Angelfish is the 1994 debut and only studio album released by Scottishalternative rock group Angelfish, fronted by Shirley Manson.[2] The Angelfish album was born out of necessity when Goodbye Mr Mackenzie's record distributor MCA expressed interest in recording an album with Manson on lead vocals rather than furthering its commitment to the Mackenzies. The Mackenzies' record label boss Gary Kurfirst signed Manson as a solo artist, with the remaining Mackenzies performing as her backing band to circumvent the band's existing deal with MCA.[3]
Two releases promoted the album; the first an EP, Suffocate Me was released mid-1993, while the second, "Heartbreak to Hate", was released to radio at the time of the album's release.[2] The music video for "Suffocate Me" famously aired once by MTV during 120 Minutes, where it was seen by Garbage co-founder Steve Marker.[4] Manson was asked to join Garbage, and accepted.[5] The Angelfish side-project was dissolved, while Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie continued on for another two years without Manson.[2]
Recording
The songs that make up both Angelfish and the Mackenzie album Five were written at the same time, between June 1991 and December 1992. "Those albums," states Martin Metcalfe, "are brother and sister." The recording sessions for the album took ten days over March 1993, enough time to lay down backing tracks for seventeen songs.
"The End" (Martin Metcalfe, Neil Baldwin, Derek Kelly) – 4:25
Critical response
Angelfish received a positive response from contemporary music critics and journalists. Barry Egan of Creem wrote: "Their self-titled debut displays the kind of out-of-kilter charm and intensity that most artists can only lie about possessing... this is indeed a record that owes much to Scotland's Cocteau Twins as it does to Lou Reed's feel-good dark angels, The Velvet Underground."[6] In the Gavin Report trade publication, their alternative reviewer wrote "An interesting sound... one that recalls elements of early Blondie and Patti Smith".
In the United Kingdom, Angelfish remains an import-only release, distributed by Island Records. Most copies come with a "featuring Shirley Manson of Garbage" sticker.
On February 23, 2021, Angelfish was released worldwide to digital music/streaming platforms.
All songs written and arranged by Angelfish, except "You Can Love Her" written by Holly Vincent and "The End" written by Martin Metcalfe, Derek Kelly and Neil Baldwin.[8]
^153 F.Supp.2d 462 RADIOACTIVE, J.V., Plaintiff, v. Shirley MANSON, Defendant. No. 01 Civ.1948(SAS). United States District Court, S.D. New York. (29 July 2001)
^Egan, Barry (1993-04-01). Shirley Manson of Angelfish. CREEM.
