Ned's Atomic Dustbin: Jonn (vocals); Rat (guitar); Alex, Mat (bass); Dan (drums).
Producers: Jessica Cocoran, Ned's Atomic Dustbin.
Recorded at The Greenhouse Studio, London, England from December 1990 to
January 1991.
Personnel: John Penney (vocals); Rat (guitar); Dan Worton (drums).
Recording information: The Greenhouse Studio, London, England (12/1990-01/1991).
Photographer: Steve Gullick .
Ned's Atomic Dustbin were part of the so-called "grebo" movement--scruffy young men playing speedy pop songs shot through with humor and adolescent ennui--which consisted of bands like the Wonder Stuff and Pop Will Eat Itself. Springing up in the last days before grunge, the grebos had a devout following in Europe but never really cracked the US market.
The debut Ned's album, GOD FODDER, was technically their second record--it was released three months after their singles compilation, BITE--and was produced by the seriously underrated Jessica Corcoran, who smoothed out some of the band's rough edges without sacrificing any of their propulsive power. Standouts include "Less Than Useful," with its clattering drums, angst-ridden lyrics, and soaring guitars, "Cut Up" which highlights the band's curious use of dual bass guitars, "Throwing Things," a frenetic ode to the inability to communicate, and "Nothing Like," which takes elements from the band's earlier single "Terminally Groovie" in a completely different direction. Also of note is the brilliant "Grey Cell Green," re-recorded from the single version included on BITE, which tempers the searing guitar work of the original with an equally effective wash of distortion and feedback.
