Asphalt Ribbons were a UK band that formed in Nottingham in 1987. The original line-up was Stuart Staples, Gaynor Backhouse, Gary Watt and Rob Howard. Dave Boulter (organ and accordion) replaced Rob Howard in 1989 and Will Carless (drums) also joined in 1989, just before they released their first EP, The Orchard. During the course of 1990, Asphalt Ribbons became a six-piece, acquiring Craig Chettle (guitar). They also recorded Good Love, their second EP for In-Tape, which was produced by Jon Langford. The artwork for both EPs was by Wolfgang Buttress.
In 1991 the band relocated to London and shifted position again, this time to the line-up featuring Stuart Staples (vocals), David Boulter (organ and accordion), Neil Fraser (guitar), Dickon Hinchliffe (guitar and strings), Al Macaulay (percussion and drums) and John Thompson (bass).
Mark Colwill replaced John Thomson in the last days before Asphalt Ribbons became Tindersticks. Mark was recruited when John left but it is not sure if he played any gigs under the Asphalt Ribbons name. They then changed their name to Tindersticks after Stuart discovered a box of German matches on a Greek beach. Their sound is more country influenced than Tindersticks, but already features the distinctive vocals of Stuart Staples.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played tracks from the band and also when they changed their name to the Tindersticks.
Shows Played[]
- 04 October 1989: Over Again (12" - The Orchard E.P.) In Tape
- 10 October 1989: Over Again (12" - The Orchard E.P.) In Tape
- 24 October 1989 (Radio Bremen): Over Again (12" - The Orchard E.P.) In Tape
- 28 October 1989 (BFBS): 'Over Again (12"-The Orchard E.P.)' (In Tape)
- 02 November 1989: Over Again (12" - The Orchard E.P.) In Tape
- 1990
- 10 July 1990: Good Love (12") In Tape