The 49 Americans

The 49 Americans was a British DIY post-punk / art pop supergroup, active from 1979 to 1982, and created by US expat Andrew "Giblet" Brenner in London. Brenner invited several free improvisers associated with London Musicians' Collective and local avant / experimental scene, including David Toop, Steve Beresford, Max Eastley, Lol Coxhill and Peter Cusack, as well as Nag and Bendle of The Door And The Window DIY cult band, Viv Albertine (ex-The Slits), Vivien Goldman (who released art-punk classic 'Dirty Washing' 12" on 99 Records, produced by John Lydon and Adrian Sherwood in 1981), Eddie Saunders, and other prominent musical and non-musical performers to participate in the self-described "experiment in the pursuit of happiness".

The group debuted with 'Wonder Only 85 Pennies' EP on Nag & Bendle's NB Records in 1980 -14 tracks split between U.S.A. and U.S.B. sides. A debut full-length 'E Pluribus Unum' soon followed, self-released through Brenner's Choo Choo Train Records, and featuring naiveté songwriting approach similar to Maher Shalal Hash Baz, Red Crayola and early Beat Happening.

In 1982, the band released their second album, 'We Know Nonsense'. This time The 49 Americans recorded a collection of happy-go-lucky pop songs, co-written and produced by David Toop and Steve Beresford, and covering a wide range of 'faux light music' styles, from doo-wop to disco and samba. Wire Magazine included this album in their legendary 100 Records That Set the World On Fire list in Issue #175, published in Sep 1998. 

For two decades, the short-lived 49 Americans remained mostly in the context of obscure DIY / art-punk bands, with all their 12" and LPs being out-of-print. In 2002, Seigen Ono re-released their full discography through his audiophile label Saidera Records in Japan.

On the occasion of Staubgold's 15th anniversary, the European label produced another digital reissue in 2013, followed by the download-only 'Too Young To Be Ideal' compilation. In light of these reissues, some members of The 49 Americans reunited for a few live concerts and performances. [SOURCE: DISCOGS]