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Sneaker Pimps


Country of origin:

England

Type of music generally:

alternative pop/ectronica

Status:

Most recent release, Bloodsport (2002)

See also:

Wikipedia's Sneaker Pimps entry

Comparisons:

Poe, Massive Attack, Tricky, a tougher Portishead

Covers/own material:

Own

General comments:

The following applies to the Becoming X-era of Sneaker Pimps before vocalist Kelli Dayton left the group.

The Sneaker Pimps are from England. The single "6 Underground" played a bit as an import on one of the stations around here, a trip-hoppy sort of thing with a smoky groove and really sweet, innocent-sounding female vocal accented by samples of a male saying "a-what's-up a-what's-up." My best comparison is to say it's musically a lot like Poe, with a sweeter-sounding 22-year-old vocalist, whose range (but not style) is somewhat similar to the girl from Letters To Cleo, or maybe even Innocence Mission. Like Poe, this group sort of falls into that almost-dance, sort-of-modern-rock category, largely based on an slow-burning groove. I find singer Kelli Dayton's voice addictive. The songs tend to sound dark and mysterious, and range from a simmering energy level to high-power rhythm. Poe fans, take note, I think you'd love this one. (carnivore@bigfoot.com)

It was my favorite album last year. I also bought the remix, becoming remixed....and found that I loved that too. Thats more of a psychedelic version of the former. "6 Underground" was the cut that they were playing on the college stations. It might not appeal to a lot of people here, but I think given time, you might find it incredible. I still do. (FAMarcus@aol.com)

It was a trip-hoppy sort of thing with dreamy female vox. (burka@jeffrey.net)

Recommended first album:

I recommend Becoming X; though their later stuff is good, the female singer left and now the guy sings. (iflin@speakeasy.net)

Recordings:


Becoming X

Release info:

1996—Cleanup Records; 1997—Virgin Records

Availability:

Wide

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Kelli Dayton—vocals
Chris Corner—guitar
Liam Howe—keyboards

Produced by:

Line of Flight and Jim Abbiss

Comments:

Another trip hop influenced group who transcend the genre. The songs are dark and melodic and accompanied by wonderful vocals. (stuart@sph.emory.edu)

I loved this when I first heard it, but thought it wouldn't stand the test of time. Well, ha! I'm delighted to hear it everytime we play it, which we still do fairly often. The inventiveness, energy, and attitude make this a classic. Oh, yes, and as Stuart says, the dark, melodic songs and the wonderful vocals. Terrific stuff! (Neile)

Probably my favorite CD of the year. (FAMarcus@aol.com)


Becoming Remixed

Release info:

1998—Virgin

Availability:

Limited edition

Ecto priority:

Recommended

Group members:

Sneaker Pimps

Guest artists:

Remixes by Armand Van Helden, Roni Size, Salt City Orchestra, Tuff Jam

Comments:

I thought the remix CD was brilliant. (FAMarcus@aol.com)

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DISCLAIMER: Comments and reviews in the Ectophiles' Guide are excerpted from the ecto mailing list or volunteered by members of the list. They are the opinions of music enthusiasts, not professional music critics.

Entry last updated 2011-04-22 20:55:11.
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