The Streets
Encyclopedia
The Streets were a British rap
/garage
project from Birmingham, United Kingdom, led by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Skinner
and has included a myriad of other contributors most notably drummer Johnny Drum Machine, vocalist Kevin Mark Trail
and the Italian-American beatmaker Leroy.
The project has released 6 studio albums Original Pirate Material
(2002), A Grand Don't Come for Free
(2004), The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living
(2006), Everything Is Borrowed
(2008), Cyberspace and Reds
(2011) and Computers and Blues
(2011) and a string of successful singles in the mid-2000s, including "Has It Come to This?
", "Dry Your Eyes
", "When You Wasn't Famous
" and "Prangin' Out
".
. Skinner moved from Birmingham to Brixton
to pursue his recording career, he then moved to Camden Town for three years before returning to Brixton. While working on music, he tried to start a record label as well as working in fast food
restaurants, in order to support himself.
, agreed to release "Has It Come to This?
" under the name The Streets. "Has It Come to This?" proved to be a breakthrough hit for The Streets, reaching number 18 on the UK charts in October 2001.
For The Streets' debut album, Original Pirate Material
, Skinner wanted to take UK garage in a new direction with material reflecting the lifestyle of clubbers in Britain. The track "Let's Push Things Forward
" reflects the philosophy of the album. The album was released and proved to be successful both with critics and the general public alike. In the UK, the album was nominated for the Mercury Prize
and was favourite with the bookies to win it (it was later won by Ms. Dynamite
). The Streets was nominated for best album, best urban act, best breakthrough artist and best British male artist in the 2002 BRIT Awards
. The NME named it as one of their top five albums of 2002. The cover image is Towering Inferno by the acclaimed photographer Rut Blees Luxemburg
. Subsequent singles from that album included "Don't Mug Yourself
", "Weak Become Heroes
" and "Let's Push Things Forward" which all reached the top forty in the UK. Many of his songs have a UK garage feel. Original Pirate Material had debuted and peaked at number twelve in the UK album charts, and would not reach any higher until his next album was released.
The success of Original Pirate Material in the UK led to a US release of the album through Vice/Atlantic
in late 2002. Though the album was not a commercial success in the States, it was received positively by Rolling Stone
, Spin
, The New York Times
, Blender
, USA Today
and the Los Angeles Times
all nominating it as one of the albums of the year. The album was named Entertainment Weekly
s "album of the year". The album reached number two on the Billboard electronic charts and the top 20 on the independent and Heatseeker charts in the US in 2003.
" which became his highest debuting and highest selling single to that point, reaching number four in the UK.
"Fit But You Know It" is from Skinner's second album, A Grand Don't Come for Free
which is a concept album
about a short period in the protagonist's life. The events depicted include losing a thousand pounds
, the start of a new relationship, going on holiday, breaking up, and eventually finding the grand again. The MC's remix of "Fit But You Know It" features formerly underground MCs such as Kano
, Tinchy Stryder
, Donae'o
, Lady Sovereign
and Devilman.
The album debuted at number two in the UK album charts, but later reached the number one position. Soon after the album was released, Skinner's success grew even larger in July 2004, with the second single "Dry Your Eyes
" debuting at the top of the chart in the UK. The success of this album and its singles led to a re-kindling of interest in the first album Original Pirate Material, which re-entered the UK album charts and beat its original chart peak of two years earlier. "Blinded By the Lights", the third single from A Grand Don't Come for Free, hit the Top 10 in September 2004, and a fourth and final single, "Could Well Be In", was released in late 2004.
, was released on 10 April 2006 in the United Kingdom and on 25 April 2006 in North America. In the UK it debuted at number one on the album chart. It was a change in direction from his first two albums, the lyrical theme moving away from the stories about working class
Britain and instead focusing on the ups and downs of the fame that Skinner encountered after the huge success of his previous albums.
