A hybrid offence, dual offence, Crown option offence, dual procedure offence, or wobbler are the special class offences in the common law jurisdictions where the case may be prosecuted either summarily or as indictment. In the United States, an alternative misdemeanor/felony offense (colloquially known as a wobbler) lists both county jail (misdemeanor sentence) and state prison (felony sentence) as possible punishment.

Canada[link]

The power to choose under which class a hybrid offence will be tried rests with the crown counsel. Hybrid offences can either be summary offences (minor crimes) or indictable offences (major crimes).^[1] For most indictable offences, a person has the right to trial by jury.

England and Wales[link]

In relation to England and Wales, the expression "offence triable either way" means an offence, other than an offence triable on indictment only by virtue of Part V of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, which, if committed by an adult, is triable either on indictment or summarily; and the term "triable either way", in its application to offences, is to be construed accordingly. In this definition, references to the ways in which an offence is triable are to be construed without regard to the effect, if any, of section 22 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 on the mode of trial in a particular case.^[2]

In English criminal law a hybrid offence is called a "triable-either-way offence" and can be heard at either the Magistrates' Court or Crown Court. The decision as to which court will hear the case is determined at a Mode of Trial hearing.

The magistrates decide if the case is suitable to be heard in the Magistrates' Court. If they decide that the case is either too serious or too complex, they can send the case to the Crown Court in which case the defendant has no say in the matter. If the magistrates decide that the case is suitable to be heard by them then the defendant is asked for consent to do so. The defendant can then either consent to be tried by the magistrates or opt for trial by jury at the Crown Court provided that they have pleaded not guilty. If they have pleaded guilty then they have no say in the matter - thus there is no way for a defendant to agree to plead guilty in exchange for having a case dealt with by magistrates.

If the defendant is tried summarily in the Magistrates' Court and is convicted, there may still be a committal to the Crown Court for sentencing if the magistrates think that their sentencing powers are inadequate.

History[link]

The expression "hybrid offence" was applicable to an offence triable either on indictment or summarily. It was applicable to offences to which section 18 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1952 applied.^[3]

See sections 14(c) and 64 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

Scotland[link]

In Scots law, all common law offences other than those within the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court of Justiciary (i.e. murder, treason, rape and breach of duty by magistrates)^[4] can be tried either summarily in the District Courts of Scotland (including justice of the peace courts) or Sheriff Courts, or on indictment in the High Court of Justiciary or Sheriff Court. For statutory offences, the statute will provide whether the offence is triable summarily, on indictment, or both.

The choice of forum is a matter for the Lord Advocate and procurator fiscal, and is determined in a process known as marking.

United States[link]

In U.S. states which have these offenses, the prosecuting attorney has discretion in deciding which category to charge the defendant. Prosecutors may strategically file such offenses as felonies, agreeing to refile the charge as a misdemeanor should the defendant consent to a guilty plea.

After hearing evidence at a preliminary hearing, the judge or magistrate has discretion to reduce a felony wobbler to a misdemeanor charge; the opposite is not permitted.

In juvenile court, after a minor is declared to be delinquent following a bench trial or open plea, the judge may classify a wobbler felony as a misdemeanor instead.

California[link]

In California, one example of a wobbler offense is grand theft (PC487).^[5] In this case, the judge has the power to reduce a felony charge of this type to a misdemeanor during various stages of the proceeding, including the preliminary hearing all the way until after a defendant completes probation.^[6]

References[link]

