Urusei Yatsura - We Are Urusei Yatsura (1996)

"Black Hole Love" by Urusei Yatsura


The Blisters (soon to be known as The Karelia) released their first recordings on Glasgow indie label Modern Independent.  The label was created and run by local band Urusei Yatsura, who also ran their own music zine.  Blisters/Karelia member Alex Kapranos is also known to have performed alongside and collaborated with the group.  Urusei Yatsura, named for a Japanese manga and anime, released their debut album We Are Urusei Yatsura in 1996.

Here is the discography surrounding Urusei Yatsura's debut album:

All Hail Urusei Yatsura (1994 EP)
The Kazoo Collection (1994 compilation song)
Siamese (1995 single)
Pampered Adolescent (1995 split single)
Stolen Ecstasy 45 Chapter Three (1995 split single)
Kernel (1995 single)
Plastic Ashtray (1995 EP)
Kewpies Like Watermelon (1996 EP)
We Are Urusei Yatsura
Tour (1996 split live EP)
Phasers on Stun (1996 double 7")
Does the Word Duh Mean Anything to You? - Another Ché Compilation CD (1996 compilation song)
BBC Sessions (1997 compilation album)

"Phasers on Stun" by Urusei Yatsura


Urusei Yatsura Live at the 100 Club (circa 1996)


Interview with Urusei Yatsura


Pass the Headphones!!

The Karelia - Divorce at High Noon (1997)

"Say Try" by The Karelia


Bloc Party got their big break when lead singer Kele Okereke passed a demo around to BBC DJ Steve Lamacq and musician Alex Kapranos.  This bit of luck expedited their way to a record deal.  Kapranos, now an internationally successful musician with his current band, started as a prolific multi-band member in the Glasgow music scene.  His first group to record much music was The Blisters, who then changed their name to The Karelia, and released their only album Divorce at High Noon in 1997.

Here is the complete discography for The Karelia:

The Kazoo Collection (1994 compilation song as The Blisters)
Prole Life: A Souvenir from Glasgow (1995 compilation songs as The Blisters)
Split Single (1995 split single as The Blisters)
Love's a Cliché (1997 single)
Divorce at High Noon
A Smooth Taste of The Karelia (1997 EP)
Split Single (1998 split single)
Club Beatroot Part Seven (1998 split single)
Hits & Missiles (1998 compilation song)
15 Minutos Con The Smiths (1999 compilation song)
Glasgow (2000 compilation song)

"Love's a Cliché" by The Karelia


"Tension" by The Karelia


Pass the Headphones!!