Straitjacket Fits
Encyclopedia
Straitjacket Fits formed in Dunedin
, New Zealand
in 1986 and were a prominent band in the Flying Nun
label's second wave of the Dunedin Sound
.
. They formed from the ashes of The DoubleHappys
, a band comprising Shayne Carter
, Wayne Elsey and John Collie. The tragic accidental death of Elsey saw Carter and Collie join forces with David Wood (ex-Working With Walt
) in 1986 to form Straitjacket Fits. Andrew Brough
(from The Orange) signed on the following year, adding a foil in the form of pop sensibility to Carter's more raucous songwriting. From their inception, the sound of the band was marked by the seemingly incongruous but highly effective pairing of Carter's rough abrasive voice and strident guitar and Andrew Brough's saccharine-sweet vocals and pop hooks.
1987 marked the release of their first EP. Life in One Chord defined their sound, spending 10 weeks in the Top 50. All four of the songs are justifiable New Zealand rock classics, none more so than the astonishing "She Speeds
", which was to become the band's hallmark song. Its edgy lead vocal (from Carter) was underpinned with a dynamic jagged guitar and stabs of strings which tumbled into a churning melodic chorus on which Brough's voice soared. The exact opposite approach was taken on "Sparkle That Shines", its gentle downbeat melody sung by Brough giving way to a chorus laced with Carter's knife-edge harmonies.
The band left Dunedin, briefly moving to Christchurch
, before making the shift to the country's main marketplace, Auckland
in 1988. Their first album Hail was produced by Terry Moore (a former member of The Chills
) and was released later that year (it would later be re-released on CD accompanied by the four songs from Life in One Chord). The band's first overseas venture, to Australia
, came in 1989, followed soon by a tour of Europe.
In 1990 the band started work on their follow-up album Melt
(produced by Gavin Mackillop), probably their finest album, and one which was to produce moderate hits with the Brough composition "Down In Splendour" and Carter's "Bad Note For A Heart". The following year the band was back on the road with an extensive tour. The band supported My Bloody Valentine in Australia and The La's
in the US but the strain was beginning to show, with reputed "musical differences" between Carter and Brough. Brough left the band at the end of the tour and was replaced by guitarist Mark Petersen
.
1992 saw the band release the EP Done. Done made it to number 11 on the New Zealand Top 40 singles chart. Produced by Tony Cohen
in Melbourne and without Brough, Done was an altogether louder and guitar driven record. The band then moved to California
to record their third album Blow, with producer Paul Fox. The album was released in 1993, and starts where Done left off, but lacked the carefully balanced dynamic that had always been evident in the interplay between Carter and Brough. It produced the singles, "Cat Inna Can" and "If I Were You", but the writing was largely on the wall for the band and they decided to go into a semi-permanent hiatus, following their appearance at 1994's Big Day Out
.
Also in 1993, the band contributed the track "Brittle" to the AIDS-Benefit Album No Alternative
produced by the Red Hot Organization
.
In 1998, a self-titled CD was released. Its 16 tracks were all previously available on other releases; the CD is essentially a "best-of" compilation.
Post-Straitjacket Fits, Shayne Carter has found more success with his band Dimmer
, whose music bears surprisingly little similarity to that of Straitjacket Fits. Allowed more complete control of the music's sound, his new band's music is sparser. Gone are the strident guitars, and what remains has a decidedly funky, jazzy edge. The remaining members have taken a lower profile. Andrew Brough released one album with the band Bike before moving back to Dunedin and retreating from the music scene. John Collie became a photographer of some note who has exhibited his work widely.
In 2001, as part of the Australasian Performing Rights Association's 75th anniversary, a poll was conducted to vote on New Zealand's top 100 songs
of all time. Straitjacket Fits' song "She Speeds" was named at number nine, and "Down In Splendour" at number 32, and "If I Were You" at number 88 on this list.
In 2005, Straitjacket Fits reformed without Brough for a brief series of concerts around New Zealand.
In 2008, the band received the New Zealand Herald Legacy Award at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, and were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame
. In his acceptance speech, Carter said "To all the artists out there who are brave enough to think outside of the square - kia kaha
."