v t e English criminal law Part of the common law series Classes of crimes Common law Indictable Either way Summary Regulatory Lesser included Elements of crimes Actus reus Causation Mens rea Intention (criminal law) Intention in English law Recklessness Criminal negligence Corporate / Vicarious / Strict liability Omissions Concurrence Ignorantia juris non excusat Inchoate offences Encouraging or assisting crime Conspiracy Accessory Attempt Common purpose Defences Self-defence Duress Necessity Marital coercion Consent Insanity Diminished responsibility Intoxication Category:Criminal defences Offences against the person Homicide (Murder / Manslaughter / Corporate manslaughter / Infanticide) Child destruction Wounding or causing grievous bodily harm Assault occasioning actual bodily harm Common assault Battery Kidnapping False imprisonment Harassment Offences against the Person Act 1861 Sexual offences Rape Sexual assault Sexual Offences Act 2003 Public order offences Riot Violent disorder Affray Fear or provocation of violence Intentional harassment, alarm or distress Harassment, alarm or distress Public Order Act 1986 Nuisance Public nuisance Offences against property Dishonesty Burglary Robbery Theft Taken Without Owner's Consent (TWOC) Deception Handling stolen goods Blackmail Computer crime Theft Act 1968 Theft Act 1978 Fraud Act 2006 Criminal damage Conspiracy to defraud Forgery, personation and cheating Forgery Cheating the public revenue Offences against justice Bribery Perjury Perverting the course of justice Other common law areas Contract Tort Property Wills Trusts and estates Evidence See also Criminal procedure History Law of England and Wales portal Criminal justice portal

The Twang are an indie rock band from Birmingham, England, formed in 2001. The band have released two studio albums - Love It When I Feel Like This (2007) and Jewellery Quarter (2009). Comprising vocalist and guitarist Phil Etheridge, bassist Jon Watkins, vocalist Martin Saunders, guitarist Stu Hartland and drummer Matty Clinton, the band garnered national acclaim when the influential NME magazine produced an article on music acts in the West Midlands (which also featured fellow Midlanders Ripchord and The Enemy) .

The band's debut single, "Wide Awake", was released March 19, 2007, with their debut album Love It When I Feel Like This (released on June 4, 2007) being produced by Gavin Monaghan, known for his work with Editors, Ocean Colour Scene, Robert Plant, Scott Matthews and The Holloways. The album reached #3 in the UK charts.^[1]

The Twang's second album, Jewellery Quarter, was released 3 August 2009 and reached #20 on the UK album chart. The album was produced by Neil Claxton of Mint Royale at Blueprint Studios in Salford.

Lead singer Phil Etheridge is an Aston Villa supporter, Saunders is a Birmingham City supporter whilst the rest are West Bromwich Albion supporters as stated in a Live Lounge session on BBC Radio 1 presented by Jo Whiley.

Biography[link]

Formation and Neon Twang Years 2004-2007[link]

The band was formed in Quinton, Birmingham by Phil Etheridge and Jon Watkin after the pair studied music technology together at Kidderminster College. The Twang originally performed in and around Birmingham under the name "Neon Twang". However, this was allegedly changed due to minor scuffles between the band's fans and punters in various Pubs. These events prevented them booking gigs in some venues, hence the need for the name change. The band have been quoted saying that they do not promote violence at their performances and criticised the lack of doormen and security at local venues.

During the "Neon Twang" period, the band's sound was very similar to how it is now, some very early track names being "See It Thru", "Big Day Out", live favourite "Shoot To Kill", "Time Waits", "Push The Ghost", "Aimless With An Aim" and the reggae influenced "Fake ID". "Aimless With An Aim" and "Fancy That" later appeared as B-Sides to the band's first single "Wide Awake". Demos of early these Neon Twang tracks can still be found online and are much beloved by fans.

In the early days prior to Stuart Hartland and drummer Matty Clinton joining the group, lead singer Phil Etheridge and bass player Jon Watkin swapped instruments on numerous "Neon Twang" tracks ("Cloudy Room", "Push The Ghosts" and "Aimless With An Aim" being surviving tracks from this period). Etheridge frequently played bass guitar and sang, whilst Watkin played lead guitar. The addition of Hartland in late 2005 enabled Watkin to take over bass duties permanently and allowed Etheridge to perform songs live with much more enthusiasm, although the frontman's trademark dancing was still evident whilst playing bass.

Love It When I Feel Like This 2007-2008[link]

After numerous meetings with major record labels The Twang eventually signed a deal in 2007 with Independent record label B-Unique, home to Kaiser Chiefs, The Automatic and The Ordinary Boys at the time.

In April 2007 they had their first NME cover and two months later they were the subject of a BBC Radio 1 documentary. Throughout early 2007 the band were frequently hailed by the NME as "Britain's Best New Band" and walked away with the Phillip Hall Radar Award at the 2007 NME Awards.

