recruited a band made up of Huw Chadbourn (keyboards), Robert Gregory (drums), John Pedder (bass) and Luke Scott (guitar), in order to tour and promote his work.
During 1995, two further albums of demo recordings were released under the name Babybird (Bad Shave
and Fatherhood
) and two in 1996 (The Happiest Man Alive
and Dying Happy
). Babybird were signed to Echo Records
(a division of the Chrysalis Group
), and the first authentic single
, a full-band recording of "Goodnight", which had appeared in demo form on Fatherhood, was released in July 1996, becoming a minor hit
in the UK Singles Chart
. The group's second single, "You're Gorgeous
", reached number 3 in the UK in October 1996, and was one of the biggest selling singles of the year, going on to chart around the world.
However, it presented a more commercial face to the public in comparison to Jones's earlier work, as well as in comparison to the rest of the material on the Ugly Beautiful album. The album produced two more hit singles in "Candy Girl" and "Cornershop". Babybird returned, minus keyboardist Huw Chadbourn, in 1998 with There's Something Going On
, preceded by a single, "Bad Old Man". The album was a modest success and was followed by further minor hits, "If You'll Be Mine" and "Back Together".
In 2000, a line-up of Babybird comprising Jones, Scott and Matt Hay created a third album. Bugged. Sales were poor and the two singles from it, "The F-Word" (later the theme tune to Gordon Ramsay
's UK TV cookery show
of the same name) and "Out of Sight" barely dented the charts. Babybird were dropped by their record label
soon after. A third single from the album, "Fireflies" / "Getaway" was released on Animal Noise records, but sold few copies. The band subsequently split.
Jones went on to write fiction, release solo work and score a film, Blessed, in 2004. In October 2005, a posting on the Babybird website announced that the band had reformed as a three-piece featuring Jones, Scott and Robert Gregory. An album, Between My Ears There Is Nothing But Music
was released on 25 September 2006.
In August 2009, it was announced that the band would be doing a tour of four gigs in November 2009 to promote the album Ex-Maniac
, which was released in February 2010. The line-up consisted of Jones, Scott and Gregory, with a cameo appearance from long-term fan Johnny Depp
on the track "Unloveable". Depp also directed
the video
. In September 2009, Babybird launched their official online community, with clips from the forthcoming album, a new video created by Jones with Jones participating in discussions on the website.
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 band
Musical ensemble
A musical ensemble is a group of people who perform instrumental or vocal music. In classical music, trios or quartets either blend the sounds of musical instrument families or group together instruments from the same instrument family, such as string ensembles or wind ensembles...
formed in 1995. The band is fronted by Stephen Jones, who has also released records
Gramophone record
A 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...
as a solo artist, using his own name.
Career
Jones had begunwriting
Songwriter
A 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...
songs and recording
Sound recording and reproduction
Sound recording and reproduction is an electrical or mechanical inscription and re-creation of sound waves, such as spoken voice, singing, instrumental music, or sound effects. The two main classes of sound recording technology are analog recording and digital recording...
home demos
Demo (music)
A demo version or demo of a song is one recorded for reference rather than for release. A demo is a way for a musician to approximate their ideas on tape or disc, and provide an example of those ideas to record labels, producers or other artists...
as part of an experimental theatre
Experimental theatre
Experimental theatre is a general term for various movements in Western theatre that began in the late 19th century as a retraction against the dominant vent governing the writing and production of dramatical menstrophy, and age in particular. The term has shifted over time as the mainstream...
group in Sheffield
Sheffield
Sheffield is a city and metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire, England. Its name derives from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. Historically a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and with some of its southern suburbs annexed from Derbyshire, the city has grown from its largely...
. A collection of these demos, I Was Born a Man
I Was Born a Man
I Was Born a Man was the first of five albums of home-made recordings, released by Stephen Jones under the name Baby Bird in 1995.It was originally a limited edition release, but is now available as part of the 2002 CD box set The Original Lo-Fi....
, was released in July 1995, under the name Babybird. He recruited a band made up of Huw Chadbourn (keyboards), Robert Gregory (drums), John Pedder (bass) and Luke Scott (guitar), in order to tour and promote his work.
During 1995, two further albums of demo recordings were released under the name Babybird (Bad Shave
Bad Shave
Bad Shave was the second of five albums of home-made recordings, released by Stephen Jones under the name Baby Bird in 1995.It was originally a limited edition release, but is now available as part of the 2002 CD box set The Original Lo-Fi....
and Fatherhood
Fatherhood (album)
Fatherhood was the third of five albums of home-made recordings, released by Stephen Jones under the name Baby Bird in 1995.It was originally a limited edition release, but is now available as part of the 2002 CD box set The Original Lo-Fi....
