The Clean
What can be said about The Clean? In 1978, they were the seeds of New Zealand punk and the reason for the founding of Flying Nun, one of the greatest record labels that ever existed. They carved out a big sandbox for everyone to play in, and their influence resonated not only in New Zealand but around the world. Not only do bands like Yo La Tengo, Guided By Voices, Sonic Youth, Pavement, and their ilk owe a debt to The Clean, but many of today's young upstarts such as Times New Viking, Eat Skull, and a band from China called Carsick Cars have the Dunedin godfathers deeply etched into their DNA.
I've personally witnessed four or five waves of rediscovery of The Clean in the years since I first heard them in 1986, and the stuff just continues to educate. Homestead's US issue of Compilation in the late '80s and Merge's double-disc Anthology from 2002 both laid out a complete rulebook, and a pretty in-depth one at that. Nevertheless, if someone else compiles them again in 2015, it's going to resonate just as strongly. Simply put, the music of the brothers Kilgour and Bob Scott holds up pretty damn well in 2009 for anyone checking them out for the first or 5,000th time.
What's the sound? It's completely theirs but draws on everything from the psychedelic paste of Barrett/early Floyd to vintage Velvets propulsiveness to almost everything else under the sun. In the case of the live staple "Point That Thing Somewhere Else," here is a song that levitates any room in a way that makes you swear the band just stepped out of Conny Plank's studio in Germany with all the bulldozing power of Hawkwind. Their jubilance at times (the organ-laced "Tally Ho," "Beatnik," "Whatever I Do") makes the Banana Splits sound like Bauhaus while simultaneously exhibiting dark undercurrents, making Bauhaus sound like the Banana Splits.
They created both full studio sound and lo-fi recordings before, during, and after the various waves of the 4-track revolution, making both recording modes work with no loss of the band's identity. As far as other influences, you can hear Arthur Lee, Shirley Collins, and the Rolling Stones, among others, but it's never a kind of forced appropriation; while some bands seem to say, "Look at my record collection," in the case of The Clean, it's organic, seamless, and inimitable. Though hardly as prolific as The Fall, another maverick group of originality, The Clean have endured for almost as long while maintaining a completely unique, quality stamp that's often replicated but never quite mastered by anyone but themselves. They're also one of the best (and sometimes loudest) live bands I've had the pleasure of seeing.
- Brian Turner, New York
The Clean
The Clean burst onto the indie scene in 1978, pioneering the Dunedin Sound and sowing the seeds of NZ punk. And shortly after, that’s when Flying Nun first got started.
Described as one of the ‘most influential’ indie bands in New Zealand, The Clean was formed by brothers Hamish and David Kilgour, then joined by bass guitarist Bob Scott. The band went on to transform our music scene forever and make waves around the world – inspiring the likes of Sonic Youth, Pavement, Guided by Voice and Yo La Tengo. Originating from Dunedin on the South Island, the group is renowned for their twist on punk and psychedelic folk-rock with minimalist pop.
We’re proud to sell music by The Clean band here at Flying Nun, with their full back-catalog and discography. Take a look through our collection today.
Making Waves: The Sound of The Clean NZ
It was the release of Tally Ho in 1981 that garnered the band widespread public recognition, also drawing attention to Flying Nun as an indie label to be reckoned with. The song reached number 19 on New Zealand charts – paving the way for other well-recognised hits from The Clean band such as Anything Could Happen, Beatnik, Whatever I Do, Getting Older, Boodle Boodle Boodle and Point That Thing Somewhere Else.
The group broke up in 1982, then reformed in 1988. They were then rightfully inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame in 2017. As writer Brian Turner (New York) said, ‘They're one of the best (and sometimes loudest) live bands I've had the pleasure of seeing.’
We’re passionate about introducing the music of The Clean to a whole new legion and generation of fans. Browse through our collection today.
Discover The Clean in NZ
Here at Flying Nun, we’re proud to have been part of this iconic band’s journey, and we continue to bring you the very best of New Zealand’s underground music scene. Browse The Clean’s full discography online at Flying Nun. We have a wide range of their vinyl records and CDs to choose from at our online record shop.
With free shipping in New Zealand on orders over $40, it’s never been easier to discover the music of The Clean band NZ and add to your collection. Can’t see something you’re looking for? Our staff are all knowledgeable music fans (some even playing in the scene themselves), and they’ll gladly point you in the right direction while offering you their expert tips and assistance.
For more information, give us a yell at enquiries@flyingnun.co.nz, or come visit us at our Wellington store at 173 Cuba St, Te Aro. We’re open Tue-Sun, 10am-5.30pm.
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