Their debut single release, Wide Awake was released in both CD and 7" format on the 19th of March 2007. The record reached number 15 in the UK singles charts and was followed up by a second single Either Way on 28 May 2007 - the band's highest charting single to date which reached number 8 in the UK singles charts. Either Way proved to be the breakthrough that The Twang needed and the single received heavy radio play and was championed by BBC Radio 1 DJs such as Edith Bowman, Jo Whiley and Chris Moyles.

Their debut album Love It When I Feel Like This was released on 4 June 2007 amid much media hype. The record did not disappoint and landed in the UK album charts at number 3. Through 2007 - 2008 the band toured extensively and performed sold out shows most notably to a capacity show at London's Brixton Academy where they played to 5,000 adoring fans and a headline slot on the John Peel stage at Glastonbury.

Towards the end of 2007 the band released a new single Two Lovers which starred the band alongside iconic British actor Danny Dyer and actress Jaime Winstone as a pair of dysfunctional sweethearts.

The band also worked with The Streets on a remix of their hit single "Either Way". The remix also featured rapper Professor Green.

In February 2008, The Twang had their University of Surrey gig filmed and later broadcast on Channelbee. However this footage no longer available due to Channelbee's demise. Whether it is available on the internet via another source is unknown.

Jewellery Quarter 2009-2010[link]

In January 2008, following a rollercoaster year The Twang decamped to the isle of Anglesey, where they hired a private cottage and quietly began writing what would eventually be their second studio album. The band have described this period as a magical time in their career.

In March 2008, The Twang packed their bags and jetted out to Granada, Spain, to record their second album with Killing Joke bassist and music producer, Youth, credited with recording The Verve's iconic album Urban Hymns. Back in the UK they enlisted Mint Royale whiz kid Neil Claxton and finished recording at ‘Blueprint’ Studio’s in Salford, Manchester, home of Mercury Prize winning band Elbow. A month later the album was complete and the title Jewellery Quarter was attached to it, a homage to the area in Birmingham in which the band were now resident. The artwork to ‘Jewellery Quarter’ was the idea of critically acclaimed Wolverhampton artist Temper who, unknown to the band was also situated in the Jewellery Quarter. The piece depicts the band all pulling a huge anchor, the symbol of the Jewellery Quarter. The artwork, painted entirely with aerosol cans, stood at nearly six feet in height.

On 7 May 2009, The Twang announced a free download of album track "Another Bus", along with the album details and title, "Jewellery Quarter".

The first single proper to be lifted from the album was "Barney Rubble" and featured a sample from classic 1990s dance track "Give It Up" by The Goodmen, the promotional video featured the band in the idyllic hills of Montenegro driving classic cars and motorcycles whilst mixing with locals.

The Twang's songs have been used on various T.V. programmes. "Twit Twoo", taken from the album Jewellery Quarter, was used on Match of the Day. "Barney Rubble" was used on ITV when they showed the group standings and results after, before or at half-time in their football shows/matches. "Back Where We Started", also taken from Jewellery Quarter, was used on ITV as part of their football shows/matches. "Reap What You Sow" from Love It When I Feel Like This was used on Katie Price: What Happened Next and Ice Cream Sundae has also been used at various times on the BBC.

Live footage of the band's sold out show at Birmingham O2 Academy in 2009 was used in the video for the album's second single "Encouraging Sign" which was released on download only.

Guapa EP & Third Album 2011-Present[link]

In January 2010 The Twang made an official statement regarding Stu Hartland, the band's guitarist, stating that the band and Hartland were no longer working together and that the band were working with a new guitarist Jimmy Jazz. Although no longer recording with The Twang, Hartland still plays live whilst pursuing other projects.

In summer 2010, The Twang began writing and recording new material with long time friend and producer Jon ‘Simmo’ Simcox. With the introduction of Simcox on guitar, the Twang realised a fresh new sound and direction. They quickly recorded demos, and then later in 2010 recorded final versions of the songs due to be released as The Twang's third studio album.

