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 Taking
their name from a childhood slang term for a naked woman,
the Barenaked Ladies are, in fact, five strapping lads
from Scarborough, near Toronto, Canada. They were formed
in 1988 by songwriters Steven Page (b. 22 June 1970,
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada; guitar, vocals) and Ed
Robertson (b. 25 October 1970, Ontario, Canada; guitar,
vocals) while they were students. Brothers Jim Creeggan
(b. 12 February 1970; bass, keyboards) and Andrew
Creeggan (b. 4 July 1971; congas) and Tyler Stewart (b.
21 September 1967; drums) were soon added to the line-up.
The group set off on an intensive series of club dates;
word of their prowess soon spread and their first
release, a five-song EP, proved a big hit. Their debut
album, Gordon, subsequently sold more than half a
million copies in their native Canada, outselling acts
such as U2 and Michael Jackson. Their
melodic pop, with its strong harmonies and string-driven
acoustics, has led to them being unfairly dubbed the Fat
Canadian Housemartins. Despite their undeniable
debt to the British band, the Barenaked Ladies - who cite
the Beach Boys and the Proclaimers among
their influences - have carved out a distinctive sound.
Songs such as 'Be My Yoko Ono' and 'If I Had A Million
Dollars' are particular crowd favourites. Live, their
self-deprecating humour, catchy songs and high energy
make for a thoroughly entertaining show, captured on
1996's Rock Spectacle. However, with their tubby
looks, spectacles and fondness for unflattering baggy
shorts, it remains to be seen whether their success at
home can be translated into hard sales outside of North
America. Stunt became an enormous success for them
in 1998.. |