David Wood died suddenly, on November 17, 2010. A service for David was held at the Pt Chevalier RSA on the following Monday. He left behind a wife and two children.
Shayne Carter (guitar/vocal), John Collie (drums), David Wood (bass)
1987 to 1991
Shayne Carter (guitar/vocal), John Collie (drums), David Wood (bass), Andrew Brough (guitar/vocal)
1991 to 1994
Shayne Carter (guitar/vocal), John Collie (drums), David Wood (bass), Mark Petersen (guitar)
. The following is a list of these albums that have featured tracks by the Straitjacket Fits.
Dunedin
Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. It is considered to be one of the four main urban centres of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city by territorial land area until...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
in 1986 and were a prominent band in the Flying Nun
Flying Nun Records
Flying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s...
label's second wave of the Dunedin Sound
Dunedin Sound
The Dunedin sound was a style of indie pop music created in the southern New Zealand university city of Dunedin in the early 1980s.-Characteristics:...
.
Biography
Like many of their stable-mates, the band hailed from the southern city of DunedinDunedin
Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. It is considered to be one of the four main urban centres of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city by territorial land area until...
. They formed from the ashes of The DoubleHappys
The DoubleHappys
The DoubleHappys were a short-lived but influential rock band based in Dunedin, New Zealand, and part of the Dunedin Sound music wave of the 1980s...
, a band comprising Shayne Carter
Shayne Carter
Shayne Carter is best-known for being the Straitjacket Fits' principal singer/songwriting/guitarist in the late 80s/early 90s, and later on a founding member of Dimmer.Carter comes from a musical family...
, Wayne Elsey and John Collie. The tragic accidental death of Elsey saw Carter and Collie join forces with David Wood (ex-Working With Walt
Working With Walt
Working With Walt was a music group formed in the 1980s, and based in Dunedin, New Zealand.Working With Walt disbanded sometime by the late 1980s with Jan Hellriegel going on to a solo music career, and David Wood helping form Straitjacket Fits....
) in 1986 to form Straitjacket Fits. Andrew Brough
Andrew Brough
Andrew Brough is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Dunedin, New Zealand, who is best known for his work with the New Zealand Music Hall of fame inductees, Straitjacket Fits.- Early career :...
(from The Orange) signed on the following year, adding a foil in the form of pop sensibility to Carter's more raucous songwriting. From their inception, the sound of the band was marked by the seemingly incongruous but highly effective pairing of Carter's rough abrasive voice and strident guitar and Andrew Brough's saccharine-sweet vocals and pop hooks.
1987 marked the release of their first EP. Life in One Chord defined their sound, spending 10 weeks in the Top 50. All four of the songs are justifiable New Zealand rock classics, none more so than the astonishing "She Speeds
She Speeds
She Speeds is a song by Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits. The song was released on their debut 'Life in One Chord EP' in 1987. The EP was recorded at the in Auckland, New Zealand and reached number 10 on the NZ Top 40 charts later that year. A video was filmed for She Speeds for just...
", which was to become the band's hallmark song. Its edgy lead vocal (from Carter) was underpinned with a dynamic jagged guitar and stabs of strings which tumbled into a churning melodic chorus on which Brough's voice soared. The exact opposite approach was taken on "Sparkle That Shines", its gentle downbeat melody sung by Brough giving way to a chorus laced with Carter's knife-edge harmonies.
The band left Dunedin, briefly moving to Christchurch
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country's second-largest urban area after Auckland. It lies one third of the way down the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula which itself, since 2006, lies within the formal limits of...
, before making the shift to the country's main marketplace, Auckland
Auckland
The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world...
in 1988. Their first album Hail was produced by Terry Moore (a former member of The Chills
The Chills
The Chills are a guitar and keyboard-based rock band from Dunedin, New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, they were one of the proponents of the Dunedin Sound.- History :...
) and was released later that year (it would later be re-released on CD accompanied by the four songs from Life in One Chord). The band's first overseas venture, to Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, came in 1989, followed soon by a tour of Europe.
