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The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir

The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir

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  • Formed: 2001 in Chicago, IL
  • Years Active: 2000s

Biography

The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, a quartet of indie pop darlings from Chicago, are the furthest thing away from being an evangelistic singing group. Comprised of college graduates with speciality degrees in music, the band initially came together in summer 2001 when Ellen O'Hayer (cello/bass) and Welsh-born Elia Einhorn (organ/guitar) released the charming four-track record "Do You Still Stick Out in the Crowd." Percussionist Sam Koentopp and Boston native Matthew Kerstein (guitar/vocals) joined the two in time for the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir's proper debut single. "Jennie That Cries" was released in early 2002, and WXRT's Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot were among the band's early fans. Local shows in the Windy City gave the four friends some well-needed concert experience, and dates with the likes of the Fiery Furnaces, local folkies the Children's Hour, Sea Ray, Of Montreal, and Jay Bennett soon followed. Their second single, "I Never Thought I Could Feel This Way for a Boy," was recorded in support of the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir's debut album. I Bet You Say That to All the Boys, which appeared in fall 2003, was a much more bona fide pop album with its glossy guitar hooks, O'Hayer's honeyed vocals, and the band's overall sweet performance. The band signed with Bloodshot Records in 2007 and released their self-titled label debut in October of the same year.
— MacKenzie Wilson , All Music Guide

Related Artists Ancestors, Peers and Acolytes

Similar Artists:

Belle and Sebastian, Reindeer Section, Camera Obscura, Travis, The Cat's Miaow

Roots and Influences:

Billy Bragg, The Smiths, Billy Bragg and The Blokes

Formal Connections:

Brighton, MA

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