A changeling, also historically referred to as an auf or oaf, is a human-like creature found in folklore throughout Europe. A changeling was believed to be a fairy that had been left in place of a human (typically a child) stolen by other fairies.
Another discovery thanks to stoneeyedkiller and his superb Youtube channel where he/she discovers tons of obscure pop bands.
He had uploaded the song “Harbour Town” by the British band The Changelings. The song dating from 1989. That’s all the information he gives us. But is there more? Let’s try to find out.
There is a Soundcloud account. There’s a name too, Tony Howell. Was he part of the band?
Then I find that “Harbour Town” was actually a bedroom recording. Not recorded at a studio. There are a few more of the same quality and from the same year. Probably the same home. These songs are “This is the Place” and “Take a Walk Outside“.
The band seems to have hailed from Bristol. Or close to Bristol. They played the legendary Tropic Club in Bristol on April 12 of 1990. There is a recording of their song “Mad” that night.
“It’s Al Up to Me” is another live recording. This time at a place called Moles in Bath. That’s sort of close to Bristol, right? The date of this recording is July 2, 1991.
There is also one more recording here, “Rainbows“. This one was recorded in 1989 at the BBC. Was it what? From a radio show? I don’t think it was a session, right?
All songs sound fantastic. It makes me wonder why they didn’t release any records. The good thing, I think, is that I have a few readers from the Bristol area that might remember them.
From my different searches I think there might be a recording of the band playing at “First Cut” in 1990. At least it looks something like that existed on Youtube in the past. Was this a TV programme perhaps?
The entirety of the songs on Soundcloud were uploaded 12 years ago. And then silence. Would be good to find out what are they up to now. And of course if there are more recordings! I’d love to hear more by The Changelings.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