In 1990 the band started work on their follow-up album Melt
Melt (Straitjacket Fits album)
Melt was the second album from Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits, and the last to feature the original line-up of Shayne Carter, Andrew Brough, John Collie and David Wood; Brough was to leave before the third album, Blow. The album reached no. 13 on the New Zealand music charts...
(produced by Gavin Mackillop), probably their finest album, and one which was to produce moderate hits with the Brough composition "Down In Splendour" and Carter's "Bad Note For A Heart". The following year the band was back on the road with an extensive tour. The band supported My Bloody Valentine in Australia and The La's
The La's
The La's were an English rock band from Liverpool, originally active from the mid-1980s to early 1990s. Fronted by singer, songwriter and guitarist Lee Mavers, the group is most famous for their hit single "There She Goes". The band was formed by Mike Badger in 1984 and Mavers joined soon after...
in the US but the strain was beginning to show, with reputed "musical differences" between Carter and Brough. Brough left the band at the end of the tour and was replaced by guitarist Mark Petersen
Mark Petersen (musician)
Mark Petersen is a New Zealand rock guitarist from Dunedin. Formerly a member of Working With Walt, he replaced guitarist Andrew Brough in Straitjacket Fits in 1992. Peterson played on the their final album 'Blow' and toured with the band until they broke up in February 1994. Peterson played guitar...
.
1992 saw the band release the EP Done. Done made it to number 11 on the New Zealand Top 40 singles chart. Produced by Tony Cohen
Tony Cohen
Tony Cohen is an acclaimed Australian record producer and sound engineer based in Melbourne, best known for his work with The Birthday Party and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in the 1980s...
in Melbourne and without Brough, Done was an altogether louder and guitar driven record. The band then moved to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
to record their third album Blow, with producer Paul Fox. The album was released in 1993, and starts where Done left off, but lacked the carefully balanced dynamic that had always been evident in the interplay between Carter and Brough. It produced the singles, "Cat Inna Can" and "If I Were You", but the writing was largely on the wall for the band and they decided to go into a semi-permanent hiatus, following their appearance at 1994's Big Day Out
Big Day Out
The Big Day Out is an annual music festival held in several cities in Australia and New Zealand in late January. It started in Sydney in 1992, spread to Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth by 1993, with the Gold Coast and Auckland joining in 1994...
.
Also in 1993, the band contributed the track "Brittle" to the AIDS-Benefit Album No Alternative
No Alternative
-Home video track listing:# Matthew Sweet "Superdeformed"#*directed by Kevin Kerslake# Neneh Cherry "Athens, Georgia 1993"#*directed by Jim McKay & Michael Stipe# Urge Overkill "Take a Walk"#*directed by Matt Mahurin...
produced by the Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
.
In 1998, a self-titled CD was released. Its 16 tracks were all previously available on other releases; the CD is essentially a "best-of" compilation.
Post-Straitjacket Fits, Shayne Carter has found more success with his band Dimmer
Dimmer (band)
Dimmer is a musical group from New Zealand. The driving force behind the band is Shayne Carter, a prominent New Zealand musician and member of such bands as Straitjacket Fits and Double Happys. The band have released four full length albums, "I Believe You Are A Star" , "You've Got To Hear The...
, whose music bears surprisingly little similarity to that of Straitjacket Fits. Allowed more complete control of the music's sound, his new band's music is sparser. Gone are the strident guitars, and what remains has a decidedly funky, jazzy edge. The remaining members have taken a lower profile. Andrew Brough released one album with the band Bike before moving back to Dunedin and retreating from the music scene. John Collie became a photographer of some note who has exhibited his work widely.
In 2001, as part of the Australasian Performing Rights Association's 75th anniversary, a poll was conducted to vote on New Zealand's top 100 songs
Nature's Best
Nature's Best is a two-disc compilation album of thirty New Zealand popular music songs, selected by a panel as the top thirty New Zealand songs of all time.-Selection:...
of all time. Straitjacket Fits' song "She Speeds" was named at number nine, and "Down In Splendour" at number 32, and "If I Were You" at number 88 on this list.
In 2005, Straitjacket Fits reformed without Brough for a brief series of concerts around New Zealand.
