The Dears
Encyclopedia
History
The band formed in 1995 and released their first album, End of a Hollywood Bedtime StoryEnd of a Hollywood Bedtime Story
End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story is the debut album by The Dears, released in 2000 on Grenadine Records. "This is a Broadcast", "Heartless Romantic" and the title track were notable singles from the album.-Track listing:# "C'était pour la passion"...
, in 2000. Their orchestral, dark pop sound and dramatic live shows cemented The Dears at the foundation of the then-emerging Canadian indie renaissance. In 2001 and 2002, they released the EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
s Orchestral Pop Noir Romantique
Orchestral Pop Noir Romantique
Orchestral Pop Noir Romantique is an EP by The Dears, originally released in 2001 on the now defunct Shipbuilding Records, and later licensed to Universal Music Canada.-Track listing:# "Heathrow or Deathrow" – 4:22# "Autotomy" – 5:21# "No Return" – 6:15...
and Protest
Protest (The Dears EP)
Protest is an EP by The Dears, released in limited quantities in 2002. It was later re-released in a mass market version with different artwork in 2004...
, respectively, as well as a collection of unreleased songs, Nor the Dahlias. In 2003 they released their second full-length album No Cities Left
No Cities Left
No Cities Left is an album by The Dears, released in 2003 on MapleMusic Recordings. It was the band's second full-length album of new material and was so successful that it was re-released in Canada in 2005....
, and a string of highly anticipated shows at SXSW '04 launched their international career.
No Cities Left
No Cities Left is an album by The Dears, released in 2003 on MapleMusic Recordings. It was the band's second full-length album of new material and was so successful that it was re-released in Canada in 2005....
and returned to the studio to record in 2005. Gang of Losers
Gang of Losers
Gang of Losers is the third full length album from Montreal band The Dears. It was released on August 29, 2006 in Canada under the Maple Music Recordings label and on October 3, 2006 in the USA under the Arts & Crafts label....
was released in 2006, and was well-received by the press.
The lineup of the band is fluid and has changed frequently, though the band's core members have remained founder and lead singer Murray Lightburn
Murray Lightburn
Murray Lightburn is a Canadian musician, best known as the lead vocalist and principal songwriter for The Dears.Lightburn has been called "the black Morrissey" due to his vocal similarity to the former The Smiths lead singer. Incidentally, The Dears toured as Morrissey's opening act during...
, and keyboardist Natalia Yanchak.
The Dears have had high-profile gigs as opening act for Sloan
Sloan (band)
Sloan is a Toronto-based alternative rock quartet from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Throughout their 20-year tenure Sloan has released 10 LPs , two EPs, a live album, a "best of" collection and no less than thirty singles...
, The Tragically Hip
The Tragically Hip
The Tragically Hip, often referred to simply as The Hip, is a Canadian rock band from Kingston, Ontario, consisting of Gordon Downie , Paul Langlois , Rob Baker , Gord Sinclair and Johnny Fay . Since their formation in 1983 they have released 12 studio albums, two live albums, and 46 singles...
, Keane, The Secret Machines
The Secret Machines
The Secret Machines are a three-piece American alternative rock band. Originally from Dallas, Texas before moving to New York City, they describe their band as space rock. The original lineup consisted of two brothers, Brandon and Benjamin Curtis, and Josh Garza...
and Morrissey
Morrissey
Steven Patrick Morrissey , known as Morrissey, is an English singer and lyricist. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as the lyricist and vocalist of the alternative rock band The Smiths. The band was highly successful in the United Kingdom but broke up in 1987, and Morrissey began a solo career,...
, to whom Lightburn is often compared. Their music has been described as a cross between The Smiths
The Smiths
The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr , the band also included Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce...
and Serge Gainsbourg
Serge Gainsbourg
Serge Gainsbourg, born Lucien Ginsburg was a French singer-songwriter, actor and director. Gainsbourg's extremely varied musical style and individuality make him difficult to categorize...
with Lightburn's singing voice being likened to Morrissey as well as Blur
Blur (band)
Blur is an English alternative rock band. Formed in London in 1989 as Seymour, the group consists of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Blur's debut album Leisure incorporated the sounds of Madchester and shoegazing...
