Klf

The KLF formed in 1987 as a project between Bill Drummond and Jimmy Cauty, who came from experimental art backgrounds. They started by mixing industrial, ambient, and house music into something that felt both strange and oddly familiar. Their 1990 album 'Chill Out' became a quiet landmark in ambient music, pulling together field recordings and gentle electronics into a single continuous piece.

They had a knack for turning pop culture into something surreal. Songs like 'Doctorin' The Tardis' mashed up the Doctor Who theme with Gary Glitter beats, while 'Justified and ancient' featured country singer Tammy Wynette rapping about ice cream vans. Their work often felt like a prank that accidentally became meaningful.

In 1994, they burned a million pounds in cash on the Scottish island of Jura, an act that seemed designed to confuse more than explain. They'd already been known for provocative stunts, like sampling the Moors Murderers on a track or staging a mock trial of the Prime Minister. The money burning felt like their final statement, though they've reappeared occasionally since.

Their music never settled into one style. 'Whitney Joins The Jams' reworked Whitney Houston, while 'Kylie Said To Jason' played with soap opera dialogue. They treated pop music as raw material to be cut up and reassembled, leaving behind a catalog that feels both of its time and completely out of step with it.