Miranda Sex GardenCountry of origin:England Type of music generally:Alternative, ethereal, Gothic, industrial, experimental (first album early English madrigals). Status:The most recent album, Carnival of Souls (2000) See also:The official Miranda Sex Garden site Comparisons:Can't think of a direct comparison, but there are echoes of many industrial, goth and experimental bands who possibly were themselves influenced by the band. (afries@zip.com.au) Covers/own material:Own material; traditional English madrigals on the first album, Madra General comments:Miranda Sex Garden definitely does not belong to the "easy listening" category, but their vocals are fantastic and the music is interesting as well. (jbr@casetech.dk) Recommended first album:Suspiria Recordings:
MadraRelease info:1991—Mute Records Ecto priority:Recommended only if you like madrigals or feel like something completely different! Availability:Now rather hard to find Group members:Katharine Blake—vocals Comments:This album contains 25 traditional madrigals (mostly from around 1600) in absolutely stunning a cappella arrangements. Listening to the entire album in one session takes quite a bit of effort, though. If your hi-fi system can handle this, it can handle anything. (jbr@casetech.dk) Iris (EP)Release info:1992—Mute Records (U.K. and Europe)—MUTE 9 61277-2, Elektra (U.S.) Availability:Now rather hard to find Ecto priority:Recommended only for those who don't mind harsh harmonies Group members:Kelly McCusker—vocals, violin, organ Comments:This is my favourite of theirs, especially because of their version of "Lovely Joan" which starts as a traditional folk song and becomes something else entirely. Later songs take strange flights, sometimes sounding a little like Renaissance, or '70s rock stars incorporating classical music for push rock in a new (then) Gothic direction. (Neile) SuspiriaRelease info:1993—Mute Records/Elektra Availability:Now rather hard to find Ecto priority:Recommended only for those who don't mind harsh harmonies Group members:Kelly McCusker—vocals, violin, organ Backing musiciansAndrew Blick—trumpet Comments:This goes on where Iris leaves off. A little of this goes a long way for me. (Neile) Fairytales of SlaveryRelease info:1994—Mute Records/Elektra Availability:Good indie stores Ecto priority:Recommended only for those who don't mind harsh harmonies Group members:Katharine Blake—vocals, recorder, glockenspiel, piano Guest musicians:Hepzibah Sessa—keyboards Comments:Miranda Sex Garden continues in the same vein as on Suspiria, but it is more quirky, and it isn't all doom and gloom. They maintain their position as my favourite band with this wonderful blend of fuzz guitars, drums, violins and recorder. On top of it all vocal harmonies (just as important are the disharmonies) which can change into shrieks at any moment. Soul-wrenching stuff, even if you don't listen to the lyrics. They're just brilliant. If you have a penchant for noise and female voices, you'll love this. (kjetilho@ifi.uio.no) Carnival of SoulsRelease info:2000—sugarDaddy Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Recommended for Miranda Sex Garden fans Group members:Katharine, Ben, Trevor, Teresa, Barney, Mike Produced by:Nigel Shaman Comments:It's great—very much in the line of Fairytales of Slavery (and very non-madrigalish). (jjhanson@att.net) Thanks to Andrew Fries for work on this entry.
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