The Twang announced on 1 February 2011 via Facebook that they would be releasing a new EP titled ""Guapa"" on 14th February 2011 containing 4 brand new tracks. The EP was well received by fans and critics alike. The physical release was limited to 1,000 pressings and sold out almost immediately.

German Band "The Twang"[link]

There is also a German band called "The Twang". Since the Germans (a country band founded in 1999) own the rights to the name both bands release albums under the same band name which often leads to confusion.

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• Love It When I Feel Like This (4 June 2007) #3 (UK)
• Jewellery Quarter (3 August 2009) #20 (UK)
• 10:20

EPs[link]

• Guapa EP (14 February 2011)

Singles[link]

• "Wide Awake" (March 19, 2007) UK #15
• "Either Way" (May 28, 2007) UK #8
• "Two Lovers" (August 27, 2007) UK #34
• "Push the Ghosts" / "Drinking In L.A" (November 26, 2007) UK #63
• "Another Bus" (Free download)
• "Barney Rubble" (July 27, 2009) UK #59
• "Encouraging Sign" (October 18, 2009)
• "Paradise" (Free download)
• "We're a Crowd" (February 13, 2012)

References[link]

1. ^ http://www.ilikemusic.com/music_news/Rihanna_does_double_dominates_UK_charts-3767

Skinner- You Geezer at musicscoop.net

• http://www.ilikemusic.com/music_news/Rihanna_does_double_dominates_UK_charts-3767

External links[link]

• Official Website
• The Twang on Myspace
• The Twang interviewed by the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph
• The Twang gig review on what-music.com

Professor Green
Green in 2011
Background information
Birth name	Stephen Paul Manderson
Born	27 November 1983 (1983-11-27) (age 28) Hackney, East London, England
Genres	Grime, Hip hop, Rap
Occupations	Rapper
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2004–present
Labels	The Beats (2006–08) Virgin (2010–present)
Associated acts	Orelsan, Plan B, Ed Drewett, Lily Allen,Maverick Sabre, Example, The Streets, Game, Labrinth, Emeli Sandé, Johnny Truant, Adam Deacon, Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, Devlin, Giggs, Chipmunk, The Saturdays, Fink, The ThundaCatz, Luciana
Website	professorgreen.co.uk

Stephen Paul Manderson (born on 27 November 1983), better known by his stage name Professor Green, is an English rapper. He was signed to The Beats, a record label run by Mike Skinner and Ted Mayhem, until 12 February 2008, when the label terminated. He rose to success upon winning the inaugural JumpOff MySpace £50,000 battle rap tournament in July 2008. Following this in 2009, Manderson worked with Lily Allen on her 2009 concert tour.

In 2006 he released his first mixtape, Lecture #1. After his first record label, The Beats, went under he produced on his own an EP called The Green EP. After he toured with Lily Allen he was signed to Virgin Records and released "I Need You Tonight", based around INXS's "Need You Tonight" through the label.^[1] He also joined up with Lily Allen in "Just Be Good To Green" which is based around The SOS Band's "Just Be Good to Me".

Green released his debut album, Alive Till I'm Dead, on 19 July 2010, which features guest vocals from Lily Allen, Emeli Sandé, Fink, Labrinth and Example, as well as The Streets, who used to own The Beats.

Early and personal life[link]

Manderson was born in Hackney, East London on 27 November 1983.^[2] and was raised by his grandmother, Patricia, from the age of one on the Northwold Estate. His father, Peter, committed suicide in 2008 in Brentwood, Essex. Green has stated previously he feels his father's death has made him a better person, saying: "I'd had a turbulent relationship with my dad. He was always in and out of my life and I was raised by my grandmother Patricia. Mum, who had me at 16, was there for the most part but my grandmother was the most influential. I last saw my dad alive on my 18th birthday. He came over to see me but after that we just stopped talking. There was no real reason. He hanged himself and I had to go and identify the body in the morgue." Manderson also talked about his father's death in the song "Goodnight" from the album "Alive Till I'm Dead" and about the problems with his family in "Read All About It" from the album "At Your Inconvenience".

