|
The Icicle Works were an independent English band of the 1980s. Named after the 1960 short story "The Day The Icicle Works Closed" by science fiction author Frederik Pohl, The Icicle Works joined Liverpool's early 1980s 'neo-psychedelia' wave, which also propelled Echo & the Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes to stardom. Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ...
For other uses, see Liverpool (disambiguation). ...
For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ...
This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
Bold text New Wave in the late 1970s and early 1980s was inspired by the punk rock. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1980 Record labels established in 1980 list of years in music // January 1 - The year starts off with a strong disco backlash, which causes the majority of musicians to abandon the use of real instruments in an attempt to distant themselves from anything associated...
See also: Musical groups established in 1988 Record labels established in 1988 // Peter Ruzicka becomes director of the Hamburg State Opera and State Philharmonic Orchestra. ...
This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...
Beggars Banquet is an English independent record label that began as a chain of record shops owned by Martin Mills and Nick Austin, and is part of the Beggars Group of labels. ...
The Wild Swans were a band from Liverpool, England, who formed in 1980, shortly after Paul Simpson (ex-keyboards) left The Teardrop Explodes and teamed up (on vocals) with Jeremy Kelly (guitar), Gerard Quinn (keyboards) and Justin Stavely (drums). ...
This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
Robert Ian McNabb (born 3 November 1962) is known both for his work as leader and songwriter-in-chief of the Icicle Works in the 1980s, and his critically-acclaimed solo career throughout from the early 1990s to date. ...
For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ...
The 1980s refers to the years from 1980 to 1989. ...
Science fiction is a form of speculative fiction principally dealing with the impact of imagined science and technology, or both, upon society and persons as individuals. ...
Frederik George Pohl, Jr. ...
For other uses, see Liverpool (disambiguation). ...
The 1980s refers to the years from 1980 to 1989. ...
...
Psychedelia is a term describing a category of music, visual art, fashion, and culture that is associated originally with the high 1960s, hippies, and the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, California. ...
Echo & the Bunnymen are an English post-punk group, formed in Liverpool in 1978. ...
The Teardrop Explodes (L to R) Alan Gill, Julian Cope, Gary Dwyer and David Balfe The Teardrop Explodes was a British New Wave/Neo-Psychedelic band formed in Liverpool in 1978. ...
Formation and early years: 1980-1984 The band was founded in Liverpool by 20-year-old singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist and frontman Ian McNabb. In 1980, McNabb joined up with drummer Chris Sharrock (who had previously drummed for many Liverpool bands) and bassist Chris Layhe (who had been recruited though a classified ad), and they began playing as The Icicle Works. By the end of 1981, the trio had recorded a six-song independently released cassette, and in 1982 they released the independent single "Nirvana". The following year, the Icicle Works were signed to the Beggars Banquet label, who issued the single "Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)" on their subsidiary label Situation Two. Robert Ian McNabb (born 3 November 1962) is known both for his work as leader and songwriter-in-chief of the Icicle Works in the 1980s, and his critically-acclaimed solo career throughout from the early 1990s to date. ...
Beggars Banquet is an English independent record label that began as a chain of record shops owned by Martin Mills and Nick Austin, and is part of the Beggars Group of labels. ...
Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream) was a hit single in 1984 written by Ian McNabb, produced by Hugh Jones and performed by The Icicle Works (of whom McNabb was a member). ...
Situation Two, aka Situation 2, is a record label which began life in 1981 as an offshoot of the larger Beggars Banquet label. ...
Later that year, The Icicle Works' would release their biggest UK hit, 1983's "Love Is a Wonderful Colour", which was a UK Top 15 single. Their debut eponymous album (1984) would follow shortly thereafter, reaching number 24 on the UK charts, and also hitting the U.S. top 40. Also appearing on the U.S. top 40 singles charts at around the same time (and hitting the Canadian top twenty) was "Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly)", a retitled and very slightly remixed version of The Icicle Works' Situation Two release of 1983. Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ...
Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream) was a hit single in 1984 written by Ian McNabb, produced by Hugh Jones and performed by The Icicle Works (of whom McNabb was a member). ...