's Damon Albarn
Damon Albarn
Damon Albarn is an English singer-songwriter and record producer who has been involved in many high profile projects, coming to prominence as the frontman and primary songwriter of Britpop band Blur...
. The complexity of the music and arrangements has also been compared to Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
, Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull (band)
Jethro Tull are a British rock group formed in 1967. Their music is characterised by the vocals, acoustic guitar, and flute playing of Ian Anderson, who has led the band since its founding, and the guitar work of Martin Barre, who has been with the band since 1969.Initially playing blues rock with...
and early Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
. The Dears' powerful live shows have been described as: "...the sonic equivalent of seeing the face of God."
On July 10, 2007, The Dears' album Gang of Losers was named to the shortlist for the 2007 Polaris Music Prize
2007 Polaris Music Prize
The 2007 edition of the Canadian Polaris Music Prize was presented on September 24, 2007 in Toronto.The winning album was Patrick Watson's Close to Paradise....
. The follow-up Missiles was released in the United Kingdom on October 20 and in North America on October 21, 2008.
On February 15, 2011, The Dears released their fifth studio album, Degeneration Street. The album was named as a longlisted nominee for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize
2011 Polaris Music Prize
The 2011 edition of the Canadian Polaris Music Prize was presented on September 19, 2011. The winner was Arcade Fire, for the album The Suburbs.For the 2011 award, the prize was increased to $30,000 for the winning musician.-Shortlist:...
.
Band members
Current members
- Murray Lightburn (since 1995)
- Natalia Yanchak (since 1998)
- Patrick KriefPatrick KriefPatrick Krief is a Canadian musician and singer-songwriter. Krief is known as the guitarist for The Dears since 2004.In 2004 he appeared on MTV Canada's Project Moose Catch. He was a guest on Jonathan Ross's show in 2005...
(2003–2008, since 2010) - Rob BenvieRob BenvieRob Benvie is a Canadian musician and writer who has performed with alternative rock acts Thrush Hermit, Camouflage Nights, The Tennis Injury, and The Dears. He also records and occasionally performs live as Tigre Benvie....
(2002–2003, since 2009) - Roberto Arquilla (1997–2000, since 2010)
- Jeff Luciani (since 2010)
Past members
- Richard MacDonald (1995–1998)
- John Tod (1995–2000)
- Andrew White (1995–1998)
- Brigitte Mayes (1999–2002)
- Jonathan Cohen (1999–2002)
- Joseph DonovanJoseph DonovanJoseph Donovan is an award-winning music producer, engineer, and musician. His credits include the Juno Award winning album Love at the End of the World by Sam Roberts and albums by The High Dials, and The Dears...
(2003, touring guitar player) - Valérie Jodoin Keaton (2002–2007) – keyboards
- Martin Pelland (2001–2007)
- George Donoso (2001–2008)
- Lisa Smith (2008–2009, touring bass player)
- Yann Geoffroy (2008–2009, touring drummer, keyboards)
- Jason Kent (2008–2009, touring guitar, vocals, keyboards)
- Christopher McCarron (2008–2009, touring guitar player)
- Laura Wills (2008–2009, touring keyboards, vocals)
Discography
Studio albums
- 2000: End of a Hollywood Bedtime StoryEnd of a Hollywood Bedtime StoryEnd of a Hollywood Bedtime Story is the debut album by The Dears, released in 2000 on Grenadine Records. "This is a Broadcast", "Heartless Romantic" and the title track were notable singles from the album.-Track listing:# "C'était pour la passion"...
- 2003: No Cities LeftNo Cities LeftNo Cities Left is an album by The Dears, released in 2003 on MapleMusic Recordings. It was the band's second full-length album of new material and was so successful that it was re-released in Canada in 2005....
(#127 UK) - 2006: Gang of LosersGang of LosersGang of Losers is the third full length album from Montreal band The Dears. It was released on August 29, 2006 in Canada under the Maple Music Recordings label and on October 3, 2006 in the USA under the Arts & Crafts label....
(#52 CAN) (#77 UK) - 2008: MissilesMissiles (album)Missiles is the fourth full-length studio album by Canadian indie rock band The Dears, which was released on October 20, 2008 on Dangerbird Records in the United States and MapleMusic Recordings in Canada.-Recording:...