Manderson said he "fell in to rapping accidentally" as he was at a party at a friend's house, where everyone was freestyling, and he got put on the spot and he said it worked for him. Then, on seeing a flyer for a freestyle night called LyricPad, he decided to go. Despite having no experience freestyling, he won. After going to LyricPad again the next month, a scout from JumpOff spotted him. From there he battled and won every week, eventually becoming Champion. As of June 2011, he remains the only MC to win seven times in a row, a feat he accomplished twice. At JumpOff, Mike Skinner from The Streets saw and signed Manderson up to his record label, The Beats, although Manderson is never very complimentary when asked about his experiences there. Manderson gained the alias of 'Professor Green', the 'Green' part derives from the slang of cannabis, and he continued to sell cannabis until he was signed to The Beats. He gained the name Professor as he was very intelligent, although dropping out of school; despite having been offered a place at St. Paul's School in Barnes, he decided instead to go to a comprehensive in Tottenham.^[3]

On 23 May 2009 Manderson was attacked with the neck of a broken bottle in the Cargo nightclub in Shoreditch, East London. Ironically, the wound overlapped his tattoo of the word 'Lucky' located on the left of his neck. His assailant was later convicted of the crime and sentenced to eight years in prison.^[4]

It emerged in December 2011 that Manderson is dating Made in Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh.^[5]

Career history[link]

[edit] 2010–11: Alive Till I'm Dead

He confirmed his debut album's title was "Alive Till I'm Dead" on his official MySpace. The first single off the album was produced by The ThundaCatz and called "I Need You Tonight", which was released on 12 April 2010. It samples the 1987 hit from INXS 'Need You Tonight'. It peaked at #3 in the UK, and #15 in Ireland. The single was also certificated silver status in the United Kingdom.

He released his second single 'Just Be Good to Green', on 11 July 2010 in the UK. The single features British singer Lily Allen. It became a top 5 hit in the UK, a top 20 hit in Ireland and on the European Hot 100 Singles. It also peaked at #32 in New Zealand and #49 in Australia. The song samples 'Just Be Good To Me' by the SOS Band.

His album was released a week later, and peaked at #2 in the UK and #18 in Ireland. He released 'Monster' as the third single from the album. The track features UK rapper Example (Elliot Gleave). Released on 3 October 2010 the single became a top 30 hit on the UK Singles Chart. His album has been certificated Gold with sales of over 100,000 in the United Kingdom.

On 10 September 2010, Professor Green joined Lily Allen on stage at Wembley Stadium whilst supporting Muse, to perform her number one hit 'Smile', and 'Just Be Good To Green'.^[6]

On 19 October 2010 Manderson released the video for his next single 'Jungle' which features Maverick Sabre. It was released on 3 January 2011 and reached #33 in the UK Singles Chart.

On 8 December 2010, a feud erupted on social networking site Twitter between Green and fellow grime artist Wiley. The argument arose when Wiley said that Green would not exist if it were not for the success of American rapper Eminem, adding that he himself was a superior artist to Green. In retribution Green responded by saying '"I will always be a fan, but that's not to say I won't s**t all over you. It's not a problem for me." This then escalated into a larger argument before Green attempted to defuse the situation, to little avail.^[7]

Green appeared on Soccer AM where he was challenged to a rap battle by Tubes, after several starting spits, Green said "I'm the Professor, the one that you don't wanna test, Tubes is about as smart as the Soccerette". This got a big reaction from everyone in the studio.

Green is also UK Ambassador for SportLifestyle brand Puma, focusing on the fashion and lifestyle side of the brand.

[edit] 2011–2012: At Your Inconvenience

Professor Green's second album is titled At Your Inconvenience and was released on 31 October 2011.^[8] The title track "At Your Inconvenience" was played by Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1 on 13 July 2011.^[9] That track was released as a promotional single only. The first official single "Read All About It" which features vocals from Emeli Sandé was released on 23 October 2011.On 30 October it reached number 1.^[10]. The second single from the album is set to be 'Never Be A Right Time' which has guest vocals from Ed Drewett. The third single released is 'Remedy' featuring Ruth-Anne Cunningham.