Stalled career momentum: 1985 Commercial success for The Icicle Works immediately after the release of their self-titled debut album was minimal. Some have attributed this unfortunate commercial decline to The Icicle Works' change in sound over the years, from an initial 'new wave' feel to a more straight-ahead (but then-unfashionable) rock sound inspired by Neil Young, The Doors, and the Ramones, amongst others. But whatever the cause, despite critical acclaim, after the summer of 1984 the band was unable to consistently record hit singles. Neil Percival Young[1] OM (born November 12, 1945, Toronto, Ontario) is a Canadian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and film director from Winnipeg, Manitoba. ...
This page is about the rock band. ...
This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...
The commercial decline started in September of 1984, when the band issued the single "Hollow Horse", which missed the top 75 in the UK, hitting #91. A 1985 Motown-flavoured follow-up "All The Daughters (Of Her Father's House)" missed the UK charts completely, and the folk-rock inspired "Seven Horses" only made it to #80. All these singles were meant to build an appetite for the band's September 1985 album The Small Price of a Bicycle, but the lack of hit singles doomed the release to a lowly UK chart placing of #55. Outside Great Britain, the band fared even worse; the commercially disappointing Small Price LP wasn't even released outside the UK. Motown Records, Inc. ...
In late 1985, the band issued the non-LP single "When It All Comes Down", which also failed to chart.
Moderate comeback: 1986-1988 Beginning in 1986, though the band was still officially a trio, keyboardist Dave Green became an auxiliary member of The Icicle Works, playing at live shows and contributing to the band's recordings. Prior to Green's arrival, McNabb had often played guitar and keyboard simultaneously at live gigs, playing an open tuned guitar with his right hand and a keyboard with his left.
In early 1986, Beggars' Banquet compiled all the 12" mixes of the band's singles onto a UK-only LP entitled Seven Singles Deep, which hit #52 on the British album charts.
The picture cover of The Icicle Works' 1987 single: Evangeline In July of 1986, The Icicle Works had their first top 75 chart hit in 2 years with the almost punk-sounding "Understanding Jane", which peaked at #52. The pop-oriented follow-up single "Who Do You Want For Your Love" peaked at #54, and January 1987's "Evangeline" peaked at #53. All three songs found their way on to the 1987 album If You Want to Defeat Your Enemy Sing His Song, produced by Ian Broudie. The album was released in both Britain and North America and hit #28 on the UK charts. However, the album failed to chart outside of the UK, as did all the associated singles. Image File history File linksMetadata Icicle_Works_-_Evangeline_single_picture_cover. ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Icicle_Works_-_Evangeline_single_picture_cover. ...
Ian Broudie (born August 4, 1958 in Liverpool, England) is a prolific musician and producer, best known for his 1990s band the Lightning Seeds. ...
Later in 1987, The Icicle Works issued the single "High Time". It just missed the British top 75 (peaking at #76), but in 1988 it would hit #13 on the newly created US Modern Rock charts.
The band's fourth studio album, Blind, was produced by McNabb and issued in 1988. The album featured 13 tracks in the UK and Canada, but the US version of the album featured a different track listing, slightly edited versions of a few songs, and a different cover. Still, both versions of the album contained "High Time" and the minor British hit "Little Girl Lost", which peaked at #59. Blind is an album by The Sundays. ...
The 'Second Generation' Icicle Works: 1989-1991 By the late 1980s, tensions within the group were increasing, allegedly due to McNabb's controlling ways. By 1988, in addition to writing virtually all of The Icicle Works' material (as well as singing and playing guitar) McNabb was also producing the group's records.
Accordingly, shortly after Blind was issued, drummer Chris Sharrock departed to The La's. Sharrock would later be a member of The Lightning Seeds and World Party, and would also drum for Robbie Williams, Del Amitri and Eurythmics. Around this same time, Layhe also departed, and Beggars Banquet dropped the group from their roster. Blind is an album by The Sundays. ...
The Las were an English rock band of the late 1980s and early 1990s from Liverpool consisting of frontman Lee Mavers (vocals) and John Power (bass, backing vocals), plus a rotating cast of guitarists and drummers. ...
This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
World Party is a successful British pop/rock band, which is essentially the solo project of its multi-talented only member, Karl Wallinger. ...
For footballers with the same name, see Robbie Williams (footballer). ...
The original Del Amitri line-up as seen on the cover of Melody Maker magazine in February 1985 Del Amitri are a British pop-rock guitar band, formed in Glasgow, Scotland in 1982. ...
For the approach to music education, see Eurhythmics. ...
