When the Sky Comes Down It Comes Down on Your Head

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When The Sky Comes Down It Comes Down On Your Head
The Zephyrs - When The Sky.jpg
Studio album by The Zephyrs
Released September 17, 2001
Recorded 2001
Genre Indie rock
Length36:17
Label SouthPaw, Play It Again Sam
Producer Michael Brennan Jr., The Zephyrs
The Zephyrs chronology
It's OK Not To Say Anything
(1999)
When The Sky Comes Down It Comes Down On Your Head
(2001)
A Year To The Day
(2004)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [1]

When The Sky Comes Down It Comes Down On Your Head is the second full-length album released by Edinburgh based shoegaze band The Zephyrs. It was recorded at The Substation in Cowdenbeath, Scotland. Additional recording took place at Blackwing Studios in London, and at the home of Rachel Goswell (of Mojave 3).

Edinburgh Capital city in Scotland

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and one of its 32 council areas. Historically part of the county of Midlothian, it is located in Lothian on the Firth of Forth's southern shore.

Shoegazing is a subgenre of indie and alternative rock that emerged in the United Kingdom in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its ethereal-sounding mixture of obscured vocals, guitar distortion and effects, feedback, and overwhelming volume. The term "shoegazing" was coined by the British music press to ridicule the stage presence of a wave of neo-psychedelic groups who stood still during live performances in a detached, introspective, non-confrontational state with their heads down. This was because the heavy use of effects pedals meant the performers were often looking down at the readouts on their effects pedals during concerts.

The Zephyrs are an Edinburgh, Scotland-based indie band. They have released five albums and two EPs containing their shoegazing folk-rock style.

Contents

It includes several noteworthy guest musicians. Adele Bethel of Arab Strap performs vocals on "Modern Beats", Rachel Goswell sings on "Setting Sun" and Sean O'Hagan (The High Llamas and Stereolab) contributes string arrangements.

Rachel Goswell British singer-songwriter

Rachel Ann Goswell is an English singer-songwriter and musician who rose to prominence as vocalist and guitarist of the shoegaze band Slowdive, which formed in 1989. Goswell, along with Neil Halstead, Ian McCutcheon and former Chapterhouse member Simon Rowe became Mojave 3 when Slowdive transitioned to a more country/folk rock style. She released a solo album in 2004, titled Waves Are Universal on 4AD Records.

The High Llamas band

The High Llamas are an Anglo-Irish avant-pop band formed in London circa 1991. They were founded by singer-songwriter Sean O'Hagan, formerly of Microdisney, with drummer Rob Allum and ex-Microdisney bassist Jon Fell. O'Hagan has led the group since its formation. Their music is often compared to the Beach Boys, who he acknowledges as an influence, although more prominent influences were drawn from bossa nova and European film soundtracks.

Stereolab An English-French band formed in London in 1990

Stereolab were an English-French avant-pop band formed in London in 1990. Led by the songwriting team of Tim Gane and Lætitia Sadier, the group's music combined influences from krautrock, lounge and 1960s pop music, often incorporating a repetitive motorik beat with heavy use of vintage electronic keyboards and female vocals sung in English and French. On stage, they played in a more feedback-driven and guitar-oriented style. The band also drew from funk, jazz and Brazilian music, and were one of the first artists to be dubbed "post-rock". They are regarded among the most innovative and influential groups of the 1990s.

Allmusic called it "...a rare perfect record."

Southpaw Records folded on the very same week that they released this album. Unfortunately for the band, this meant that their publishing deal evaporated, as did their promotional and touring budget. And so, despite the critical acclaim this record received, the band did not have the finances to capitalise on it and each went back to their day jobs.

Track listing

(all songs written by Stuart Nicol except where noted)

  1. "The Buildings Aren't Going Anywhere" – 4:24
  2. "Modern Beats" (G. Kilgour) – 2:34
  3. "Mount Misery" – 4:41
  4. "Setting Sun" – 5:31
  5. "The Green Tree" – 1:34
  6. "Paint Your House" (S. Nicol, D. Nicol) – 4:51
  7. "Murder Of A Small Man" (G. Kilgour) – 2:28
  8. "Stargazer" – 5:35
  9. "Ballad Of The Green Tree" – 4:39

Bonus Tracks (Japan Only):

Band members

Stuart Nicol is a former Australian rules footballer who played for Footscray in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the late 1980s.

Additional musicians

Barry Burns is a Scottish musician best known for his work with post-rock band Mogwai.

John Cummings (musician) British musician

John Cummings is a Scottish musician and record producer, best known for being a member of Glaswegian band Mogwai, mostly playing guitar, as well as programming, keyboards and vocals.

Sean OHagan Irish musician

Sean O'Hagan is an Irish multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and arranger who leads the avant-pop band the High Llamas, which he founded in 1992. He is also known for being one half of the duo Microdisney and for his work with the English-French band Stereolab.

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