[edit] 2012–present: New Album

Professor Green has stated via Twitter he is already recording his third solo album. He has expressed interest to work with Lily Allen, Ed Sheeran and Emeli Sande once more, as well as Lana Del Rey exclusively being asked and agreeing to work on the album with Green. Possible producers so far for the album, includes Mike Skinner, Paul Wilson of Slipknot, Ishi, Pharrell Williams and Skrillex.^[11][12][13]

Discography[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

• BT Digital Music Awards 2010
  • Breakthrough Artist of the Year – Won
  • Best Newcomer – Nominated
• MTV Europe Music Awards 2010
  • Best Push Act
• MOBO Awards 2010
  • Best Newcomer – Nominated
  • Best Song - I Need You Tonight - Nominated
  • Best Hip Hop/Grime Act - Won
• MP3 Awards 2010
  • Radio/ Charts/ Downloads - Just Be Good To Green – Nominated
• Urban Music Awards 2010
  • Best Newcomer – Nominated
  • Best Hip-Hop Act – Nominated
  • Best Song - I Need You Tonight – Nominated
• NME Awards 2011
  • Best Dancefloor Filler - Jungle – Won

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Professor Green on Myspace

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2012)

Dead Meadow is an American hard rock band that formed in Washington, D.C. in 1998. Currently comprising vocalist and guitarist Jason Simon, bassist Steve Kille and drummer Mark Laughlin, the band has released five studio albums and one live album.

Biography[link]

Dead Meadow formed in 1998 from the remnants of two young indie DC bands, The Impossible Five "Gern Blandsten Records" and its immediate follow-up Colour.^[1] The band started as Jason Simon on vocals and guitar, Steve Kille on bass, and Mark Laughlin on drums. They began to combine 70s hard rock and 60s psychedelic rock with themes from authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien and H. P. Lovecraft.^[1] The first album, Dead Meadow, was released in 2000 on Tolotta Records, a label run by Fugazi bassist Joe Lally. The LP version was released by Planaria Records. This was quickly followed by 2001's Howls from the Hills, also released on Tolotta Records. At the completion of "Howls from the Hills" John Peel asked Dead Meadow to record a Peel Session which was recorded in Fugazi's home studio, the first time a Peel Session was recorded outside the BBC studios.^[1]

In Spring 2002, Laughlin parted ways with the band in order to pursue a career as a lawyer. He was replaced by long-time friend Stephen McCarty (previously with Canyon, also of Gern Blandsten). A live album, Got Live If You Want It, was released in mid-2002, which documented one of the last shows with drummer Mark and was produced by Anton Newcombe of Brian Jonestown Massacre. In early 2003 the band signed with Matador Records and released Shivering King and Others. Along with the heavy song and blues-influenced songs as on the previous two records, the band continued in their psychedelic style, with acoustic elements and ballads. With the addition of second guitarist Cory Shane, Feathers was released in 2005. Simon’s guitar virtuosity is as influenced by the droning modal character of Eastern music as by classic rock riffs.

Jason Simon is the nephew of The Wire creator David Simon. Dead Meadow's music was used briefly in both the season four premiere "Boys of Summer" and the season five episode "React Quotes" of The Wire.

In 2007 the band has reverted back to a three piece, made an appearance at the fifth annual Green Man Festival in Crickhowell, Wales and relocated from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, California.

In the beginning of 2008, Dead Meadow released Old Growth on Matador Records. A collection of songs that brought the band back initially to the same farm that their second release Howls from the Hills was created and eventually finished up at the Sunset Sound studio in Los Angeles. As with the last three albums Old Growth was produced by bassist Steve Kille.

Later in that same year a brief session with Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother led to the reinterpretation of the Dead Meadow song "Everything's Goin' On" as a new song "Pilgrim" landing on the second release for Wolfmother, "Cosmic Egg".

In March 2010 the band released a feature length live film and soundtrack, "Three Kings", that spotlights their stage show along with psychedelic dream scenarios. The live footage and audio was captured at the bombastic final show of the five month "Old Growth" tour. The film premiered at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California^[2] and was released on the NYC label Xemu Records, co-run by Kille. The film was directed by Simon Chan & Joe Rubalcaba of Artificial Army.

