Tall Dwarfs are a New Zealand rock band formed in 1981 by Chris Knox and Alec Bathgate, who helped pioneer the lo-fi style of rock music. The duo were former members of Toy Love.
The band lacked a drummer, but would use household objects and hand claps to act as percussion. Both members can play guitar, with 12 strings and bass guitar often heard on their records. Both can play organ as well, which has been utilised on some of their songs. The Casiotone is frequently used too, especially on live concerts.
Their debut was the EP Three Songs (1981), and for many years they released EPs only. The album Weeville (1990) was their first full-length album. They did, however, release a number of full-length compilations of their EPs, like Hello Cruel World and The Short and Sick of It.
In the liner notes to their album 3 EPs (1994) (released as a single CD, or as three vinyl EPs collected in one box), they asked for listeners' rhythm tracks: "Send us your idea of a great T.D. throb."Album notes for 3 EPs (1994). Flying Nun Records. The responses came from many countries and were used for the next album, Stumpy (1997). This album was credited to "International Tall Dwarfs."Album notes for Stumpy (1997). Flying Nun Records.
Bands who have claimed to be influenced by the Tall Dwarfs include Guided by Voices, Jay Reatard, Superchunk, Elf Power, Neutral Milk Hotel and Olivia Tremor Control. In 2005, they did a small number of concerts in the US, playing with the Olivia Tremor Control.
Discography Date of ReleaseTitleLabel EPs1981Three SongsFurtive Records1982Louis Likes His Daily DipFlying Nun Records1983Canned MusicFlying Nun Records1984Slugbucket Hairybreath MonsterFlying Nun Records1985That's the Short and Long of ItFlying Nun Records1986Throw a SickieFlying Nun Records1987DogmaFlying Nun Records1998Gluey, Gluey and The Ear FriendFlying Nun Records Albums1990WeevilleFlying Nun Records1991Fork SongsFlying Nun Records19943 EPsFlying Nun Records1996Stumpy (as the International Tall Dwarfs)Flying Nun Records1998Fifty Flavours of GlueFlying Nun Records2002The Sky Above the Mud BelowFlying Nun Records Compilation Albums1988Hello Cruel WorldFlying Nun Records1992The Short and Sick of ItFlying Nun Records2018BovrilThokei Tapes2022Unravelled: 1981 - 2002Merge Records
References
External links Audioculture profile Flying Nun – Flying Nun Records official website