In 2008, the band received the New Zealand Herald Legacy Award at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, and were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame
New Zealand Music Hall of Fame
The New Zealand Music Hall of Fame is a hall of fame dedicated to noteworthy musicians from New Zealand. The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand and Australasian Performing Right Association announced their intentions to create the hall of fame in August 2007...
. In his acceptance speech, Carter said "To all the artists out there who are brave enough to think outside of the square - kia kaha
Kia kaha
Kia kaha is a Māori phrase used by both the Māori and Pākehā people of New Zealand. It means be strong and is used as an affirmation. The phrase has significant meaning for both the Māori and Pākehā people of New Zealand...
."
David Wood died suddenly, on November 17, 2010. A service for David was held at the Pt Chevalier RSA on the following Monday. He left behind a wife and two children.
Band members
1986Shayne Carter (guitar/vocal), John Collie (drums), David Wood (bass)
1987 to 1991
Shayne Carter (guitar/vocal), John Collie (drums), David Wood (bass), Andrew Brough (guitar/vocal)
1991 to 1994
Shayne Carter (guitar/vocal), John Collie (drums), David Wood (bass), Mark Petersen (guitar)
Discography
| Date of Release | Title | Label | Charted | Certification | Catalog Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albums | ||||||
| 1988 1988 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1988.-January-March:* January 1 – André Rieu's Johann Strauss Orchestra plays its first concert.... |
Hail Hail (album) Hail is the debut album released in 1988 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. There were three releases of the album, a New Zealand release in 1988, a United Kingdom and United States release also in 1988 and an extended album in 1989... (NZ) |
Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s... |
- | - | FN105 | |
| 1988 1988 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1988.-January-March:* January 1 – André Rieu's Johann Strauss Orchestra plays its first concert.... |
Hail Hail (album) Hail is the debut album released in 1988 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. There were three releases of the album, a New Zealand release in 1988, a United Kingdom and United States release also in 1988 and an extended album in 1989... (UK/US) |
Rough Trade Rough Trade Records Rough Trade Records is an independent record label based in London. It was formed in 1978 by Geoff Travis who had opened a record store off Ladbroke Grove... |
- | - | UKR147 | |
| 1989 1989 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1989.-Events:*January 14 – Paul McCartney releases Снова в СССР exclusively in the USSR... |
Hail Hail (album) Hail is the debut album released in 1988 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. There were three releases of the album, a New Zealand release in 1988, a United Kingdom and United States release also in 1988 and an extended album in 1989... (compilation) |
Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s... Rough Trade Rough Trade Records Rough Trade Records is an independent record label based in London. It was formed in 1978 by Geoff Travis who had opened a record store off Ladbroke Grove... |
- | - | FN144 ROUGHCD147 |
|
| 1990 1990 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1990.-Events:*January 21 – MTV's Unplugged premieres on cable television with British band Squeeze... |
Melt Melt (Straitjacket Fits album) Melt was the second album from Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits, and the last to feature the original line-up of Shayne Carter, Andrew Brough, John Collie and David Wood; Brough was to leave before the third album, Blow. The album reached no. 13 on the New Zealand music charts... (NZ) |
Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s... |
13 (NZ) | - | FN174 ARCD-8645 |
|
| 1993 1993 in music This is a summary of significant events in music in 1993.-January–February:*January 8 – The U.S. Postal Service issues an Elvis Presley stamp. The design was voted on in February 1992.... |
Blow Blow (Straitjacket Fits album) "Blow" is the third album released in 1993 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. The album has a harder, less melodic sound than the band's previous albums. This reflects the change of line-up, with Andrew Brough having left the band prior to this album's recording, to be replaced by Mark Petersen... (NZ) |
Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s... |
12 (NZ) | - | FN251 | |
| 1993 1993 in music This is a summary of significant events in music in 1993.-January–February:*January 8 – The U.S. Postal Service issues an Elvis Presley stamp. The design was voted on in February 1992.... |
Blow Blow (Straitjacket Fits album) "Blow" is the third album released in 1993 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. The album has a harder, less melodic sound than the band's previous albums. This reflects the change of line-up, with Andrew Brough having left the band prior to this album's recording, to be replaced by Mark Petersen... (US) |