- 2011: Degeneration StreetDegeneration StreetDegeneration Street is the fifth studio album by The Dears, released February 15, 2011 on Dangerbird Records in the United States and Pheromone Recordings in Canada....
(#37 CAN)
EPs
- 2001: Orchestral Pop Noir RomantiqueOrchestral Pop Noir RomantiqueOrchestral Pop Noir Romantique is an EP by The Dears, originally released in 2001 on the now defunct Shipbuilding Records, and later licensed to Universal Music Canada.-Track listing:# "Heathrow or Deathrow" – 4:22# "Autotomy" – 5:21# "No Return" – 6:15...
- 2002: ProtestProtest (The Dears EP)Protest is an EP by The Dears, released in limited quantities in 2002. It was later re-released in a mass market version with different artwork in 2004...
- 2009: iTunes Live from Montreal
Live albums
- 2004: Thank You Good Night Sold OutThank You Good Night Sold OutThank You Good Night Sold Out is a live album by The Dears, released in 2004 on MapleMusic Recordings.-Track listing:# "Autotomy" – 11:17# "C'Était pour la passion" – 5:28# "End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story" – 5:58...
- 2007: Instant Live: El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA, 05/24/05
- 2007: Instant Live: Magic Stick – Detroit, MI, 06/05/05
- 2007: Instant Live: Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA, 06/12/05
Singles
- 2004: "We Can Have It"
- 2004: "Lost in the Plot"
- 2005: "22: The Death Of All The Romance22: The Death Of All The Romance"22: The Death of All The Romance" is a 2005 single by Montreal indie band The Dears, taken from the album No Cities Left. The song was remixed for its single release by Simon Raymonde of The Cocteau Twins...
" - 2006: "Ticket to Immortality"
- 2006: "Whites Only Party"
- 2007: "You and I Are a Gang of Losers"
- 2008: "Money BabiesMoney Babies"Money Babies" is a 2008 single by Montreal indie band The Dears. The song is taken from the album Missiles. It was released on 7" vinyl with the B-Side "Threats" and as a digital download which featured a French language version of the song with lyrics translasted by Annie Q. A promotional video...
" - 2010: "Omega Dog"
- 2011: "Thrones"
Other contributions
- Syrup & Gasoline Vol. 2 (2001, Grenadine RecordsGrenadine RecordsGrenadine Records is a Canadian independent record label based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The music label was founded in 1997 by Eric Y. Lapointe and Alex Megelas who met at Bishop's University's radio station CJMQ-FM....
) – "Le pauvre chanteur (From The South Shore)" - Acoustic 07Acoustic 07Acoustic 07 is a 2-disc compilation album, released under V2 Records in the United Kingdom on March 12, 2007. The collection is the seventh of V2 Records' popular Acoustic series.-Track listing:Disc 1#"Lovestain", performed by José González...
(2007, V2 RecordsV2 RecordsV2 Records is a record label that is owned by Universal Music Group as of October 2007. The label was founded in 1996 by Richard Branson, five years after he sold Virgin Records to EMI....
) – "You and I Are a Gang of Losers"
Awards and nominations
- 2007: Gang of LosersGang of LosersGang of Losers is the third full length album from Montreal band The Dears. It was released on August 29, 2006 in Canada under the Maple Music Recordings label and on October 3, 2006 in the USA under the Arts & Crafts label....
– Shortlisted: 2007 Polaris Music Prize2007 Polaris Music PrizeThe 2007 edition of the Canadian Polaris Music Prize was presented on September 24, 2007 in Toronto.The winning album was Patrick Watson's Close to Paradise....
. - 2007: Gang of LosersGang of LosersGang of Losers is the third full length album from Montreal band The Dears. It was released on August 29, 2006 in Canada under the Maple Music Recordings label and on October 3, 2006 in the USA under the Arts & Crafts label....
– Nominated: GAMIQ Awards – International Career, Best Indie Rock Album, Best Concert categories. - 2006: Gang of LosersGang of LosersGang of Losers is the third full length album from Montreal band The Dears. It was released on August 29, 2006 in Canada under the Maple Music Recordings label and on October 3, 2006 in the USA under the Arts & Crafts label....
