The Times was the primary creative vehicle for Ed Ball, a central figure in the UK independent scene who co-founded Television Personalities. Formed in 1980, the band acted as a bridge between the aggressive Mod Revival led by The Jam and the more shambolic, literate indie pop of the C86 generation.
Ball's work is characterized by a deep 'pop-art' sensibility, frequently referencing 1960s iconography, French New Wave cinema, and British cult TV (notably The Prisoner). Throughout the 1980s, the band evolved from a mod-focused outfit into a more experimental unit, eventually touching on acid house by the late 80s with the album 'E for Edward'. Critical consensus views The Times as a 'musician's band,' highly influential on the development of Britpop for their unapologetic celebration of Englishness and retro-stylings. Their output on Ball's Artpop! label remains a cornerstone for collectors of 80s indie and post-punk.
Shares indie pop, post-punk (subgenres); lo_fi, analog_warmth, bedroom_production (production style)
Shares indie pop, art pop (subgenres); lo_fi, analog_warmth, minimalist (production style)
Shares wistful, rebellious, nostalgic (moods); lo_fi, bedroom_production, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares bedroom_production, lo_fi, analog_warmth (production style); wistful, nostalgic, playful (moods)
Shares lo_fi, bedroom_production, analog_warmth (production style); playful, wistful, nostalgic (moods)
Shares indie pop, post-punk (subgenres); urban_night, coffee_shop, rainy_day (atmosphere)
Shares indie pop, post-punk (subgenres); bedroom_production, lo_fi, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares post-punk, nasal, bedroom_production, coffee_shop (subgenre)
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