Arista Arista Records Arista was an American record label. It was a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and operated under the RCA Music Group. The label was founded in 1974 by Clive Davis, who formerly worked for CBS Records... |
- | - | 18697-2 | |
| 1998 1998 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1998.-Events:*January 28 – "Weird Al" Yankovic gets LASIK surgery to cure his myopia... |
Straitjacket Fits | Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s... |
- | - | FN406 | |
| EPs | ||||||
| 1987 1987 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1987.See also:Record labels established in 1987-January-February:*January 3 – Aretha Franklin becomes the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame... |
Life in One Chord Life in One Chord Life in One Chord is an EP released in 1987 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. It was the band's debut release. All of the tracks from the EP were later released as part of an extended version of their first full album, Hail, in 1989. All of the songs on the EP are credited to Shayne... |
Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s... |
10 (NZ) | - | FN080 | |
| 1991 1991 in music See also:* 1991 in music Record labels established in 1991-Summary:The year 1991 is the year that grunge music made its popular breakthrough. Nirvana's Nevermind, led by the surprise hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit", becomes the most popular U.S. album of the year... |
Missing From Melt | - | - | ASCD-2244 | ||
| 1992 1992 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1992.-January–February:*January 11**Nirvana's Nevermind album goes to #1 in the US Billboard 200 chart, establishing the widespread popularity of the Grunge movement of the 1990s.... |
Done | Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records Flying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s... |
- | - | FN242 | |
Featured appearances
The group has appeared on many compilations and soundtracks since their inception in both New ZealandNew Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. The following is a list of these albums that have featured tracks by the Straitjacket Fits.
- (19881988 in musicThis is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1988.-January-March:* January 1 – André Rieu's Johann Strauss Orchestra plays its first concert....
) - In Love With These TimesIn Love with These TimesIn Love With These Times is a compilation of previously released songs by artists on New Zealand based Flying Nun Records. It was released by Flying Nun in 1990 and re-released in a 2CD package with the 1991 compilation Pink Flying Saucers Over the Southern Alps...
(Flying Nun RecordsFlying Nun RecordsFlying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s...
) - She SpeedsShe SpeedsShe Speeds is a song by Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits. The song was released on their debut 'Life in One Chord EP' in 1987. The EP was recorded at the in Auckland, New Zealand and reached number 10 on the NZ Top 40 charts later that year. A video was filmed for She Speeds for just... - (19911991 in musicSee also:* 1991 in music Record labels established in 1991-Summary:The year 1991 is the year that grunge music made its popular breakthrough. Nirvana's Nevermind, led by the surprise hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit", becomes the most popular U.S. album of the year...
) - Getting Older (Flying Nun RecordsFlying Nun RecordsFlying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s...
) - Dialing a Prayer - (19911991 in musicSee also:* 1991 in music Record labels established in 1991-Summary:The year 1991 is the year that grunge music made its popular breakthrough. Nirvana's Nevermind, led by the surprise hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit", becomes the most popular U.S. album of the year...
) - Pink Flying Saucers Over the Southern Alps (Flying Nun RecordsFlying Nun RecordsFlying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s...
) - Bad Note For A Heart - (19931993 in musicThis is a summary of significant events in music in 1993.-January–February:*January 8 – The U.S. Postal Service issues an Elvis Presley stamp. The design was voted on in February 1992....
) - No Alternative (Red Hot RecordsRed Hot RecordsRED HOT RECORDS is an independent publishing company and record label based in Phoenix, Arizona. The company was founded in June 2008 by Steve Crabtree of the band ....
) - Brittle - (19971997 in musicThis is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1997.-January:*January 9 – David Bowie performs his 50th Birthday Bash concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA with guests Frank Black, The Foo Fighters, Sonic Youth, Robert Smith of The Cure, Lou Reed, and Billy...
) - Topless Women Talk About Their LivesTopless Women Talk About Their Lives (soundtrack)Topless Women Talk About Their Lives is the soundtrack to the New Zealand film, Topless Women Talk About Their Lives. It was released alongside the film by Flying Nun Records.-Track listing:#Hey Seuss - 3DS#North by North - The Bats...
