Tall Dwarfs

{{Short description|New Zealand band from Dunedin}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}

{{Use New Zealand English|date=November 2012}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Tall Dwarfs

| image =

| caption =

| alias =

| origin = New Zealand

| instrument =

| genre = Lo-fi, indie rock, experimental rock

| occupation =

| years_active = 1981–present

| label =

| associated_acts = Toy Love, The Enemy

| website =

| current_members = Chris Knox
Alec Bathgate

}}

Tall Dwarfs are a New Zealand rock band formed in 1981 by Chris Knox and Alec Bathgate, who helped pioneer the lo-fi style of rock music.{{cite web|last=Ankeny |first=Jason |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/tall-dwarfs-mn0000157091 |title=Tall Dwarfs – Music Biography, Credits and Discography |publisher=AllMusic|date=1997-02-11 |access-date=2013-01-07}} The duo were former members of Toy Love.

The band lacked a drummer, but would use household objects and hand claps to act as percussion.{{cite web|url=http://thebigcity.co.nz/artists/t/tall-dwarfs |title=Tall Dwarfs |publisher=thebigcity |date=2011-02-03 |access-date=2013-01-07}} Both members can play guitar, with 12 strings and bass guitar often heard on their records. Both can play organ as well, which has been utilised on some of their songs. The Casiotone is frequently used too, especially on live concerts.

Their debut was the EP Three Songs (1981), and for many years they released EPs only. The album Weeville (1990) was their first full-length album. They did, however, release a number of full-length compilations of their EPs, like Hello Cruel World and The Short and Sick of It.

In the liner notes to their album 3 EPs (1994) (released as a single CD, or as three vinyl EPs collected in one box), they asked for listeners' rhythm tracks: "Send us your idea of a great T.D. throb."Album notes for 3 EPs (1994). Flying Nun Records.{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/International-Tall-Dwarfs-Stumpy/release/855882 |title=International Tall Dwarfs* – Stumpy (Vinyl, LP, Album) at Discogs |date=4 October 1996 |publisher=Discogs|access-date=2013-01-07}} The responses came from many different countries and were used for the next album, Stumpy (1997). This album was credited to "International Tall Dwarfs."Album notes for Stumpy (1997). Flying Nun Records.

Bands who have claimed to be influenced by the Tall Dwarfs include Guided by Voices,{{Cite web |last=Pearis |first=Bill |date=2022-06-08 |title=Tall Dwarfs announce 'Unravelled: 1981–2002' box set; full discography streaming for first time |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/tall-dwarfs-announce-unravelled-1981-2002-box-set-full-discography-streaming-for-first-time/ |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=BrooklynVegan |language=en-US}} Jay Reatard, Superchunk, Elf Power, Neutral Milk Hotel{{cite web|url=http://flavorwire.com/25431/nerd-alert-well-take-any-excuse-to-say-tall-dwarfs-are-awesome|title=Nerd Alert: We'll Take Any Excuse to Say Tall Dwarfs Are Awesome - Flavorwire|date=15 June 2009|work=Flavorwire|access-date=27 December 2015}} and Olivia Tremor Control.{{cite web|url=http://blog.musoscribe.com/index.php/2015/12/16/album-review-tall-dwarfs-weeville/|title=Album Review: Tall Dwarfs – Weeville|date=16 December 2015 |access-date=27 December 2015}} In 2005, they did a small number of concerts in the US, playing with the Olivia Tremor Control.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/newsitem/pi_newsitemid/982|title=Tall Dwarfs To Tour USA|access-date=27 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105085346/http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/newsitem/pi_newsitemid/982|archive-date=5 January 2016}}