) and two in 1996 (The Happiest Man Alive
The Happiest Man Alive
The Happiest Man Alive was the fourth of five albums of home-made recordings, released by Stephen Jones under the name Baby Bird in 1995....
and Dying Happy
Dying Happy
Dying Happy was the fifth of five albums of home-made recordings, released by Stephen Jones under the name Baby Bird in 1996.It was originally a limited edition release, but is now available as part of the 2002 CD box set The Original Lo-Fi....
). Babybird were signed to Echo Records
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....
(a division of the Chrysalis Group
Chrysalis Group
Chrysalis Group is a UK media company. It was founded by Chris Wright, who remains chairman and was listed the 1,000th richest person in the UK in The Times Rich List 2009...
), and the first authentic 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...
, a full-band recording of "Goodnight", which had appeared in demo form on Fatherhood, was released in July 1996, becoming a minor hit
Hit record
A hit record is a sound recording, usually in the form of a single or album, that sells a large number of copies or otherwise becomes broadly popular or well-known, through airplay, club play, inclusion in a film or stage play soundtrack, causing it to have "hit" one of the popular chart listings...
in 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 ...
. The group's second single, "You're Gorgeous
You're Gorgeous
You're Gorgeous is a song by the British band Babybird released as a commercial single in 1996.- Reception :The song remains Babybird's biggest hit and the track that the band are best known for...
", reached number 3 in the UK in October 1996, and was one of the biggest selling singles of the year, going on to chart around the world.
However, it presented a more commercial face to the public in comparison to Jones's earlier work, as well as in comparison to the rest of the material on the Ugly Beautiful album. The album produced two more hit singles in "Candy Girl" and "Cornershop". Babybird returned, minus keyboardist Huw Chadbourn, in 1998 with There's Something Going On
There's Something Going On
There's Something Going On is the second studio album by rock band Babybird released in 1998.Unlike the band's previous album, Ugly Beautiful, only one of the tracks is an alternative version of an original recording made by lead singer, Stephen Jones, before the band was formed. The original...
, preceded by a single, "Bad Old Man". The album was a modest success and was followed by further minor hits, "If You'll Be Mine" and "Back Together".
In 2000, a line-up of Babybird comprising Jones, Scott and Matt Hay created a third album. Bugged. Sales were poor and the two singles from it, "The F-Word" (later the theme tune to Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay
Gordon James Ramsay, OBE is a Scottish chef, television personality and restaurateur. He has been awarded 13 Michelin stars....
's UK TV cookery show
The F-Word
The F Word is a British food magazine and cooking show featuring chef Gordon Ramsay. The programme covers a wide range of topics, from recipes to food preparation and celebrity food fads. The programme is made by Optomen Television and aired weekly on Channel 4...
of the same name) and "Out of Sight" barely dented the charts. Babybird were dropped by their record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
soon after. A third single from the album, "Fireflies" / "Getaway" was released on Animal Noise records, but sold few copies. The band subsequently split.
Jones went on to write fiction, release solo work and score a film, Blessed, in 2004. In October 2005, a posting on the Babybird website announced that the band had reformed as a three-piece featuring Jones, Scott and Robert Gregory. An album, Between My Ears There Is Nothing But Music
Between My Ears There Is Nothing But Music
Between My Ears There Is Nothing But Music is the fourth studio album by rock band Babybird released in 2006. It was the first album that they recorded after leaving Echo Records in 2000...
was released on 25 September 2006.
In August 2009, it was announced that the band would be doing a tour of four gigs in November 2009 to promote the album Ex-Maniac
Ex-Maniac
Ex-Maniac is the fifth studio album by rock band Babybird released in 2010, on Unison Records. The album features Johnny Depp, who is said to be a "long time fan" of the band, on guitar on one track, first single "Unloveable"...
, which was released in February 2010. The line-up consisted of Jones, Scott and Gregory, with a cameo appearance from long-term fan Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp
John Christopher "Johnny" Depp II is an American actor, producer and musician. He has won the Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actor. Depp rose to prominence on the 1980s television series 21 Jump Street, becoming a teen idol...
on the track "Unloveable". Depp also directed
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
the 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...
. In September 2009, Babybird launched their official online community, with clips from the forthcoming album, a new video created by Jones with Jones participating in discussions on the website.
Albums
- I Was Born a ManI Was Born a ManI Was Born a Man was the first of five albums of home-made recordings, released by Stephen Jones under the name Baby Bird in 1995.It was originally a limited edition release, but is now available as part of the 2002 CD box set The Original Lo-Fi....
(Babybird Recordings, 1995) - Bad ShaveBad ShaveBad Shave was the second of five albums of home-made recordings, released by Stephen Jones under the name Baby Bird in 1995.It was originally a limited edition release, but is now available as part of the 2002 CD box set The Original Lo-Fi....
