The band Tindersticks has been formed in late 1991, Staples, Boulter, Fraser, Macauley and Hinchcliffe having been previously members of a Nottingham based band, called Asphalt Ribbons. The final band line-up for the "old horse" mini-LP (1991) was:

Stuart Staples (vocals) -Dave Boulter (organ & accordion) - Neil Fraser (guitar) - Dickon Hinchliffe (Guitar & strings) - Alasdair Macauley (percussion & drums) and John Thompson (bass).

Mark Colwill was recruited when John Thompson left the Asphalt Ribbons. Then they changed their name to Tindersticks after Stuart A. Staples discovered a box of german matches on a Greek beach.

Tindersticks started then recording demo tapes in 1992, and were then signed by Tippy Toe Records. Where they released their first vinyl 7-inch single, "Patchwork", in 1992.

Their self-titled first and second albums established their signature sound and received widespread critical acclaim. Their live performances, often augmented by large string sections and even, on occasion, a full orchestra, were rapturously received. The live album Bloomsbury Theatre 12.3.95 is a recording of one such concert.

By the time of the third album, Curtains, however, it was clear that a change of direction was called for. The lengthy "Ballad of Tindersticks" was a weary swipe at the pressures of being a touring band.

The fourth album, Simple Pleasure, lived up to its title with a series of snappy, direct songs influenced by soul music. The female backing vocals on several tracks, and the respectful cover of Odyssey's "If You're Looking For A Way Out", signalled the band's wish to move towards lighter, more soulful material.

The fifth album, Can Our Love, continued the band's soulful direction, in particular evidence on the tender "Sweet Release" and in the nod to the Chi-Lites in the title of "Chilitetime".

The sixth album, Waiting For The Moon, was more stripped down and introspective in nature, particularly on the harrowing "4.48 Psychosis" and "Sometimes It Hurts". Only the bouncy "Just A Dog" lightened the otherwise melancholy mood of the album.

In September 2006, the band played a one-off concert at London's Barbican Centre, performing their second album in full with a nine-member string section and two brass players, including former collaborator Terry Edwards on trumpet. Staples later acknowledged that this show, while being a happy triumph, was also "tinged with sadness of the knowledge that the six of us had made all the new music we were going to make together."

Thereafter Stuart A. Staples released two solo albums („Lucky Dog Recordings 03-04“ and „Leaving Songs“) under his name with the help of Boulter and Fraser and toured in 2006 and early 2007 with guest musicians.

In late 2007, a stripped-down line-up of three of the original band members, Staples, Boulter and Fraser, spent time together writing and recording a new album, The Hungry Saw, which was then released again under the old band name tindersticks in April 2008. Terry Edwards, Andy Nice and Dan McKinna and Thomas Belhom were added as supporting band members on the studio and live performances.

In 2010, the 8th album, Falling Down a Mountain was released on a new record label - 4AD / Constellation records. The band line-up was again changed. Thomas Belhom left the band and was replaced by Earl Harvin on drums. David Kitt on guitar and vocals also joined the band at the same time.

2011/2012 will mark their 20th anniversary of the band (with a short solo phase around 2007). In Spring 2011 they will release a box set of all O.S.T. work for films of french director Claire Denis.

In February 2012 the 9th studio album, The Something Rain, will be released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band.

(based on an edited wikipedia.org article from 11/2009, last edited 01/2012)