The lead single, titled "When You Wasn't Famous
", was released two weeks prior to the album. The song is about Skinner's troubles with trying to date a famous person, following his new found fame. It was also named 'Track of the Week' by NME in early March 2006, but when it came into the UK singles charts, it only reached the latter course of the top 10, peaking at number eight. There has been much speculation over which celebrity "When You Wasn't Famous" is about - Rachel Stevens
and Cheryl Cole
are two names that have been ruled out, despite Skinner dedicating the song to Cole on Top Of The Pops
. This reluctance to reveal the subject may be more than simple politeness, as some of the descriptions of the unnamed starlet in the track are potentially damaging. At one point, Skinner discloses "my whole life I never thought I'd see a pop star smoke crack
".
The second single, "Never Went to Church", is a tribute to Skinner's late father, and appears to use the chord progression of The Beatles
' "Let It Be
" as a backing. The album also featured the track "Prangin Out" which later would go on to be remixed with Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty
.
. One song from the album, was on Skinner's Myspace
page for a while before being replaced by a cover of "Your Song
". In a posting on his Myspace blog, Skinner noted that the group's upcoming LP would contain "peaceful, positive vibes" in comparison with 2006's The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living.
In a blurb about the album on Skinner's Myspace, he says "This album started off life as parables but then I realised that it might get a bit cheesy so I got rid of the alien song and the devil song replaced them with more straight up songs. I've pretty much kept my promise that I made to myself not to reference modern life on any of them though which is hard to do and keep things personal at the same time."
" album called Cyberspace and Reds
, consisting of various recordings he had made since he finished work on the final Streets album Computers and Blues
. Cyberspace and Reds was released in January 2011, initially only for download via the Streets iPhone app. A so-called "deluxe" edition was later made available for general download through the Streets website. An additional version of the Cyberspace and Reds
track 'Everyone has something to hide' was released by producer Callum James Greens
with added music rather than the acapella version originally released.
The final The Streets album Computers and Blues was released on 7 February 2011, the first single being "Going Through Hell". The band played live in 2011 at the famous Jersey Live
festival for the first time. The bands last gig was thought to be at Reading Festival 2011, co-headlining the NME/Radio stage with 2manydj's. Skinner performed at the 2011 Freeze Festival at Battersea power station which was his final gig in London performing as The Streets. The Streets will end after their final show at The Big Reunion.
Rap
Rap may refer to:*Rapping, performance in which rhyming lyrics are used, with or without musical accompaniment ; while an MC performs spoken verses in time to a beat/ melody**Hip hop subculture**Hip hop music...
/garage
UK garage
UK garage is a genre of electronic dance music originating from the United Kingdom in the early-1990s. UK garage is a descendant of house music which originated in Chicago and New York, United States. UK garage usually features a distinctive syncopated 4/4 percussive rhythm with 'shuffling'...
project from Birmingham, United Kingdom, led by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Skinner
Mike Skinner (musician)
Michael Geoffrey "Mike" Skinner is a British rapper, musician and record producer from Birmingham, United Kingdom, best known for the rap project, The Streets.-Early life:...
and has included a myriad of other contributors most notably drummer Johnny Drum Machine, vocalist Kevin Mark Trail
Kevin Mark Trail
Kevin Mark Trail is a British R&B, soul, reggae and hip hop singer-songwriter. He has released one album, Just Living, which spawned three singles, "Perspective", "D Thames" and "Last Night"...
and the Italian-American beatmaker Leroy.
The project has released 6 studio albums Original Pirate Material
Original Pirate Material
Original Pirate Material is the debut album by the English rapper and producer Mike Skinner, under the name The Streets.The album is a unique take on UK garage and lyrics dealing with everyday circumstances and occurrences...
(2002), A Grand Don't Come for Free
A Grand Don't Come for Free
A Grand Don't Come for Free is the second studio album from British garage and Hip hop act The Streets. It was released on 18 May 2004 and is listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die...
