The band has a cult following in the United Kingdom and continental Europe, although the eclectic and unique sound Tindersticks possesses never made significant inroads in the mainstream.
Personnel
* Stuart Ashton Staples, born 14 November 1965 - Lead voice, guitar, melodica
* Dickon James Hinchliffe, born 9 July 1967 - violin, guitar, voice, piano, string and brass arrangements
* Neil Timothy Fraser, - born 22 November 1962 - lead guitar, vibraphone
* David Leonard Boulter, born 27 February 1965 - keyboards, percussion
* Alasdair Robert De Villeneuve Macaulay, born 2 August 1965 - drums, percussion, trumpet
* Mark Andrew Colwill, born 12 May 1960 - bass guitar
The band formed in late 1991, Staples, Boulter, Frazer, Macauley and Hinchcliffe having previously been members of Asphalt Ribbons. The final band line-up for the "old horse" mini-LP (1991) was: Stuart Staples (vocals) Dave Boulter (organ & accordion) Neil Fraser (guitar) Dickon Hinchliffe (Guitar & strings) Al Macauley (percussion & drums) John Thompson (bass). Mark Colwill was recruited when John Thompson left the Asphalt Ribbons, but it is not sure if he played any gigs under the Asphalt Ribbons name. Then they changed their name to Tindersticks after Stuart A. Staples discovered a box of German matches on a Greek beach.
Tindersticks started recording demo tapes in 1992, and were signed by Tippy Toe Records who released their first single, "Patchwork".
Their self-titled first and second albums established their signature sound and received widespread critical acclaim. Their live performances, often augmented by large string sections and even, on occasion, a full orchestra, were rapturously received. (The live album Bloomsbury Theatre 12.3.95 is a recording of one such concert.) By the time of the third album, Curtains, however, it was clear that a change of direction was called for. There was a certain ennui to the songs, and the lengthy "Ballad of Tindersticks" was a weary swipe at the pressures of being a touring band.
The fourth album, Simple Pleasure, lived up to its title with a series of snappy, direct songs influenced by soul music. The female backing vocals on several tracks, and the respectful cover of Odyssey's "If You're Looking For A Way Out", signalled the band's wish to move towards lighter, more soulful material. However, the inner sleeve's documentation of the number of takes each track went through was evidence that the band continued to adopt a painstaking approach to recording.
The fifth album, Can Our Love, continued the band's soulful direction, in particular evidence on the tender "Sweet Release" and in the nod to the Chi-Lites in the title of "Chilitetime".
The sixth and most recent album, Waiting For The Moon, was more stripped down and introspective in nature, particularly on the harrowing "4.48 Psychosis" (based on the play of the same name by the British playwright Sarah Kane) and "Sometimes It Hurts". Only the bouncy "Just A Dog" lightened the otherwise melancholy mood of the album.
In 2005 Staples embarked on a solo career and there was resultant speculation that the band had split. Staples has so far produced two solo albums, Lucky Dog Recordings 03-04 and Leaving Songs. The title of the second album, and Staples' notes on it, indicate that Tindersticks may indeed be at an end: "These are songs written on the verge of leaving the things I loved and stepping into a new unknown life, both musically and personally. I was always aware that these songs were the end of something, a kind of closing a circle of a way of writing that I started so long ago and I knew I had to move on from."
In September 2006, the band played a one-off concert at London's Barbican Centre, performing their second album in full with a nine-member string section and two brass players, including former collaborator Terry Edwards on trumpet. This concert brought the band's members back together. A new recording process in 2007 resulted in a new album, The Hungry Saw, which was released on April 28th 2008.
In the meantime, in July 2007, Island Records had released The BBC Sessions, a double CD compilation of the band's sessions for BBC radio programmes. Also in 2007, a stripped-down line-up of three of the original band, Staples, Boulter and Fraser, spent time writing and recording in a newly-equipped studio in Limousin, France. They were joined by Thomas Belhom on drums and Dan McKinna on bass, with Ian Caple engineering. The resulting album, The Hungry Saw, was released on Beggars Banquet in April 2008. Tindersticks played a number of other European dates during the summer festival season and also announced a winter 2008 European tour.
In 2010, the eighth album Falling Down a Mountain was released on 4AD / Constellation Records with a changed band line-up, with Earl Harvin replacing Belhom on drums and David Kitt, a solo artist in his own right, joining the band on guitar and vocals.
The group's ninth album The Something Rain was released in February 2012.
As well as their nine studio albums, the band has produced the soundtracks for four films by the French director Claire Denis: Nenette et Boni,Trouble Every Day, 35 Rhums and White Material
They recorded a cover of the Four Tops song, "What Is A Man", for the theme to the British TV series The Sins.
