Spirea X

Spirea X

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1990
Founder	Jim Beattie
Headquarters	Glasgow , Scotland
Products	Alternative rock music
Parent	4AD (record label)

Spirea X was an alternative rock group originating from Glasgow, Scotland, established in 1990 by Jim Beattie, a founding member of Primal Scream.

History

Following his departure from Primal Scream in 1988, Jim Beattie created Spirea X two years later, choosing the band's name from a Primal Scream b-side he had composed. His objective was to produce superior compositions, melodies, arrangements—essentially enhancing all aspects of their music. Their first demo attracted the attention of the label 4AD, leading to a contract and building excitement prior to the release of their debut single. The band also gained visibility through an appearance on BBC Two's Snub TV. Initial personnel shifts involved the exit of the McGovern brothers, who were succeeded by Jamie O'Donnell and Thomas McGurk joining Beattie, alongside his partner Judith Boyle and Andy Kerr in 1991.

In April 1991, they launched their first EP titled Chlorine Dream, with its title track drawing inspiration from Brian Jones. This was succeeded by the single "Speed Reaction" and later that year their album Fireblade Skies, named after a collection of poetry by Arthur Rimbaud. Critics responded favorably; for example, Nick Terry of Lime Lizard regarded it as Beattie's artistic milestone. Known for his notable confidence, Beattie rejected comparisons with other artists of the era, underscoring the quality of his work as justification.

By 1992, Spirea X had been reduced to just Beattie and Boyle and subsequently lost their contract with 4AD. The band dissolved in 1993, with Beattie and Boyle going on to establish Adventures in Stereo in 1994.

Albums

• Fireblade Skies (28 October 1991) released by 4AD, catalog number CAD 1017
  • The US edition was issued on 23 June 1992 featuring different cover art and a modified track list

UK edition track list

• 1. "Rollercoaster"
  2. "Chlorine Dream"
  3. "Fire and Light"
  4. "Spirea 9"
  5. "Speed Reaction"
  6. "Confusion in My Soul"
  7. "Signed D.C." (cover of Arthur Lee)
  8. "Sisters and Brothers"
  9. "Sunset Dawn"
  10. "Smile"
  11. "Nothing Happened Yesterday"

US edition track list

• 1. "Smile"
  2. "Nothing Happened Yesterday"
  3. "Rollercoaster"
  4. "Chlorine Dream"
  5. "Fire and Light"
  6. "Spirea 9"
  7. "Speed Reaction"
  8. "Confusion in My Soul"
  9. "Signed D.C."
  10. "Sisters and Brothers"
  11. "Sunset Dawn"
  12. "Spirea Rising"

Singles/EPs

• Chlorine Dream (8 April 1991), released by 4AD, catalog number BAD 1004
• Speed Reaction (20 May 1991), issued by 4AD, catalog number BAD 1006