(2004), The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living
The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living
The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living is the third album by The Streets, released April 10, 2006 in the United Kingdom and April 25, 2006 in North America. It is also the shortest The Streets album released so far, with a running time of just 37 minutes and 12 seconds...
(2006), Everything Is Borrowed
Everything Is Borrowed
Everything Is Borrowed is the fourth album from The Streets. Released in the United Kingdom on 15 September 2008, and in the United States on 7 October 2008, Skinner describes the album as a "peaceful coming to terms album" and as containing "peaceful positive vibes" which stand in stark contrast...
(2008), Cyberspace and Reds
Cyberspace and Reds
Cyberspace and Reds is an album by Mike Skinner under his alias The Streets, released on 24 January 2011.-History:In November 2010, Mike Skinner announced via the official Streets website, that he will release what he referred to as a "mixtape" album called Cyberspace and Reds, consisting of...
(2011) and Computers and Blues
Computers and Blues
Computers and Blues is the fifth album by The Streets and the final one Mike Skinner plans to release under this alias, officially released in the United Kingdom on 7 February 2011. It contains 14 songs, including an appearance from British singer-songwriter Clare Maguire. Rob Harvey of The Music...
(2011) and a string of successful singles in the mid-2000s, including "Has It Come to This?
Has It Come to This?
"Has It Come to This?" is a song released in 2001 by UK rapper The Streets. It was the first single from his 2002 debut album Original Pirate Material. The beat samples heavily Double 99's RIP Groove, credited often as the first UK garage song to become successful...
", "Dry Your Eyes
Dry Your Eyes
"Dry Your Eyes" is a UK garage song written by English rapper The Streets for his second album A Grand Don't Come for Free . The song describes the persona trying to cope with his girlfriend breaking up with him. It was released as the album's second single on 19 July 2004...
", "When You Wasn't Famous
When You Wasn't Famous
"When You Wasn't Famous" was the first single from The Streets' third studio album The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living. Released on March 30, 2006, it went straight to number 8 in the UK and number 26 in Ireland...
" and "Prangin' Out
Prangin' Out
"Prangin' Out" is the third Single from The Streets No.1 album The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living. A remix of the track featured a contribution from Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty...
".
1994–1999: Early years
The Streets started out in 1994 as a group project with Johnny Drum Machine and Kevin Mark TrailKevin Mark Trail
Kevin Mark Trail is a British R&B, soul, reggae and hip hop singer-songwriter. He has released one album, Just Living, which spawned three singles, "Perspective", "D Thames" and "Last Night"...
. Skinner moved from Birmingham to Brixton
Brixton
Brixton is a district in the London Borough of Lambeth in south London, England. It is south south-east of Charing Cross. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London....
to pursue his recording career, he then moved to Camden Town for three years before returning to Brixton. While working on music, he tried to start a record label as well as working in fast food
Fast food
Fast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, typically the term refers to food sold in a restaurant or store with preheated or precooked ingredients, and served to the customer in a...
restaurants, in order to support himself.
2000-2003: Original Pirate Material
At the end of 2000, the Locked On label, who had success with The Artful Dodger featuring Craig DavidCraig David
Craig Ashley David is an English singer and songwriter. He has released five studio albums: Born to Do It, Slicker Than Your Average, The Story Goes..., Trust Me, Signed Sealed Delivered and a Greatest Hits album...
, agreed to release "Has It Come to This?
Has It Come to This?
"Has It Come to This?" is a song released in 2001 by UK rapper The Streets. It was the first single from his 2002 debut album Original Pirate Material. The beat samples heavily Double 99's RIP Groove, credited often as the first UK garage song to become successful...
" under the name The Streets. "Has It Come to This?" proved to be a breakthrough hit for The Streets, reaching number 18 on the UK charts in October 2001.
For The Streets' debut album, Original Pirate Material
Original Pirate Material
Original Pirate Material is the debut album by the English rapper and producer Mike Skinner, under the name The Streets.The album is a unique take on UK garage and lyrics dealing with everyday circumstances and occurrences...