In August 2010, a tour of Australia is announced with original drummer Mark Laughlin. The tour will include U.S. reunion shows and a headline run of Australia in October 2010.^[3] A new studio album is in the works which will have more of a "Jimi Hendrix" feel to it. In January 2011, Mark Laughlin threw away a not-so-promising career in law to rejoin the band and tour Europe and the Pacific Northwest.

Jason Simon also announced his September release of his first solo "self-titled" acoustic album on TeePee Records.

The song "Sleepy Silver Door", "Greensky Greenlake" and "That Old Temple" were featured in the skate video Emerica, Stay Gold.

Band members[link]

Current members

• Jason Simon – vocals, guitar
• Steve Kille – bass, sitar
• Mark Laughlin – drums

Former members

• Stephen McCarty – drums
• Cory Shane – guitar

Discography[link]

Studio albums

• "Peel Sessions" (2000)
• Dead Meadow (2001)
• Howls from the Hills (2001)
• Shivering King and Others (2003)
• Feathers (2005)
• Old Growth (2008)
• Three Kings (2010)

Live albums

• Got Live If You Want It (2002)

References[link]

External links[link]

This article's use of external links may not follow Wikipedia's policies or guidelines. Please improve this article by removing excessive or inappropriate external links, and converting useful links where appropriate into footnote references. (July 2011)

• Official website
• Dead Meadow on Myspace
• Interview with Dead Meadow's Stephen Kille on Ground Control
• Dead Meadow player and info on REVERBNation

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (April 2011)

Meshell Ndegeocello
Meshell Ndegeocello performing in Washington, D.C., 2007
Background information
Birth name	Michelle Lynn Johnson
Also known as	Meshell Suhaila Bashir-Shakur Me'Shell NdegéOcello
Born	(1968-08-29) August 29, 1968 (age 43) Berlin, Germany
Origin	Washington, D.C., United States
Genres	Funk, jazz, soul, R&B, hip hop, reggae, rock
Occupations	Musician, songwriter, rapper
Instruments	Vocals, bass
Years active	1993–present
Labels	Maverick, Reprise, Warner Bros, Shanachie, EmArcy, Decca, Universal, Mercer Street/Downtown
Associated acts	John Mellencamp
Website	www.meshell.com

Meshell Ndegeocello (born Michelle Lynn Johnson, August 29, 1968) is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, bassist, and vocalist. Her music incorporates a wide variety of influences, including funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, R&B, rock, and jazz. She has received significant critical acclaim throughout her career,^[1][2] and has had ten career Grammy Award nominations.^[3] She has been credited for having "sparked the neo-soul movement."^[4]

Biography[link]

Ndegeocello was born Michelle Lynn Johnson in Berlin, Germany, to army lieutenant and saxophonist father Jacques Johnson and health care worker mother Helen. She was raised in Washington, D.C. where she attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Oxon Hill High School. In early press releases from Maverick Records her birth year was erroneously listed as 1969. The 1968 birth date has been confirmed through a previous manager and lifelong friend.^{[citation needed]}

Named Michelle Lynn Johnson at birth, Ndegeocello adopted her surname at the age of 17, which she says means "free like a bird" in Swahili. Meshell Ndegeocello is pronounced Mee-shell N-deh-gay-o-chel-o. Early pressings of Plantation Lullabies were stickered with the instructions. The spelling has changed in the hands of record labels a few times during her career; however, the correct spelling of her stage name is now Meshell Ndegeocello.^[5]

Personal life[link]

Ndegeocello is bisexual and previously had a relationship with feminist author Rebecca Walker. She suffers from photosensitive epilepsy and is susceptible to seizures induced by flash photography when she is performing live. Her son Solomon was born in 1989.^[6] She has gone by the name Meshell Suhaila Bashir-Shakur which is used as a writing credit on some of her later work.^[7] She is a Muslim.^[8]

Career[link]

Ndegeocello honed her skills on the D.C. go-go circuit^[where?] in the late 1980s with the bands Prophecy, Little Bennie and the Masters, and Rare Essence ^[9] She unsuccessfully tried out for Living Colour's bassist position, vacated in 1992 by Muzz Skillings. Going solo, she was one of the first artists to sign with Maverick Records, where she released her debut album, Plantation Lullabies. This recording presented a distinctly androgynous persona.

