Except for a couple of artists that I really admire I usually don't care so much to know about who they are or how they are. I'd even go so far that, even if I tell myself don't be silly/who cares?/you're being childish, often it happens that knowing too much about an artist can ruin the music a bit.
Trixie's Big Red Motorbike are on the other end of the spectrum. They were a pop duo from the Isle-of-Wight. Early 80s. One girl (Mel), one boy (Mark). Most importantly, some of their songs are really great.
That's all I know.
It's enough.
Download (Mediafire)
1. Trixie's Big Red Motorbike - That's the end of that
2. Trixie's Big Red Motorbike - Norman & Narcissus
3. Trixie's Big Red Motorbike - When he's by my side
15 comments:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5525303165
I started a Trixies facebook group. I don't know much more than you !!
Thanks very much for those - they're ace! I've only heard 5 Trixies songs including these ones and they're all brilliant.
this link was working a while ago :-
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?7imhcbdzj1h
Trixies Big Red Motorbike - The most obscure band in the world.
The recent interest in 80s indie band Trixies Big Red Motorbike, and the complete lack of information available about them have prompted me to write this article. I knew the band well, and recorded some of their music at Trixieland. This article should interest anyone who has downloaded the songs and wants to know who these people were.
Trixies Big Red Motorbike were a brother and sister duo who wrote and recorded unusual pop, mainly in the Isle of Wight, U.K. Mark Litten, shy and introverted, played guitars, bass and drums. Melanie, shy but slightly extroverted, sang and added occasional percusion, recorder etc. I helped them when they wanted to get their creations down on tape. There are three kinds of Trixie material available - Songs done for two John Peel sessions around 1983, songs recorded (very well) at Rod Gammons studio on the Isle of Wight, and about twenty tracks done at Trixieland, which I am responsible for recording.
Trixieland was actually Marks bedroom, and recording facilities were very basic. Their instruments were unbelievable - cheap mail order guitars, drums made of cardboard boxes (the bass drum was the bed, hit very hard with a piece of wood) percusion from the toy shop, and a simple drum machine. Somehow we managed to produce music that shows the bands talent and uniqueness, and still brings a tear to my eye today.
I believe one reason the bands music was so unusual was the strange mix of influences the pair had. The main ones being The Undertones, Elvis Presley, 50s Hollywood musicals, Power Pop chart music and TV jingles. Simon and Garfunkel too!
Marks approach to songwriting changed gradually over the couple of years we worked together. Early songs were done quickly, with throw away lyrics, just for the excitement of creating something new. One or two of these, like One Nation Under a Brolley, are among their most popular songs, however. Later he started taking more care with every aspect of the music, saying he wanted to make decent songs that people whistle in the bath, and other bands want to cover. Probably the best from this period are Thats the End of That or Thats Quite a Lot.
To be continued.
Michael Sparrow
Thanks, Michael! Very interesting. I'm looking forward to hearing more!
My old band actually covered "That's The End of That" - it was by far the highlight of our set (went over better than our originals!). I was in touch with Mark Litten for awhile - wonder where he is now.
Mark and I are still alive and well although living on different continents now. Funny as well as nice to think that people still listen to and enjoy our music, it seems a very long time ago. Thanks for listening and enjoy.
Is there any chance of hearing all these songs? I'm just writing an article on Trixie's Big Red Motorbike for the next issue of Plan B Magazine - and would so love to hear them. I'm at everett@planbmag.com if anyone can drop me a line.
Hi,
I was always curious where the name come from ?
Cheers,
Mike
I interviewed them for my fanzine. They were great, although they made fun of my questions. They also did me a compilation tape of their favourite songs - it has Georgy Girl by the Seekers on it, and Walk Out to Winter by Aztec Camera. It was stolen by a friend.
"Stolen by a friend?"
Some friend!
HEY! Trixie, I fell in love with your music WAY back in the early 80's on John Peel's show - time to re-issue the album on CD??? Pleeeeese! xxx
I am currently gathering all the Trixie's material I can for a major revival soon. Please get in touch if you have any fanzines, tapes etc. to help with my research. I'm Trixie's 'agent', by the way.
Michael Sparrow
hi mel - used to come over to the iow and see you back in the day with a mr.a smith.
glad to hear you are both doing well.xx
Thanks for this - a page has now been put on the Peel Wiki in their honour.
Any detail could be added there eg how session came about
Still treasure my vinyl 45 but it is all that I have
One Nation Under A Brolly was always a very useful length for that annoying bit at the end of a tape along with the blessed Ivor.
Thank You and I look forward to being able to hear more.
My Heart Is Soaking Wet.
Mark
Hey guys, there's plenty of Trixie stuff out there now. Here's the best starting point:
http://www.facebook.com/Trixieland
By the way, if any of you who met TBRM has any photos / memorabilia, please contact me... we are looking for stuff for their new retospective album.
Thanks!
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