(Babybird Recordings, 1995) - FatherhooodFatherhood (album)Fatherhood was the third of five albums of home-made recordings, released by Stephen Jones under the name Baby Bird in 1995.It was originally a limited edition release, but is now available as part of the 2002 CD box set The Original Lo-Fi....
(Babybird Recordings, 1996) - The Happiest Man AliveThe Happiest Man AliveThe Happiest Man Alive was the fourth of five albums of home-made recordings, released by Stephen Jones under the name Baby Bird in 1995....
(Babybird Recordings, 1996) - Dying HappyDying HappyDying Happy was the fifth of five albums of home-made recordings, released by Stephen Jones under the name Baby Bird in 1996.It was originally a limited edition release, but is now available as part of the 2002 CD box set The Original Lo-Fi....
(Babybird Recordings, 1996) - Ugly Beautiful (Echo RecordsEcho RecordsThe 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....
, October 1996) #9 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... - There's Something Going OnThere's Something Going OnThere's Something Going On is the second studio album by rock band Babybird released in 1998.Unlike the band's previous album, Ugly Beautiful, only one of the tracks is an alternative version of an original recording made by lead singer, Stephen Jones, before the band was formed. The original...
(Echo Records, August 1998) #28 UK - BuggedBugged (album)Bugged is the third studio album by rock band Babybird released in 2000. It was also the last album the band released on the Echo Records label before being dropped...
(Echo Records, June 2000 - Best of Babybird (Echo Records, February 2004)
- Between My Ears There Is Nothing But MusicBetween My Ears There Is Nothing But MusicBetween My Ears There Is Nothing But Music is the fourth studio album by rock band Babybird released in 2006. It was the first album that they recorded after leaving Echo Records in 2000...
(Babybird Recordings, September 2006) - Ex-ManiacEx-ManiacEx-Maniac is the fifth studio album by rock band Babybird released in 2010, on Unison Records. The album features Johnny Depp, who is said to be a "long time fan" of the band, on guitar on one track, first single "Unloveable"...
(Unison Music, 2010) - The Pleasures of Self DestructionThe Pleasures of Self DestructionThe Pleasures of Self Destruction is the sixth studio album by rock band Babybird released in 2011, on Unison Records. The album features Johnny Depp, who is said to be a "long time fan" of the band, on guitar on one track, the first track "Jesus Stag Night Club"-Track listing:01. Jesus Stag Night...
(Unison Music, October 2011)
Singles
- "Goodnight" (Echo RecordsEcho RecordsThe 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....
, June 1996) #28 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 ... - "You're GorgeousYou're GorgeousYou're Gorgeous is a song by the British band Babybird released as a commercial single in 1996.- Reception :The song remains Babybird's biggest hit and the track that the band are best known for...
" (Echo Records, September 1996) #3 UK, #17 Sweden, #22 New Zealand, #28 Australia, #46 France - "Candy Girl" (Echo Records, February 1997) #14 UK
- "Cornershop" (Echo Records, May 1997) #37 UK
- "Bad Old Man" (Echo Records, April 1998) #31 UK
- "If You'll Be Mine" (Echo Records, July 1998) #28 UK
- "Back Together (remix)" (Echo Records, February 1999) #22 UK
- "The F-Word" (Echo Records, March 2000) #35 UK
- "Out of Sight" (Echo Records, May 2000) #58 UK
- "Getaway/Fireflies" (Animal Noise, September 2000)
- "Too Much/Dive" (Babybird Recordings, November 2006)
- "Unloveable" (February 2010)
Compilation tracks
- "Bad Twin" (on The Avengers OSTSoundtrackA soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
, Atlantic RecordsAtlantic RecordsAtlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
, August 1998)
Promotional videos
- "Goodnight" (1996, directed by Stuart A. Gosling)
- "You're Gorgeous" (1997, directed by Stuart A. Gosling)
- "If You'll Be Mine" (1998, directed by David SladeDavid SladeDavid Aldrin Slade is a British film director who began his career making music videos. His work includes videos for artists such as Aphex Twin, Rob Dougan, System of a Down, Stone Temple Pilots, Tori Amos, and Muse.-Life and career:...
) - "The F-Word" (2000, directed by Rob Leggatt & Leigh Marling)
- "Out of Sight" (2000, directed by Rob Leggatt & Leigh Marling)
- "Lighter 'n' Spoon" (2008, directed by Philipp Pflüger)
- "Unloveable" (2010, directed by Johnny DeppJohnny DeppJohn Christopher "Johnny" Depp II is an American actor, producer and musician. He has won the Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actor. Depp rose to prominence on the 1980s television series 21 Jump Street, becoming a teen idol...
)
External links
- The Bad Pages The Stephen Jones and Babybird Neighbourhood