, Skinner wanted to take UK garage in a new direction with material reflecting the lifestyle of clubbers in Britain. The track "Let's Push Things Forward
Let's Push Things Forward
"Let's Push Things Forward" is a song released in April 2002 by UK rapper The Streets. It was the second single taken from his debut album Original Pirate Material, it peaked at #30 on the UK chart...
" reflects the philosophy of the album. The album was released and proved to be successful both with critics and the general public alike. In the UK, the album was nominated for the Mercury Prize
Mercury Prize
The Mercury Prize, formerly called the Mercury Music Prize and currently known as the Barclaycard Mercury Prize for sponsorship reasons, is an annual music prize awarded for the best album from the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was established by the British Phonographic Industry and British...
and was favourite with the bookies to win it (it was later won by Ms. Dynamite
Ms. Dynamite
Niomi Arleen McLean-Daley , who performs as Ms. Dynamite, is a double BRIT Award and three time MOBO Awards winning UK garage, R&B and hip hop singer and rapper.-Biography:...
). The Streets was nominated for best album, best urban act, best breakthrough artist and best British male artist in the 2002 BRIT Awards
Brit Awards
The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The name was originally a shortened form of "British", "Britain" or "Britannia", but subsequently became a backronym for British Record Industry Trust...
. The NME named it as one of their top five albums of 2002. The cover image is Towering Inferno by the acclaimed photographer Rut Blees Luxemburg
Rut Blees Luxemburg
Rut Blees Luxemburg is a German photographer. Her technique is to take photographs at night, mostly exploring the urban landscape. She is a Tutor at the Royal College of Art.-Life and work:...
. Subsequent singles from that album included "Don't Mug Yourself
Don't Mug Yourself
"Don't Mug Yourself" is a song first released in October 2002 by UK rapper The Streets. It was the fourth single taken from his debut album Original Pirate Material. The song is performed by Mike Skinner and a friend of his, Calvin Bailey...
", "Weak Become Heroes
Weak Become Heroes
"Weak Become Heroes" is a song by The Streets, which was the third single from the album Original Pirate Material. It was released on July 2, 2002.The song concerns Skinner's experiences of rave culture in the mid-1990s...
" and "Let's Push Things Forward" which all reached the top forty in the UK. Many of his songs have a UK garage feel. Original Pirate Material had debuted and peaked at number twelve in the UK album charts, and would not reach any higher until his next album was released.
The success of Original Pirate Material in the UK led to a US release of the album through Vice/Atlantic
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
in late 2002. Though the album was not a commercial success in the States, it was received positively by Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
, Spin
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
, The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
, Blender
Blender (magazine)
Blender was an American music magazine that billed itself as "the ultimate guide to music and more". It was also known for sometimes steamy pictorials of celebrities....
, USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
and the Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
all nominating it as one of the albums of the year. The album was named Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
s "album of the year". The album reached number two on the Billboard electronic charts and the top 20 on the independent and Heatseeker charts in the US in 2003.
2004–2005: A Grand Don't Come for Free
In May 2004, Skinner released a new single, "Fit But You Know ItFit But You Know It
"Fit But You Know It" is a song by The Streets and written/produced by Mike Skinner. It was the lead single of The Streets second album A Grand Don't Come for Free and was released on 26 April 2004; it reached number four in the UK Single Charts....
" which became his highest debuting and highest selling single to that point, reaching number four in the UK.