Undaunted, McNabb soldiered on under The Icicle Works banner for a while. Dave Green was promoted to official membership status, although he would leave the band within a year. Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr, was added on drums for a time, and various keyboardists, bassists, and guitarists passed through before the band released their final album Permanent Damage (1990), recorded for Epic/Sony. By that time, the band's lineup was McNabb, bassist Roy Corkill, former 10cc and Jethro Tull drummer Paul Burgess, keyboardist Dave Baldwin, and backing vocalist Mark Revell. Zak Starkey (born September 13, 1965 in London, England) is the drummer for English rock band Oasis. ...
Richard Starkey Jr, MBE (born 7 July 1940), known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an Academy Award and Grammy Award winning English musician, singer, songwriter and actor, best known as the drummer of The Beatles. ...
10cc was a British pop band which achieved its greatest commercial success during the 1970s. ...
Jethro Tull are a Grammy Award winning English rock band that formed in 1967-1968[1]. Their music is marked by the distinctive vocal style and lead flute work of front man Ian Anderson. ...
Paul Burgess (born in Manchester, England, UK in 1950) is a UK-based rock drummer, notable for his association with a wide range of British rock and folk-rock bands, most of which have sizable cult followings. ...
This 'second-generation' version of The Icicle Works quietly broke up after Permanent Damage failed to chart, and Epic dropped the band.
McNabb goes solo: 1991-2005 Ian McNabb's solo career officially began in 1991 with the release of the single Great Dreams of Heaven. For further details on McNabb's career from 1991 on, please see the entry for Ian McNabb. Robert Ian McNabb (born 3 November 1962) is known both for his work as leader and songwriter-in-chief of the Icicle Works in the 1980s, and his critically-acclaimed solo career throughout from the early 1990s to date. ...
Robert Ian McNabb (born 3 November 1962) is known both for his work as leader and songwriter-in-chief of the Icicle Works in the 1980s, and his critically-acclaimed solo career throughout from the early 1990s to date. ...
In 1992, a compilation called The Best of The Icicle Works was released, containing the best of their work from the Beggars Banquet years. Two years later, a live recording of a 1987 concert was issued.
Revival: 2006-present After having been a solo act for 15 years, in 2006 McNabb unexpectedly reactivated "The Icicle Works" brand name for a series of six UK concerts in October of that year. This version of the band consisted of McNabb, former 'second-generation' Icicle Works bassist Roy Corkill, and two new members: keyboard player Richard Naiff and drummer Matthew Priest (formerly the drummer with the mid-90s band Dodgy), both of McNabb's long-time solo touring band. Original drummer Chris Sharrock had been invited to play with the revived group, but declined to participate. Richard Naiff plays keyboards with The Waterboys in Antwerp, 2003. ...
This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...
Dodgy were an English pop trio, originally composed of Birminghams Nigel Clark (vocals and bass) and Mathew Priest (drums), along with Londoner Andy Miller (guitar). ...
McNabb noted on his myspace blog that, ironically, the band's 2006 concert tour was more well-attended than the original Icicle Works tours of the 1980s and early 1990s.
McNabb continues to make concert appearances as a solo artist. The Icicle Works made a single appearance in 2007, at GuilFest in Guildford, England. Guilfest, formerly the Guildford Festival, is a British music festival, held in Stoke Park, Guildford each July. ...
, For other places with the same name, see Guildford (disambiguation). ...