(Flying Nun RecordsFlying Nun RecordsFlying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s...
) - Down In Splendour & She SpeedsShe SpeedsShe Speeds is a song by Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits. The song was released on their debut 'Life in One Chord EP' in 1987. The EP was recorded at the in Auckland, New Zealand and reached number 10 on the NZ Top 40 charts later that year. A video was filmed for She Speeds for just... - (19991999 in music-Events:*January 7**After eight years of marriage, Rod Stewart and supermodel wife Rachel Hunter announce their separation.**Paul McCartney attends the first of his stepdaughter Heather's first housewares collection in Georgia....
) - ScarfiesScarfies (soundtrack)"Scarfies" is the soundtrack to the New Zealand film of the same name and has been released alongside the movie in 1999.-Track listing:#Save My Life - Bike#Outer Space - 3Ds#George - Headless Chickens#Doledrums - The Chills...
(Flying Nun RecordsFlying Nun RecordsFlying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s...
) - She SpeedsShe SpeedsShe Speeds is a song by Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits. The song was released on their debut 'Life in One Chord EP' in 1987. The EP was recorded at the in Auckland, New Zealand and reached number 10 on the NZ Top 40 charts later that year. A video was filmed for She Speeds for just... - (20022002 in musicThis is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 2002.-Events:*February 3 – U2 perform during the halftime show for Super Bowl XXXVI...
) - Nature's BestNature's BestNature's Best is a two-disc compilation album of thirty New Zealand popular music songs, selected by a panel as the top thirty New Zealand songs of all time.-Selection:...
(Sony Music) - She SpeedsShe SpeedsShe Speeds is a song by Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits. The song was released on their debut 'Life in One Chord EP' in 1987. The EP was recorded at the in Auckland, New Zealand and reached number 10 on the NZ Top 40 charts later that year. A video was filmed for She Speeds for just... - (20022002 in musicThis is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 2002.-Events:*February 3 – U2 perform during the halftime show for Super Bowl XXXVI...
) - Nature's Best 2Nature's Best 2Nature's Best 2 is a two-disc compilation album of 35 New Zealand popular music songs, numbers 31-65 on the APRA 75th Anniversary Top 100 New Zealand Songs of All Time...
(Sony Music) - Down In Splendour - (20032003 in music-January:* January – following an investigation by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and London detectives, police raids in England and the Netherlands recover nearly 500 original Beatles studio tapes, recorded during the Let It Be sessions. Five people are arrested...
) - Nature's Best 3Nature's Best 3Nature's Best 3 is a two-disc compilation album of 35 New Zealand popular music songs, numbers 66-100 on the APRA 75th Anniversary Top 100 New Zealand Songs of All Time...
(Sony Music) - If I Were You
Featured DVD appearances
- (20042004 in musicSee also:* 2004 in music Record labels established in 2004-January:*January 1**The Vienna New Year's Concert is conducted by Riccardo Muti.**Kurt Nilsen wins World Idol....
) - Second Season Flying Nun DVD II (Flying Nun RecordsFlying Nun RecordsFlying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s...
) - Down In Splendour - (20042004 in musicSee also:* 2004 in music Record labels established in 2004-January:*January 1**The Vienna New Year's Concert is conducted by Riccardo Muti.**Kurt Nilsen wins World Idol....
) - Very Short Films: A Flying Nun DVD (Flying Nun RecordsFlying Nun RecordsFlying Nun Records is an independent record label formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1981 by music-store proprietor Roger Shepherd.-History:The label was formed in the flurry of new punk rock-inspired labels forming in the early 1980s...
) - She SpeedsShe SpeedsShe Speeds is a song by Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits. The song was released on their debut 'Life in One Chord EP' in 1987. The EP was recorded at the in Auckland, New Zealand and reached number 10 on the NZ Top 40 charts later that year. A video was filmed for She Speeds for just...