The Tindersticks song Tiny Tears was featured prominently in the Series 1 episode "Isabella" of HBO's The Sopranos. Additionally, a version of "Running Wild" was played during the ending credits of the penultimate episode of the series, "The Blue Comet". In the Season One Finale of Brotherhood, "El Diablo En El Ojo" is used twice.
* Tindersticks (aka First Album) (This Way Up, 1993)
* Tindersticks (aka Second Album) (This Way Up, 1995)
* Curtains (This Way Up, 1997)
* Simple Pleasure (Island, 1999)
* Can Our Love... (Beggar's Banquet, 2001)
* Waiting for the Moon (Beggar's Banquet, 2003)
* BBC Sessions (2007)
On 17th October 2014, Tindersticks released the commissioned soundscapes from the In Flanders Fields WW1 museum in Ypres, Belgium.
See the band's site at www.tindersticks.co.uk.
Ballad Of Tindersticks
Tindersticks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was ? and cramped
The vodka running out half-way across the Atlantic
Even the steward screamed and joined in it
We didn't think we were going to make it
Now we're stretched out in wide, furry seats
A walk to the bar and there's as much screw-top champagne as we can drink
We're so easy
Taking turns having our photos taken
Sitting in front of smoked windows
Decanters of cheap whiskey in our hands
Drive into Manhattan on a date with a starlet who's just talent
That's what people pay the money to see
Who are we to argue?
Five hours now it's been going on
And still we're watching all of it
Can you really believe all this?
Can he really lie in bed at night and marvel at his own genius?
When do you lose the ability to step back
And get a sense of your own ridiculousness?
They're only songs
Midnight, and it's all over
Now it can really make us laugh
We're standing on our heads drinking sours of crystal schnapps
Now we're unable to step back or step forward
Swallowing a swallow
Tasting it again, it's not so unpleasant
Perhaps it's an acquired taste
The first time, it makes you sick
Then, bit by bit, it becomes delicious
Showbiz people
Always there to be interested in what you say
We are artists; we are sensitive and important
We nod our heads earnestly
Already half-way down the champagne
On our way to leaving the place dry
A $2,000 bar bill
Showbiz picks up the tab
And we're on our way laughing
Laughing at what?
Los Angeles, eight days in
And our sense of irony's running pretty thin
All the friends we've made
Piano interlude not transcribed this time, sorry, just improvise
It's 2 am, it's closing time at the dresden
Marty and Layton play one last sleepy strangers in the night
And the last of the martinis dribble down our chins
We're sitting, chasing the conservation around the table
Jesus, how long have I been in this state?
The limousine's still waiting outside
Anything you want to do?
Anywhere you want to go?
We're on our way to the airport and a plane to Vegas
So many nights lying in bed shaking
Dreaming of pushing my daughter around the supermarket
The joy of seeing all those colors and shapes reflect in her wide eyes
My head leaning on the window
And we're driving through the empty l.a. streets
And everything seems silent and beautiful
A guy's face hits the floor
Police revolvers glistening in the streetlight
Onto Melrose and lurching through a sea of Halloween transvestites
The flight's canceled, but it doesn't matter
We turn this corner to a way that takes us wherever
Up to sunset
We creep up the drive to the shattuck
The suite belushi died in
Or the one Morrison hung out the window
Oh, I'll go for jim's
I would fancy a hotel window-hanging, myself, tonight, man
Straight over to the mini-bar
Open the champagne -- one sip and it's left to wake up to
Anyone hungry?
A team of uniformed waiters lay out an elaborate table for all us to ignore
Oh, the irony
How we're used to living
Back in london on a cold Friday night
Do you want another drink?
Well, I could try
Perhaps we could make it to the atlantic
600 yeards, twenty minutes later
We're pushing through the waiting crowd, all fish eyes
An exclusive door policy
Exclusively for arseholes
And tonight? well, a nod of our heads, and we're inside
Falling down the red, velvety stairs
Limbs flaying, hands searching for something to steady
Pick ourselves up, nothing broken
Just aches in the morning
No one seems to notice
I find a table, champagne arrives
I've been so drunk, I sit and look at you
We try and talk for the first time in a long time
Drunken confession
You shiver, it made you feel sick
We use the rent money to pay the bill
Bumping shoulders, we stumble out into Soho
Slipping over the sleeping bags
Shouting for taxis
The song "Ballad of Tindersticks" by the British indie band Tindersticks is a nostalgic reflection on the ups and downs of life as a musician on tour. In the opening verse, the band reminisces about its early days of flying cramped and without enough vodka. They contrast this against their current lifestyle of flying in comfort, drinking screw-top champagne, and being picked up by limousines.
As the song progresses, the band recognizes the absurdity of their lifestyle and the “showbiz” world in which they operate. They express a sense of detachment from their own reality and wonder when they will become too ridiculous to step back and see themselves clearly, especially when it comes to their music.