Her biggest hit is a duet with John Mellencamp, a cover version of Van Morrison's "Wild Night", which reached #3 on the Billboard charts. Her only other Billboard Hot 100 hit besides "Wild Night" has been her self-penned "If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night)", which peaked at #73 in 1994. Also in 1994, Ndegeocello collaborated with Herbie Hancock on "Nocturnal Sunshine," a track for the Red Hot Organization's compilation album, Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool. The album, meant to raise awareness and funds in support of the AIDS epidemic in relation to the African American community, was heralded as "Album of the Year" by Time magazine.

She had a No. 1 Dance hit in 1996 with a Bill Withers cover song called "Who Is He (and What Is He To You?)" (briefly featured in the film Jerry Maguire) as well as Dance Top 20 hits with "Earth", "Leviticus: Faggot", "Stay" and the aforementioned "If That's Your Boyfriend.. Last Night)". Ndegeocello played bass on the song "I'd Rather be Your Lover" for Madonna on her album Bedtime Stories.^{[citation needed]} Ndegeocello was also tapped, at the last minute, to perform a rap on the same song. This came after Madonna and producers decided to remove Tupac Shakur's rap (which he did while he and Madonna were dating in 1994), after he had criminal charges filed against him.^{[citation needed]}

Her music has been featured in a number of film soundtracks including How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Lost & Delirious, Batman & Robin, Love Jones, Love & Basketball, Talk To Me, Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls,The Best Man, Higher Learning, Down in the Delta, The Hurricane, and Soul Men.

She has appeared on recordings by Basement Jaxx, Indigo Girls, and The Blind Boys of Alabama. On The Rolling Stones' 1997 album Bridges to Babylon she plays bass on the song "Saint Of Me". On Alanis Morissette's 2002 album Under Rug Swept, she plays bass on the songs "So Unsexy" and "You Owe Me Nothing in Return". On Zap Mama's album ReCreation (2009), she plays bass on the song "African Diamond".

She can also be seen in the documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown, singing The Miracles' "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" and The Temptations' "Cloud Nine". In the late 1990s, she toured with Lilith Fair. She also did a remake of the song, "Two Doors Down" on the 2003 release, Just Because I'm A Woman: The Songs of Dolly Parton.

Ndegeocello was also a judge for the 2nd annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers.^[10]

Her song “Tie One On” was chosen as the Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week on February 23, 2010.^[11]

Activism[link]

In 2002, Ndegeocello collaborated with Yerba Buena on a track featuring Ron Black for the Red Hot Organization's tribute album to Fela Kuti, Red Hot and Riot. Proceeds from the album went to various AIDS charities, per the Red Hot Organization's mission.

In June 2010, she contributed a cover of U2's "40"^[where?] to the Enough Project and Downtown Records' Raise Hope for Congo compilation. Proceeds from the compilation fund efforts to make the protection and empowerment of Congo’s women a priority, as well as inspire individuals around the world to raise their voice for peace in Congo.

In 2010, Ndegeocello contributed to the essay anthology It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living, edited by Dan Savage and Terry Miller in the vein of the It Gets Better Project.

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

• 1993: Plantation Lullabies (Maverick)
• 1996: Peace Beyond Passion (Maverick)
• 1999: Bitter (Maverick)
• 2002: Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape (Maverick)
• 2003: Comfort Woman (Maverick)
• 2005: The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel (Shanachie)
• 2007: The World Has Made Me the Man of My Dreams (EmArcy)
• 2009: Devil's Halo (Downtown)
• 2011: Weather (Naïve)

EPs[link]

• 2006: The Article 3 (EmArcy)

Singles[link]

This list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

• 1993: If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night) (Maverick)

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Meshell Ndegeocello

• Official website
• Meshell Ndegeocello discography at Discogs
• FreeMyHeart, defined as the "definitive" website by Meshell herself
• Extensive audio interview on public radio program The Sound of Young America
• Meshell live at Glastonbury, 1994 footage (pt.1)
• Meshell live at Glastonbury, 1994 footage (pt.2)
• Meshell performance and interview at Weeksville, 2011