Northern Picture Library was a British dream pop group, formed in 1993 by Bobby Wratten and Anne Mari Davies, both former members of The Field Mice. They were soon joined by former Field Mice drummer Mark Dobson.
The group adopted a more abstract, ambient and synthesiser-based sound than the more guitar pop approach of The Field Mice. Their debut single, "Love Song For The Dead Che", was a cover of a song by 1960s psychedelic group United States of America. Both it and the following album, Alaska, won critical acclaim, however sales were poor even compared to The Field Mice's records. The group members' personal problems (various members succumbed to depression, stagefright and substance abuse) made touring difficult and thus also made it difficult for the group to promote their records effectively. Two more EPs followed before the group dissolved. Wratten later went on to form Trembling Blue Stars with Davies also joining the group in a later incarnation.
In 2005 the entire Northern Picture Library back catalogue was released on two CDs on the LTM label.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played tracks from the group on his radio shows in 1994. The band's previous group, The Field Mice, were played by Peel on his shows between the late 80's and early 90's. He also played tracks from the Trembling Blue Stars on his shows, which Wratten and Davies later joined.
Shows Played[]
- 14 January 1994: ‘Something Good (Various Artists CD - The Sound Of Music)’ (Bring On Bull Records)
- 22 January 1994 (BFBS): Something Good (v/a album - The Sound Of Music (An Anti-Racist Benefit)) Bring On Bull
- January 1994 (4) (BBC World Service): Something Good (v/a album - The Sound Of Music (An Anti-Racist Benefit)) Bring On Bull
- 11 February 1994: ‘Lucky (LP – Alaska)’ (Vinyl Japan)
- 19 February 1994 (BFBS): Lucky (album – Alaska) Vinyl Japan
- 04 March 1994: ‘Truly Madly Deeply (LP – Alaska)’ (Vinyl Japan)
- 23 July 1994: 'Breaking' (12" EP 'Blue Dissolve') Vinyl Japan
- 23 September 1994: Paris (CD - Last September's Farewell Kiss) Sarah
- 22 October 1994: Last September's Farewell Kiss (7") Sarah
- 05 November 1994 (BFBS): 'Last September's Farewell Kiss (7")' (Sarah)