The song ends with the band traveling back to London, reminiscing about their wild night, drunkenly confessing their feelings to each other, and paying the bar tab with their rent money. As they shout for taxis, the everyday reality of their lives sets in, but they are left with a sense of solidarity and resilience in the face of the challenges of being musicians.
Line by Line Meaning
The first time we flew it
When we first embarked on this journey
It was ? and cramped
The experience was uncomfortable and confined
The vodka running out half-way across the Atlantic
We ran out of vodka while still in the middle of our journey
Even the steward screamed and joined in it
The situation was so chaotic that even the steward joined in expressing frustration
We didn't think we were going to make it
We had doubts about whether or not we would survive the journey
Now we're stretched out in wide, furry seats
Currently, we are comfortably reclined in spacious, luxurious seats
Flicking through menus
Casually browsing through the available options
A walk to the bar and there's as much screw-top champagne as we can drink
Heading to the bar and finding an abundance of easily accessible champagne
We're so easy
We are very relaxed and content
Taking turns having our photos taken
Each of us taking a moment to pose for photographs
Sitting in front of smoked windows
Positioned in front of tinted windows
Decanters of cheap whiskey in our hands
Holding inexpensive whiskey in decanters
Drive into Manhattan on a date with a starlet who's just talent
Driving into Manhattan for a romantic encounter with a talented celebrity
That's what people pay the money to see
This is what people are willing to pay to witness
Who are we to argue?
We have no reason to dispute or question it
Five hours now it's been going on
It has been happening for a continuous period of five hours
And still we're watching all of it
Yet, we remain captivated and continue to observe
Can you really believe all this?
Is it truly possible to believe in all of this spectacle?
Can he really lie in bed at night and marvel at his own genius?
Does he genuinely lay in bed at night, filled with admiration for his own brilliance?
When do you lose the ability to step back
At what point do you no longer possess the capacity to detach yourself
And get a sense of your own ridiculousness?
And acknowledge the absurdity of your own actions?
They're only songs
These are just songs, after all
Midnight, and it's all over
It is now midnight, and everything has come to an end
Now it can really make us laugh
Now, it genuinely brings us amusement
We're standing on our heads drinking sours of crystal schnapps
We are playfully indulging in high-quality schnapps while standing upside down
Now we're unable to step back or step forward
Currently, we find ourselves unable to distance ourselves from the situation or make progress
Swallowing a swallow
Consuming a small bird (metaphorically)
Tasting it again, it's not so unpleasant
Upon revisiting the experience, it is not as unfavorable as originally thought
Perhaps it's an acquired taste
Maybe it requires developing a preference over time
The first time, it makes you sick
Initially, it induces feelings of nausea
Then, bit by bit, it becomes delicious
However, gradually, it evolves into something delightful
Showbiz people
People associated with the entertainment industry
Always there to be interested in what you say
Always attentive and eager to hear what you have to say
We are artists; we are sensitive and important
We view ourselves as artists who possess sensitivity and significance
We nod our heads earnestly
We affirm and acknowledge with genuine sincerity
Already half-way down the champagne
We have already consumed a significant portion of the champagne
On our way to leaving the place dry
Heading towards consuming all the available alcohol at the location
A $2,000 bar bill
A bill amounting to $2,000 for the beverages consumed
Showbiz picks up the tab
The entertainment industry covers the expenses
And we're on our way laughing
And we continue our journey while laughing
Laughing at what?
Finding amusement in what, exactly?
Los Angeles, eight days in
After spending eight days in Los Angeles
And our sense of irony's running pretty thin
We are starting to lose our appreciation for irony
All the friends we've made
All the acquaintances we have encountered
Piano interlude not transcribed this time, sorry, just improvise
Piano music is not included in this transcription, so please imagine it improvisationally
It's 2 am, it's closing time at the dresden
It is 2 am, and the Dresden Room is closing for the night
Marty and Layton play one last sleepy strangers in the night
Marty and Layton perform one final slow, dreamy song for the remaining patrons
And the last of the martinis dribble down our chins
The final drops of the martinis trickle down our chins
We're sitting, chasing the conservation around the table
We are seated, pursuing conversation that circulates among those present at the table
Jesus, how long have I been in this state?
Goodness, how long have I been inebriated like this?
The limousine's still waiting outside
The limousine is patiently waiting outdoors
Anything you want to do?
Do you have any desires or plans?
Anywhere you want to go?
Is there any specific place you would like to visit?
