You always knew that release dates were unreliable, but here’s a nice example to convince anyone who naively doubted that the industry would really waffle on things like that. Up until a couple months ago, the word on the web was that Gruff Rhys’ new solo album, Hotel Shampoo, would be out in time for Valentine’s Day. Hopefully Gruff didn’t fit into your VD plans, because the most recently announced date isn’t until May 3 (c/o Wichita Recordings).
Hotel Shampoo is the third solo album from Super Furry Animals’ frontman, and the theme literally comes from shampoo; more specifically, Rhys’ collection of complimentary hotel products. Rather than serving as commentary on a sort of disposable consumer society always on the go, Rhys warmly reflects on this collection: “Having never kept a journal these items have become like diary entries, triggering memories of all those buildings and random people I’ve met and inspiring songs on the album.” Aw.
For more information, go here to watch an explanatory video, in which Gruff Rhys personally displays his mini shampoos, hotel slippers, soaps, and leftover keys. The video is footage not of Gruff’s home but an art installation he set up in Cardiff, at the Chapter Arts Center (where, following the installation, he spent the night). While you’re at it, check out the new video for “Sensations in the Dark”, the newest single (following “Shark Ridden Waters”, out since October).
Rather than let the illustrious collection stagnate, Gruff is already squirreling away more bottles and tubes as he tours Europe and Japan in support of Hotel Shampoo. Rest easy, Americans: Stateside dates are on the way.
Tourdates:
02.14.11 - Sheffield, UK - Memorial Hall
02.15.11 - Glasgow, UK - Oran Mor
02.17.11 - Manchester, UK - St. Phillips
02.18.11 - Liverpool, UK - THe Kazimier
02.19.11 - Cambridge, UK - St. Paul’s Church
02.20.11 - Norwich, UK - Arts Centre
02.21.11 - Nottingham, UK - Glee Club
02.22.11 - London, UK - Cadogan Hall
02.25.11 - Bridport, UK - Palace Theatre
02.26.11 - Brighton, UK - St. Georges Church
02.27.11 - Birmingham, UK - Glee Club
02.28.11 - Bristol, UK - St. Georges Hall
03.04.11 - Paris, France - Le Café de la Danse
03.05.11 - Vevey, France - Rocking Chair
03.06.11 - Vienna, Austria - Flex
03.08.11 - Frankfurt, Germany - Brotfabrik
03.09.11 - Schorndorf, Germany - Manufaktur
03.10.11 - Brussels, Belgium - Rotonde Botanique
03.11.11 - Amsterdam, Holland - Paradiso
03.12.11 - Rotterdam, Holland - De Unie
03.14.11 - Cologne, Germany - Gebaude 9
03.15.11 - Hamburg, Germany - Imperial Theater Hamburg
03.17.11 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Loppen
03.18.11 - Stockholm, Sweden - Strand Club
03.19.11 - Malmo, Sweden - Debaser Malmo
04.26.11 - Tokyo, Japan - Club Quattro
04.27.11 - Osaka, Japan - Club Quattro
• Gruff Rhys: http://www.gruffrhys.com
• Wichita: http://www.wichita-recordings.com