"Fit But You Know It" is from Skinner's second album, A Grand Don't Come for Free
A Grand Don't Come for Free
A Grand Don't Come for Free is the second studio album from British garage and Hip hop act The Streets. It was released on 18 May 2004 and is listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die...
which is a concept album
Concept album
In music, a concept album is an album that is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical." Commonly, concept albums tend to incorporate preconceived musical or lyrical ideas rather than being improvised or composed in the studio, with all songs contributing...
about a short period in the protagonist's life. The events depicted include losing a thousand pounds
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
, the start of a new relationship, going on holiday, breaking up, and eventually finding the grand again. The MC's remix of "Fit But You Know It" features formerly underground MCs such as Kano
Kano (rapper)
Kane Brett Robinson , better known as Kano and also known as Kane O, is an English rapper and actor. His grandparents came to England as immigrants from Jamaica. He was formerly a key member of east London’s N.A.S.T.Y...
, Tinchy Stryder
Tinchy Stryder
Kwasi Danquah III , better known by his pseudonyms Tinchy Stryder and Star In The Hood, is a Ghanaian British recording artist, music executive, A&R executive, and businessman...
, Donae'o
Donae'o
Ian Greenidge better known by his stage name Donae'o meaning Gift From God is an English singer and rapper of Ghanaian decent from north-west London. He is well-known for his single, "Party Hard".- Career :...
, Lady Sovereign
Lady Sovereign
Louise Amanda Harman , better known by the stage name Lady Sovereign, is an English rapper & grime artist. She is noted for her professional success in performing styles of music generally dominated by males...
and Devilman.
The album debuted at number two in the UK album charts, but later reached the number one position. Soon after the album was released, Skinner's success grew even larger in July 2004, with the second single "Dry Your Eyes
Dry Your Eyes
"Dry Your Eyes" is a UK garage song written by English rapper The Streets for his second album A Grand Don't Come for Free . The song describes the persona trying to cope with his girlfriend breaking up with him. It was released as the album's second single on 19 July 2004...
" debuting at the top of the chart in the UK. The success of this album and its singles led to a re-kindling of interest in the first album Original Pirate Material, which re-entered the UK album charts and beat its original chart peak of two years earlier. "Blinded By the Lights", the third single from A Grand Don't Come for Free, hit the Top 10 in September 2004, and a fourth and final single, "Could Well Be In", was released in late 2004.
2006–2007: The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living
Skinner's third studio album under The Streets moniker, The Hardest Way to Make an Easy LivingThe Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living
The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living is the third album by The Streets, released April 10, 2006 in the United Kingdom and April 25, 2006 in North America. It is also the shortest The Streets album released so far, with a running time of just 37 minutes and 12 seconds...
, was released on 10 April 2006 in the United Kingdom and on 25 April 2006 in North America. In the UK it debuted at number one on the album chart. It was a change in direction from his first two albums, the lyrical theme moving away from the stories about working class
Working class
Working class is a term used in the social sciences and in ordinary conversation to describe those employed in lower tier jobs , often extending to those in unemployment or otherwise possessing below-average incomes...
Britain and instead focusing on the ups and downs of the fame that Skinner encountered after the huge success of his previous albums.
The lead single, titled "When You Wasn't Famous
When You Wasn't Famous
"When You Wasn't Famous" was the first single from The Streets' third studio album The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living. Released on March 30, 2006, it went straight to number 8 in the UK and number 26 in Ireland...
", was released two weeks prior to the album. The song is about Skinner's troubles with trying to date a famous person, following his new found fame. It was also named 'Track of the Week' by NME in early March 2006, but when it came into the UK singles charts, it only reached the latter course of the top 10, peaking at number eight. There has been much speculation over which celebrity "When You Wasn't Famous" is about - Rachel Stevens
Rachel Stevens
Rachel Lauren Stevens is an English singer-songwriter, actress, presenter, dancer, television personality and model. She is a former member of the successful pop group S Club, and launched a solo recording career in 2003, releasing seven singles and two albums in the UK between 2003 and 2005...
and Cheryl Cole
Cheryl Cole
Cheryl Ann Cole is an English pop and R&B recording artist, songwriter, dancer, actress and model. She rose to fame in late 2002 when she auditioned for the reality television show Popstars: The Rivals on ITV. The programme announced that Cole had won a place as a member of the girl group, Girls...
are two names that have been ruled out, despite Skinner dedicating the song to Cole on Top Of The Pops
Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
. This reluctance to reveal the subject may be more than simple politeness, as some of the descriptions of the unnamed starlet in the track are potentially damaging. At one point, Skinner discloses "my whole life I never thought I'd see a pop star smoke crack
Crack cocaine
Crack cocaine is the freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked. It may also be termed rock, hard, iron, cavvy, base, or just crack; it is the most addictive form of cocaine. Crack rocks offer a short but intense high to smokers...