Singles
| Year | Title | Peak Chart Position | Notes | | UK Singles Chart | US Hot 100 | US Modern Rock | | October 1982 | "Nirvana" | - | - | - | A re-recorded version of this track can be heard on The Icicle Works. Released on the band's own Troll Kitchen label, this single peaked at #15 on the UK independent charts. | | June 1983 | "Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream)" | #90 | - | - | Original single release on Situation 2 label. Peaked at #2 on the UK independent charts. Track later included on the UK version of The Icicle Works. | | October 1983 | "Love Is A Wonderful Colour" | #15 | - | - | Track later included on The Icicle Works. | | March 1984 | "Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream)" / "In The Cauldron Of Love" | #53 | - | - | Double A-side. Both tracks included on the UK version of The Icicle Works. | | May 1984 | "Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly)" | | #37 | - | Retitled and remixed for the US. Track included on the US version of The Icicle Works. | | September 1984 | "Hollow Horse" | #91 | - | - | Later included on The Small Price of a Bicycle. | | May 1985 | "All The Daughters (Of Her Father's House)" | - | - | - | Later included on The Small Price of a Bicycle. | | July 1985 | "Seven Horses" | #80 | - | - | Later included on The Small Price of a Bicycle. | | September 1985 | "It Makes No Difference" | - | - | - | Promo-only release, as "Melting Bear". Later issued as an Icicle Works B-side. | | October 1985 | "When It All Comes Down" | - | - | - | 12" version later included on Seven Singles Deep. 7" version unavailable on any Icicle Works album. | | January 1986 | "Rapids" | - | - | - | Promo-only release. From The Small Price of a Bicycle | | July 1986 | "Understanding Jane" | #52 | - | - | Later included on If You Want To Defeat Your Enemy Sing His Song | | September 1986 | "Who Do You Want For Your Love?" | #54 | - | - | Later included on If You Want To Defeat Your Enemy Sing His Song | | November 1986 | "Up Here In The North Of England" | - | - | - | 12" single only. Later included on If You Want To Defeat Your Enemy Sing His Song | | January 1987 | "Evangline" | #53 | - | - | Later included on If You Want To Defeat Your Enemy Sing His Song | | July? 1987 | "Travelling Chest" | - | - | - | European release only. From If You Want To Defeat Your Enemy Sing His Song | | November 1987 | "High Time" | #76 | - | #13 | Later included on Blind. | | February 1988 | "The Kiss Off" | #76 | - | - | Later included on Blind. | | April 1988 | "Little Girl Lost" | #59 | - | - | Later included on Blind. | | June 1988 | "Here Comes Trouble" | #94 | - | - | From Blind. | | March 1990 | "Motorcycle Rider" | #73 | - | - | Later included on Permanent Damage. | | May 1990 | "Melanie Still Hurts" | #82 | - | - | From Permanent Damage. | | July 1990 | "I Still Want You" | #99 | - | - | From Permanent Damage. | | August 1992 | "Understanding Jane ('92 Version)" | - | - | - | From The Best Of The Icicle Works. | “British Hit Singles†redirects here. ...
“Hot 100†redirects here. ...
The Modern Rock Tracks chart is a music chart that has appeared in Billboard magazine since the early 1980s. ...
See also: 1982 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1982 Record labels established in 1982 list of years in music // January 15 - K.C. and the Sunshine Bands Harry Wayne Casey is seriously injured in an automobile accident in Miami, Florida. ...
See also: 1983 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1983 Record labels established in 1983 // Michael Jacksons Thriller, the most successful album not only of 1983, but of all time, was released in 1982 and began its epic domination of the music charts the following year, 1983. ...
Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream) was a hit single in 1984 written by Ian McNabb, produced by Hugh Jones and performed by The Icicle Works (of whom McNabb was a member). ...
See also: 1983 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1983 Record labels established in 1983 // Michael Jacksons Thriller, the most successful album not only of 1983, but of all time, was released in 1982 and began its epic domination of the music charts the following year, 1983. ...
See also: // January 21 - Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood reaches number one in the UK singles chart: it spends a total of forty-two weeks in the Top 40. ...
Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream) was a hit single in 1984 written by Ian McNabb, produced by Hugh Jones and performed by The Icicle Works (of whom McNabb was a member). ...
See also: // January 21 - Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood reaches number one in the UK singles chart: it spends a total of forty-two weeks in the Top 40. ...
Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream) was a hit single in 1984 written by Ian McNabb, produced by Hugh Jones and performed by The Icicle Works (of whom McNabb was a member). ...
See also: // January 21 - Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood reaches number one in the UK singles chart: it spends a total of forty-two weeks in the Top 40. ...
See also: other events of 1985 Musical groups established in 1985 Record labels established in 1985 list of years in music 1980s in music // January 28 - Various artists, including Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Perry, Kenny Loggins, Willie Nelson, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Kenny...
See also: other events of 1985 Musical groups established in 1985 Record labels established in 1985 list of years in music 1980s in music // January 28 - Various artists, including Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Perry, Kenny Loggins, Willie Nelson, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Kenny...
See also: other events of 1985 Musical groups established in 1985 Record labels established in 1985 list of years in music 1980s in music // January 28 - Various artists, including Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Perry, Kenny Loggins, Willie Nelson, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Kenny...
See also: other events of 1985 Musical groups established in 1985 Record labels established in 1985 list of years in music 1980s in music // January 28 - Various artists, including Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Perry, Kenny Loggins, Willie Nelson, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Kenny...