We're on our way to the airport and a plane to Vegas
We are currently en route to the airport, where we will board a plane heading to Las Vegas
So many nights lying in bed shaking
Having spent numerous nights trembling in bed
Dreaming of pushing my daughter around the supermarket
Imagining the joy of guiding my daughter through the aisles of a grocery store
The joy of seeing all those colors and shapes reflect in her wide eyes
Experiencing delight as she marvels at the vibrant colors and forms around her
My head leaning on the window
Resting my head against the windowpane
And we're driving through the empty l.a. streets
As we drive through the deserted streets of Los Angeles
And everything seems silent and beautiful
Everything appears peaceful and aesthetically pleasing
A guy's face hits the floor
A man's face collides with the ground
Police revolvers glistening in the streetlight
The police officers' guns shining under the streetlights
Onto Melrose and lurching through a sea of Halloween transvestites
Proceeding onto Melrose Avenue while passing through a crowd of transvestites dressed for Halloween
The flight's canceled, but it doesn't matter
Although the flight has been canceled, it does not bother us
We turn this corner to a way that takes us wherever
We take a different path that leads us to wherever it goes
Up to sunset
Heading towards Sunset Boulevard
We creep up the drive to the shattuck
We cautiously approach the Shattuck hotel driveway
The suite belushi died in
The hotel room where Belushi, unfortunately, passed away
Or the one Morrison hung out the window
Or the room where Morrison frequented and leaned out of the window
Oh, I'll go for jim's
Oh, I'll choose Jim's room
I would fancy a hotel window-hanging, myself, tonight, man
I personally feel like hanging out of a hotel window tonight
Straight over to the mini-bar
Heading directly to the mini-bar
Open the champagne -- one sip and it's left to wake up to
We uncork the champagne and after just one sip, we set it aside to enjoy in the morning
Anyone hungry?
Is anyone feeling hungry?
A team of uniformed waiters lay out an elaborate table for all us to ignore
A group of waiters in uniform meticulously prepare a lavish table that we all pay no attention to
Oh, the irony
Oh, the irony of this situation
How we're used to living
This is the way we have become accustomed to living
Back in london on a cold Friday night
Returning to London on a chilly Friday night
Do you want another drink?
Would you like another drink?
Well, I could try
Well, I suppose I could have one more
Perhaps we could make it to the atlantic
Maybe we can reach the Atlantic Ocean
600 yeards, twenty minutes later
After 600 yards, approximately twenty minutes pass
We're pushing through the waiting crowd, all fish eyes
We navigate through the crowd, their eyes fixated on us like fish
An exclusive door policy
A policy that grants exclusive access through the door
Exclusively for arseholes
Reserved exclusively for unpleasant individuals
And tonight? well, a nod of our heads, and we're inside
And tonight? Well, we simply nod our heads, and suddenly we are inside
Falling down the red, velvety stairs
Tumbling down the red, velvety stairs
Limbs flaying, hands searching for something to steady
Our limbs flail, our hands desperately seeking something to support us
Pick ourselves up, nothing broken
We manage to stand up, thankfully unharmed
Just aches in the morning
Only experiencing soreness the next morning
No one seems to notice
It appears that no one pays any attention
I find a table, champagne arrives
I locate a table, and moments later, the champagne is served
I've been so drunk, I sit and look at you
I have been so intoxicated that I sit and gaze at you
We try and talk for the first time in a long time
We attempt to have a conversation, which we haven't done in a while
Drunken confession
A confession made while under the influence
You shiver, it made you feel sick
You tremble, as it made you feel unwell
We use the rent money to pay the bill
We utilize the money designated for rent to settle the payment
Bumping shoulders, we stumble out into Soho
Accidentally colliding with each other, we clumsily venture out into Soho
Slipping over the sleeping bags
Tripping over the scattered sleeping bags
Shouting for taxis
Yelling and hailing taxis
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STUART ASHTON STAPLES, DICKON JAMES HINCHLIFFE, DAVID BOULTER, NEIL TIMOTHY FRASER, MARK ANTHONY STEPHEN COLWILL, ALASDAIR MACAULAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@2metersessies
We've also uploaded 'Don't Look Down' of this session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvbyKKRpCtA
@philipbrady5914
A tip : you can watch series at KaldroStream. Been using them for watching lots of of movies during the lockdown.
@londongrayson4360
@Philip Brady Yea, I've been using Kaldrostream for since december myself :)
@lcole8849
2022 and I'm still listening to Tindersticks' music. ♥
@ruilobato4981
2023 and going!
@sethyb
Stunning
@pontkalleg9266
I am 75. I have always loved the TINDERSTICKS and Stuart STAPLES. I LIVE IN NANTES, SOUTH BRITTANY. ITS ONE MY PREFERRED BANDS.
@teenoso4069
I started a job in Mayfair and frequented many of the places mentioned here. It was surreal listening and doing this in 1997
@annafugagnoli5866
Love this band!
@doddeddo
I love they left the outtake at the beginning, I often come back because the performance is so flawless and little details like these