– Nominated: CMW Canadian Independent Music Awards – Favourite Group category. - 2006: Whites Only Party – Winner: CBC Radio 3CBC Radio 3CBC Radio 3 is a radio station that consists of two parts devoted to Canadian arts and music: a radio service which is available on Sirius Satellite Radio and streaming audio, and several daily and weekly podcasts from the CBC Radio 3 website...
's Bucky Awards – Catchiest Beat category. - 2004: No Cities LeftNo Cities LeftNo Cities Left is an album by The Dears, released in 2003 on MapleMusic Recordings. It was the band's second full-length album of new material and was so successful that it was re-released in Canada in 2005....
– Nominated in First Round: New Pantheon Music Award. - 2004: No Cities LeftNo Cities LeftNo Cities Left is an album by The Dears, released in 2003 on MapleMusic Recordings. It was the band's second full-length album of new material and was so successful that it was re-released in Canada in 2005....
– Nominated: Juno AwardJuno AwardThe Juno Awards are presented annually to Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music...
– Best New Group category. - 2004: No Cities LeftNo Cities LeftNo Cities Left is an album by The Dears, released in 2003 on MapleMusic Recordings. It was the band's second full-length album of new material and was so successful that it was re-released in Canada in 2005....
– Nominated: CMW Canadian Independent Music Awards – Favourite Group category. - 2003: No Cities LeftNo Cities LeftNo Cities Left is an album by The Dears, released in 2003 on MapleMusic Recordings. It was the band's second full-length album of new material and was so successful that it was re-released in Canada in 2005....
– Nominated: CASBY AwardCASBY AwardThe CASBY Award is a Canadian award for independent and alternative music, presented annually by Toronto, Ontario radio station CFNY, currently branded as 102.1 The Edge. The name CASBY stands for Canadian Artists Selected By You....
– Favourite Indie Release. - 2002: Orchestral Pop Noir RomantiqueOrchestral Pop Noir RomantiqueOrchestral Pop Noir Romantique is an EP by The Dears, originally released in 2001 on the now defunct Shipbuilding Records, and later licensed to Universal Music Canada.-Track listing:# "Heathrow or Deathrow" – 4:22# "Autotomy" – 5:21# "No Return" – 6:15...
– Winner: MIMI (Montreal Independent Music Initiative) Awards – Best Production category. - 2001: End of a Hollywood Bedtime StoryEnd of a Hollywood Bedtime StoryEnd of a Hollywood Bedtime Story is the debut album by The Dears, released in 2000 on Grenadine Records. "This is a Broadcast", "Heartless Romantic" and the title track were notable singles from the album.-Track listing:# "C'était pour la passion"...
– Nominated: CMW Canadian Independent Music Awards – Best Alternative Album category. - 2001: End of a Hollywood Bedtime StoryEnd of a Hollywood Bedtime StoryEnd of a Hollywood Bedtime Story is the debut album by The Dears, released in 2000 on Grenadine Records. "This is a Broadcast", "Heartless Romantic" and the title track were notable singles from the album.-Track listing:# "C'était pour la passion"...
– Nominated: MIMI (Montreal Independent Music Initiative) Awards – Best Album, Best Concert (June 2, 2000), Best Pop Artist categories.
See also
- Music of CanadaMusic of CanadaThe music of Canada has influences that have shaped the country. Aboriginals, the British, and the French have all made unique contributions to the musical heritage of Canada. The music has subsequently been heavily influenced by American culture because of its proximity and migration between...
- Music of QuebecMusic of QuebecBeing a modern cosmopolitan society, today, all types of music can be found in the Canadian province of Quebec. What is specific to Quebec though are traditional songs, a unique variety of Celtic music, legions of excellent jazz musicians, a culture of classical music, and a love of foreign rhythms...
- Canadian rockCanadian rockCanadian rock describes a wide and diverse variety of music produced by Canadians, beginning with American style rock 'n' roll in the mid-20th century. Since then Canada has had a considerable impact on the development of the modern popular music called rock...
- List of Canadian musicians
- List of Quebec musicians
- List of bands from Canada
- :Category:Canadian musical groups
- Culture of QuebecCulture of QuebecThe Culture of Quebec emerged over the last few hundred years, resulting from the shared history of the French-speaking majority in Quebec. It is unique to the Western World; Quebec is the only region in North America with a French-speaking majority, as well as one of only two provinces in Canada...