Tall Dwarfs | Artist

Tall Dwarfs are a New Zealand rock band formed 1981 in Auckland by Chris Knox (vocals, guitar, casiotone) and Alec Bathgate (guitar). While lacking a drummer, but instead using household objects and hand claps to act as percussion, the band helped pioneer the lo-fi style of rock music. The duo were former members of Art-Punk band Toy Love which dissolved in 1980. 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. Standout releases include the albums That's The Short and Long of It, Fork Songs, 3 EPs and the 1987 compilation Hello Cruel World. Bands who have claimed to be influenced by the Tall Dwarfs include Elf Power, Neutral Milk Hotel and Olivia Tremor Contol. In 2005, Tall Dwarfs did a series of concerts in the USA, playing with the Olivia Tremor Control. On 11 June 2009 Knox was admitted to Auckland hospital suffering from a stroke and the benefit album Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox was released in New Zealand to contribute to the costs of his rehabilitation. It features 33 artists performing Knox's songs. All artists contributed their time and talent without charge. Artists include Jay Reatard, David Kilgour, The Mint Chicks, Shayne Carter, Yo La Tengo, Bonnie Prince Billy, Bill Callahan, The Mountain Goats, The Bats, The Chills and The Verlaines.

Artist Website: wikipedia/Tall_Dwarfs

Featured Albums: Tall Dwarfs

Related Artists: Chris Knox, Toy Love

Video Clips: The Brain That Wouldn't Die, Nothing's Going to Happen, All of my Hollowness