".
The second single, "Never Went to Church", is a tribute to Skinner's late father, and appears to use the chord progression of The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
' "Let It Be
Let It Be (song)
"Let It Be" is a song by The Beatles, released in March 1970 as a single, and as the title track of their album Let It Be. It was written by Paul McCartney, but credited to Lennon–McCartney. It was their final single before McCartney announced his departure from the band...
" as a backing. The album also featured the track "Prangin Out" which later would go on to be remixed with Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty
Pete Doherty
Peter Doherty is an English musician, writer, actor, poet and artist. He is best known musically for being co-frontman of The Libertines, which he reformed with Carl Barât in 2010. His other musical project is indie band Babyshambles...
.
2008–2009: Everything Is Borrowed
In September 2008, Skinner released his fourth studio album, Everything Is BorrowedEverything Is Borrowed
Everything Is Borrowed is the fourth album from The Streets. Released in the United Kingdom on 15 September 2008, and in the United States on 7 October 2008, Skinner describes the album as a "peaceful coming to terms album" and as containing "peaceful positive vibes" which stand in stark contrast...
. One song from the album, was on Skinner's Myspace
Myspace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
page for a while before being replaced by a cover of "Your Song
Your Song
"Your Song" is a ballad composed and performed by English musician Elton John with lyrics by his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin. It appeared on John's self-titled second album in 1970....
". In a posting on his Myspace blog, Skinner noted that the group's upcoming LP would contain "peaceful, positive vibes" in comparison with 2006's The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living.
In a blurb about the album on Skinner's Myspace, he says "This album started off life as parables but then I realised that it might get a bit cheesy so I got rid of the alien song and the devil song replaced them with more straight up songs. I've pretty much kept my promise that I made to myself not to reference modern life on any of them though which is hard to do and keep things personal at the same time."
2010–2011: Computers and Blues and Cyberspace and Reds
In November 2010, Mike Skinner announced via the official The Streets website, that he will release what he referred to as a "mixtapeMixtape
A Mix Tape or Mixed Tape is a compilation of songs recorded in a specific order, traditionally onto an audio Compact Cassette.A Mix Tape, which usually reflects the musical tastes of its compiler, can range from a casually selected list of favorite songs, to a conceptual mix of songs linked by a...
" album called Cyberspace and Reds
Cyberspace and Reds
Cyberspace and Reds is an album by Mike Skinner under his alias The Streets, released on 24 January 2011.-History:In November 2010, Mike Skinner announced via the official Streets website, that he will release what he referred to as a "mixtape" album called Cyberspace and Reds, consisting of...
, consisting of various recordings he had made since he finished work on the final Streets album Computers and Blues
Computers and Blues
Computers and Blues is the fifth album by The Streets and the final one Mike Skinner plans to release under this alias, officially released in the United Kingdom on 7 February 2011. It contains 14 songs, including an appearance from British singer-songwriter Clare Maguire. Rob Harvey of The Music...
. Cyberspace and Reds was released in January 2011, initially only for download via the Streets iPhone app. A so-called "deluxe" edition was later made available for general download through the Streets website. An additional version of the Cyberspace and Reds
Cyberspace and Reds
Cyberspace and Reds is an album by Mike Skinner under his alias The Streets, released on 24 January 2011.-History:In November 2010, Mike Skinner announced via the official Streets website, that he will release what he referred to as a "mixtape" album called Cyberspace and Reds, consisting of...
track 'Everyone has something to hide' was released by producer Callum James Greens
Callum James Greens
Callum James Greens is a Scottish music executive, record producer, radio producer and web entrepreneur. Greens is the founder and director of the UK record label DimeRock Records.-Early life:...
with added music rather than the acapella version originally released.
