Their début single, 'To You', on Ugly Man Records was produced by and featured backing vocals by Guy Garvey, lead singer of Еlbow.
Début album Natural History was released in March 2001 on Wall of Sound offshoot We Love You. It was followed by the self-titled I Am Kloot in September 2003 on the Echo label. In their early years I Am Kloot were regarded by many as an example of the 'quiet is the new loud' trend in indie rock, as they gained prominence in the same years as, for example, Turin Brakes and Norway's Kings of Convenience. I Am Kloot, however mostly acoustic, were definitely not always 'quiet', if only because of Bramwell's rough singing and Hargreaves' often powerful drumming.
The third 'Kloot' LP, Gods and Monsters, was released in April 2005. The band subsequently announced their departure from the label, citing reasons such as a lack of financial support and the cancellation of singles at short notice. The band released a compilation of radio sessions, BBC Radio 1 John Peel Sessions in October 2006, a collection of two Peel Sessions and other rarities.
Their fourth album, I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge, was released in April 2008. Once again a compilation album followed in its slipstream, this time 2009's collection of B-sides, rare recordings, sessions, and previously unreleased material, entitled B.
Following the somewhat disappointing sales of the 'Moolah Rouge' album, I Am Kloot had Elbow's Guy Garvey and Craig Potter produce their next studio album, which turned out to be a majestic return to form. Sky at Night (released July 2010) was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and charted at #24 in the U.K. album charts.
I Am Kloot were back on the map. 2013's Let It All In became their highest charting album in the U.K. (#10), but would turn out to be their final studio LP together. There would be two more releases (a soundtrack album called From There to Here in 2014, and a 2015 live album entitled Hold Back the Night: I Am Kloot Live) before John Bramwell announced (in late 2017) that the group had quietly split up a year or so earlier.
"There was no heavy break-up or anything," Bramwell said. "I just wanted to do something else. I'll never say never to getting back together but I was in I Am Kloot most of my adult life, but just as you can go to a great place on holiday year after year, sooner or later you want to go to somewhere else."
86 TV's
I Am Kloot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But just you wait 'til I get you home
I saw you laughing on a TV show
Didn't think you'd know, all colours lead to black
Say you can't let go, and then you're never coming back.
Watch yourself when you talk to me
'cause I've got you and 86 TV's
And what I thought they'd be
The radio's are red
They made a mess of me
So now I'm walking home instead.
Sweet like apples, I pulled you
Reminds me of the things we said we'd do
Now all those words that they made up for you
Could never pull you through
The greed and all the gain
They made a mess of you
And now you'll never be the same
I'd love to say I'd like to thank you all
But I have not the gaul, the wisdom or the guile
You walked into that ball
And then you disappeared in style.
On 86 TV's, On 86 TV's, On 86 TV's, On 86 TV's,
The song "86 TVs" by I Am Kloot has a dream-like quality that can be quite hard to decipher. The first verse feels like a slow start, with the singer proclaiming that they "feel so straight and look so slow." They promise the listener that they will transform when they get home. The reference to 'home' is interesting - it could represent how the person feels like they have to be someone different around others, but they can shed the persona when they are at home.
The refrain "On 86 TVs" is repeated four times in the song, suggesting that this line holds significance. The concept of TVs is interesting - in a way, it's symbolic of the overload of information and media that we're all constantly exposed to, almost as if the TVs are a metaphor for the overwhelming feeling of life. In the second verse, the singer warns the person they're speaking to tell to watch themselves when speaking to them, because they've got "86 TVs" - this could mean that they're 'all-seeing' or that they pick up on everything.
The third verse is the most challenging to decode, with the mention of apples and greed. It could be interpreted that the person being addressed is being seduced by greed, and that it's making them unrecognizable. Meanwhile, the singer seems to be struggling with their own demons, all while being watched on "86 TVs." What's clear is that the song is somewhat ambiguous and some of the lyrics are open to interpretation.
Line by Line Meaning
Feel so straight, and look so slow
Despite feeling confident, I am aware that other people may perceive me as unimpressive or mundane.
But just you wait 'til I get you home
Once I have the opportunity to be alone with you, I will prove my worth and impress you.
I saw you laughing on a TV show
I witnessed you on a television program, seeming carefree and happy.
Didn't think you'd know, all colours lead to black
While you may seem lighthearted, I understand that everything ultimately ends in darkness and despair.
Say you can't let go, and then you're never coming back.
If you refuse to move on from something or someone, you will become trapped and unable to progress.
Watch yourself when you talk to me
Be cautious with your words when conversing with me.
'Cause I've got you and 86 TV's
I have power and control over you, and abundance of entertainment at my disposal.
And all those words that they made up for me
People have created fabricated narratives about me that are untrue.
And what I thought they'd be
My expectations of how people would perceive me have been misguided.
The radio's are red
The media is sensationalistic, often choosing to report on violent or scandalous events to capture attention.
They made a mess of me
The media's portrayal of me has negatively impacted my reputation and well-being.
So now I'm walking home instead.
Rather than relying on unreliable modes of communication or transportation, I choose to walk home.
Sweet like apples, I pulled you
I was attracted to you and lured you in with kind words and demeanor.
Reminds me of the things we said we'd do
Our conversations and promises to each other come to mind when I think of you.
Now all those words that they made up for you
People have also fabricated stories about you, creating a false image of who you are.
Could never pull you through
The lies and rumors about you were unable to save you from your mistakes or shortcomings.
The greed and all the gain
The pursuit of wealth and status has led to negative consequences for you.
They made a mess of you
The focus on material success has created chaos and despair in your life.
And now you'll never be the same
You have been irreparably changed by your experiences and the effects of your choices.
I'd love to say I'd like to thank you all
Although I appreciate the support I have received from others, I do not possess the words or ambition to express my gratitude.
But I have not the gaul, the wisdom or the guile
I lack the courage, intelligence, and ability to effectively articulate my feelings.
You walked into that ball
You attended that event or accepted that opportunity.
And then you disappeared in style.
You left in a dramatic or impressive manner.
On 86 TV's, On 86 TV's, On 86 TV's, On 86 TV's,
On my multitude of televisions, I am constantly absorbing and interpreting the world around me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andrew Hargreaves, John Bramwell, Peter Jobson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
russ schofield
Just seen and met johnny in manchester what a voice what a guitar player what a collection of songs what a great bloke. CLASS ACT
Adam Wright
such a band! reminds me of my times in salford and urmstom! great voice and set up!
Adam Wright
ston
Mumraa27
top band.... vastly under estimated. pure manchester all the way