Singles
| Year | Single | Album | Charted | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | "Hail" | Hail Hail (album) Hail is the debut album released in 1988 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. There were three releases of the album, a New Zealand release in 1988, a United Kingdom and United States release also in 1988 and an extended album in 1989... |
20 (NZ) | - |
| 1990 | "Sparkle That Shines" | Hail Hail (album) Hail is the debut album released in 1988 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. There were three releases of the album, a New Zealand release in 1988, a United Kingdom and United States release also in 1988 and an extended album in 1989... (UK/US) |
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| 1990 | "Bad Note For a Heart" | Melt Melt (Straitjacket Fits album) Melt was the second album from Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits, and the last to feature the original line-up of Shayne Carter, Andrew Brough, John Collie and David Wood; Brough was to leave before the third album, Blow. The album reached no. 13 on the New Zealand music charts... |
25 (NZ) | - |
| 1990 | "Down In Splendour" (double 7") |
Melt Melt (Straitjacket Fits album) Melt was the second album from Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits, and the last to feature the original line-up of Shayne Carter, Andrew Brough, John Collie and David Wood; Brough was to leave before the third album, Blow. The album reached no. 13 on the New Zealand music charts... |
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| 1991 | "Down In Splendour" (Video/CD) |
Melt Melt (Straitjacket Fits album) Melt was the second album from Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits, and the last to feature the original line-up of Shayne Carter, Andrew Brough, John Collie and David Wood; Brough was to leave before the third album, Blow. The album reached no. 13 on the New Zealand music charts... |
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| 1991 | "Roller Ride" | Melt Melt (Straitjacket Fits album) Melt was the second album from Dunedin, New Zealand band Straitjacket Fits, and the last to feature the original line-up of Shayne Carter, Andrew Brough, John Collie and David Wood; Brough was to leave before the third album, Blow. The album reached no. 13 on the New Zealand music charts... |
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| 1992 | "Done" | Blow Blow (Straitjacket Fits album) "Blow" is the third album released in 1993 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. The album has a harder, less melodic sound than the band's previous albums. This reflects the change of line-up, with Andrew Brough having left the band prior to this album's recording, to be replaced by Mark Petersen... |
11 (NZ) | - |
| 1993 | "Cat Inna Can" | Blow Blow (Straitjacket Fits album) "Blow" is the third album released in 1993 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. The album has a harder, less melodic sound than the band's previous albums. This reflects the change of line-up, with Andrew Brough having left the band prior to this album's recording, to be replaced by Mark Petersen... |
19 (NZ) | - |
| 1993 | "If I Were You" | Blow Blow (Straitjacket Fits album) "Blow" is the third album released in 1993 by New Zealand band, Straitjacket Fits. The album has a harder, less melodic sound than the band's previous albums. This reflects the change of line-up, with Andrew Brough having left the band prior to this album's recording, to be replaced by Mark Petersen... |
- | - |
Further reading
- Davey, T. & Puschmann, H. (1996) Kiwi rock. Dunedin: Kiwi Rock Publications. ISBN 0-473-03718-1
- Dix, J. (1988) Stranded in paradise: New Zealand rock'n'roll 1955-1988. Wellington: Paradise Publications. ISBN 0-473-00638-3
- Eggleton, D. (2003) Ready to fly: The story of New Zealand rock music. Nelson, NZ: Craig Potton Publishing. ISBN 1-877333-06-9
External links
- Flying Nun's Historic Site - Straitjacket Fits Biography
- Howlspace article on Straitjacket Fits
- National Radio Music Features - mp3 stream of Straitjacket Fits' Reunion Tour finale, recorded live at Sammy's in Dunedin, May 7, 2005
- NZMusic.com - includes video for Hail
- Scoop NZ Top 40 article on Shayne Carter
- Videos for Straitjacket Fits on NZ On ScreenNZ On ScreenNZ On Screen is an online showcase of archival New Zealand television and film. The website is fully funded by NZ On Air and provides free worldwide access to NZ-produced television, film and music videos. Content is streamed and the webpages provide authoritative background information.The site...
, for Bad Note for a Heart and Down in Splendour - Kara, Scott "The Story of Straitjacket Fits", New Zealand Herald 2 October 2008. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
- Interview with Shayne Carter and David Wood and live performance of 'Missing Presumed Drowned'