The final The Streets album Computers and Blues was released on 7 February 2011, the first single being "Going Through Hell". The band played live in 2011 at the famous Jersey Live
Jersey Live
Jersey Live is an indie/dance music festival held annually at The Royal Jersey Showground in the parish of Trinity, Jersey. The festival has grown in popularity and size each year and has drawn interest from people outside the Channel Islands with overseas visitors making up approximately 25% of...
festival for the first time. The bands last gig was thought to be at Reading Festival 2011, co-headlining the NME/Radio stage with 2manydj's. Skinner performed at the 2011 Freeze Festival at Battersea power station which was his final gig in London performing as The Streets. The Streets will end after their final show at The Big Reunion.
Band-members
- Mike Skinner - vocals, arranging, composing, mixing, keyboards, synthesizers (1994-2011)
- Johnny Drum Machine - drums, percussion, orchestration, production (1994-2011)
- Kevin Mark TrailKevin Mark TrailKevin Mark Trail is a British R&B, soul, reggae and hip hop singer-songwriter. He has released one album, Just Living, which spawned three singles, "Perspective", "D Thames" and "Last Night"...
- vocals, production, composing (1994-2003; 2007-2011)
Other contributors and live members
- Morgan NichollsMorgan NichollsMorgan Nicholls is an English musician, member of Senseless Things and best known for performing with Gorillaz, The Streets, Muse and most recently Lily Allen. He released one solo album under the name Morgan.-Career:...
- bass, guitar, percussion, programing piano, synthesizers (2003-2005; 2008) - Wayne BennettWayne BennettWayne Bennett is the name of:*Wayne Bennett , American blues guitarist*Wayne Bennett , Australian rugby league football coach and former player*Wayne Bennett , Canadian politician...
- bass, composing, guitar (2007-2011)
Discography
- Original Pirate MaterialOriginal Pirate MaterialOriginal Pirate Material is the debut album by the English rapper and producer Mike Skinner, under the name The Streets.The album is a unique take on UK garage and lyrics dealing with everyday circumstances and occurrences...
(2002) - A Grand Don't Come for FreeA Grand Don't Come for FreeA Grand Don't Come for Free is the second studio album from British garage and Hip hop act The Streets. It was released on 18 May 2004 and is listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die...
(2004) - The Hardest Way to Make an Easy LivingThe Hardest Way to Make an Easy LivingThe Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living is the third album by The Streets, released April 10, 2006 in the United Kingdom and April 25, 2006 in North America. It is also the shortest The Streets album released so far, with a running time of just 37 minutes and 12 seconds...
(2006) - Everything Is BorrowedEverything Is BorrowedEverything Is Borrowed is the fourth album from The Streets. Released in the United Kingdom on 15 September 2008, and in the United States on 7 October 2008, Skinner describes the album as a "peaceful coming to terms album" and as containing "peaceful positive vibes" which stand in stark contrast...
(2008) - Cyberspace and RedsCyberspace and RedsCyberspace and Reds is an album by Mike Skinner under his alias The Streets, released on 24 January 2011.-History:In November 2010, Mike Skinner announced via the official Streets website, that he will release what he referred to as a "mixtape" album called Cyberspace and Reds, consisting of...
(2011) - Computers and BluesComputers and BluesComputers and Blues is the fifth album by The Streets and the final one Mike Skinner plans to release under this alias, officially released in the United Kingdom on 7 February 2011. It contains 14 songs, including an appearance from British singer-songwriter Clare Maguire. Rob Harvey of The Music...
(2011)