4AD Records/Beggars Group
Founded in 1980 as a spin-off of Beggars Banquet, 4AD has been one of the most influential independent record labels of the late twentieth century. Since its early years when it featured such legendary bands as Bauhaus, the Cocteau Twins, and Dead Can Dance, 4AD has maintained a superior sense of its artists' importance and talent.
Heidi Berry
Heidi Berry is an American ex-pat who has lived in England much of her adult life. There she makes fragile, rustic folk-pop somewhat influenced by the traditional music idioms of her adopted homeland.
Pomegranate: An Anthology
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2001
Colourbox
Can't quite place the name? Think back to the mid '80s, when this pioneering London group enjoyed a couple of years' cult status for their sassy brand of eclectic dance-pop.
Best Of 82/87
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2001
Tanya Donelly
Tanya Donelly was a critical member of three of indie rock's most highly regarded and influential groups -- Throwing Muses, The Breeders, and Belly -- so one might expect her solo work to be pretty darn good too. Well, yes, as a matter of fact Donelly's elegant, kaleidoscopic pop is fantastic, incorporating elements of her past musical endeavors, while displaying new maturity and grace.
Beautysleep
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2002
Neil Halstead
Onetime Slowdive and current Mojave 3 frontman Neil Halstead continues his love affair with classicist folk with wispy and gorgeous solo work that recalls Nick Drake and Bert Jansch.
Sleeping on Roads
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2002
Kristin Hersh
Onetime Throwing Muses singer Kristin Hersh has found a second career for herself as one of the most uncompromising, interesting singer-songwriters around. Her stark melodies and strange poetry show her to be a true talent in a field of pretenders.
Sky Motel
Sunny Border Blue
His Name Is Alive
Boring is one thing you can't call His Name Is Alive. After years of wild genre experiments, running the gamut from dream pop to folk to garage rock to retro '60s pop, the group has transformed into a slightly offbeat silky modern soul ensemble.
Someday My Blues Will Cover the Earth
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2001
Lakuna
One-time Throwing Muses drummer David Narcizo mixes vintage sounds with live drums and cyberbeats to create a lo-fi and lush tribal explosion.
Castle of Crime
Modern English
Remember Modern English? Remember "I'll Melt with You"? With countrymen like the Psychedelic Furs and New Order, the seminal U.K. post-punk/synth-pop band was on the cusp of the English new wave with a memorably gritty synth-based rock sound. A great, often overlooked band.
Life In The Gladhouse (1980-1984)
Mojave 3
Mojave 3 may be from England, but their sound is as California as their name. The group builds delicate, whispery windblown masterpieces start out bleak and minimal before building to lush, emotional climaxes. It's lovely, melancholy music, darkened by the shadows of woebegone country singers from decades past, which manages to be both timeless and fresh.
Excuses For Travellers
