Babylon Zoo

Babylon Zoo

Company type	Music group
Industry	Music
Founded	1992 in Wolverhampton, England
Headquarters	Wolverhampton , England
Products	Music albums and singles

Babylon Zoo was a British rock ensemble established in 1992 in Wolverhampton. Their breakthrough track, "Spaceman", achieved widespread recognition after featuring in a UK television commercial for Levi's jeans in late 1995. Upon its release on 21 January 1996, the single debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart. Despite this impressive start, later releases failed to match its success, resulting in the band being labeled a one-hit wonder.

History

Prior to Babylon Zoo, lead vocalist Jas Mann fronted the indie group The Sandkings. In 1993, Mann secured a deal with Phonogram Records for Babylon Zoo after submitting a three-track demo, though the band eventually signed with Warner's WEA label to produce the album The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes. When Warner’s managing director Clive Black transferred to EMI, he brought Babylon Zoo along to his new label.

Although "Spaceman" was initially recorded and pressed under Warner, it was shelved following Black’s exit. A promotional version aired on Manchester radio, catching the eye of an advertising firm that selected it for a Levi's UK TV commercial. The track’s catchy hook rapidly gained popularity, making it the fastest-selling British debut single at that time. It moved 383,000 copies during its first week and maintained the top chart position for five consecutive weeks.

Critics highlighted consumer dissatisfaction due to the full-length track differing markedly from the snippet used in the advertisement. Additionally, Mann’s self-aggrandizing interviews and media mockery further harmed the band’s public image. Tim Moore characterized Babylon Zoo’s career as marked by "only failure and embarrassment."

The album The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes, produced at Mann’s New Atlantis Productions, reached number 6 on the UK Albums Chart but quickly dropped out of the Top 40. Subsequent singles charted progressively lower and were unable to replicate the success of "Spaceman". The band also encountered negative critiques regarding their live performances.

In 1999, Babylon Zoo issued their sophomore album King Kong Groover, which was met with unfavorable reviews and sold fewer than 10,000 copies, failing to enter the UK charts. The lead single "All The Money's Gone" peaked at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart; meanwhile, their cover of Mott the Hoople's "Honaloochie Boogie" was released solely as a promotional single in France. The band dissolved shortly thereafter, with Mann moving to India to engage in aid work.

In 2005, Jas Mann revealed intentions to produce a new Babylon Zoo album called Cold Clockwork Doll, though no further information or release date was provided.

Musical style and influences

Music critics frequently likened Babylon Zoo’s sound to that of David Bowie, categorizing the group as a 1990s alternative rock act that fused glam rock with electronic music components.

Albums

Title	Release Date	UK	AUS	Certifications
The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes	February 1996	6	28	UK: Gold
King Kong Groover	February 1999	–	–

Singles

Year	Track	UK	AUS	Certifications	Associated Album
1996	"Spaceman"	1	3	UK: Platinum AUS: Gold	The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes
	"Animal Army"	17	59
	"The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes"	32	–
1999	"All the Money's Gone"	46	–		King Kong Groover
	"Honaloochie Boogie"	–	–
2000	"Love Lies Bleeding"	–	–		Standalone single

See also

• List of residents of Wolverhampton