See also: Musical groups established in 1986 Record labels established in 1986 // 1986 - Goo Goo Dolls are formed in Buffalo, New York. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1986 Record labels established in 1986 // 1986 - Goo Goo Dolls are formed in Buffalo, New York. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1986 Record labels established in 1986 // 1986 - Goo Goo Dolls are formed in Buffalo, New York. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1986 Record labels established in 1986 // 1986 - Goo Goo Dolls are formed in Buffalo, New York. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1987 Record labels established in 1987 // January 3 - Aretha Franklin becomes the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1987 Record labels established in 1987 // January 3 - Aretha Franklin becomes the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1987 Record labels established in 1987 // January 3 - Aretha Franklin becomes the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1988 Record labels established in 1988 // Peter Ruzicka becomes director of the Hamburg State Opera and State Philharmonic Orchestra. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1988 Record labels established in 1988 // Peter Ruzicka becomes director of the Hamburg State Opera and State Philharmonic Orchestra. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1988 Record labels established in 1988 // Peter Ruzicka becomes director of the Hamburg State Opera and State Philharmonic Orchestra. ...
See also: 1990 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1990 Record labels established in 1990 list of years in music // January 21 - MTVs Unplugged premieres on cable television with musical guest, Squeeze February 6 - Billy Idol is involved in a serious motorcycle accident, resulting in several broken bones. ...
See also: 1990 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1990 Record labels established in 1990 list of years in music // January 21 - MTVs Unplugged premieres on cable television with musical guest, Squeeze February 6 - Billy Idol is involved in a serious motorcycle accident, resulting in several broken bones. ...
See also: 1990 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1990 Record labels established in 1990 list of years in music // January 21 - MTVs Unplugged premieres on cable television with musical guest, Squeeze February 6 - Billy Idol is involved in a serious motorcycle accident, resulting in several broken bones. ...
See also: 1992 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1992 Record labels established in 1992 // 1992 was a pivotal year in the development of music. ...
Albums | Year | Title | Peak Chart Position | | UK | US | | March 1984 | The Icicle Works | #24 | #40 | | September 1985 | The Small Price of a Bicycle | #55 | - | | March 1987 | If You Want to Defeat Your Enemy, Sing His Song | #28 | - | | May 1988 | Blind | #40 | - | | May 1990 | Permanent Damage | - | - | | February 1994 | BBC Live In Concert (Recorded in 1987) See also: // January 21 - Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood reaches number one in the UK singles chart: it spends a total of forty-two weeks in the Top 40. ...
See also: other events of 1985 Musical groups established in 1985 Record labels established in 1985 list of years in music 1980s in music // January 28 - Various artists, including Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Perry, Kenny Loggins, Willie Nelson, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Kenny...
See also: Musical groups established in 1987 Record labels established in 1987 // January 3 - Aretha Franklin becomes the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ...
See also: Musical groups established in 1988 Record labels established in 1988 // Peter Ruzicka becomes director of the Hamburg State Opera and State Philharmonic Orchestra. ...
See also: 1990 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1990 Record labels established in 1990 list of years in music // January 21 - MTVs Unplugged premieres on cable television with musical guest, Squeeze February 6 - Billy Idol is involved in a serious motorcycle accident, resulting in several broken bones. ...
See also: 1994 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1994 Record labels established in 1994 // January 29 - The Supremes Mary Wilson is injured when her jeep hits a freeway median and flips over just outside of Los Angeles, California. ...
| - | - |
Compilation Albums | Year | Title | Peak Chart Position | | UK | US | | February 1986 | Seven Singles Deep | #52 | - | | August 1992 | The Best of The Icicle Works | #60 | - | See also: Musical groups established in 1986 Record labels established in 1986 // 1986 - Goo Goo Dolls are formed in Buffalo, New York. ...
See also: 1992 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1992 Record labels established in 1992 // 1992 was a pivotal year in the development of music. ...
Audio sample Image File history File links Icicle_Works_-_Evangeline_excerpt. ...
Sources - Whitburn, Joel (1987). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Albums. New York: Billboard Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-8230-7513-3
- Whitburn, Joel (1987). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits (3rd ed.). New York: Billboard Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-8230-7520-6
- Official Discography at the Ian McNabb web page: http://www.ianmcnabb.com/discogw.htm
- Barwood, Tony. Liner notes to "The Icicle Works" (2006 reissue).
Other |
Feeds |
Contact