A Musical Menagerie Quiz Challenge - How Much Do You Know? | Science and Nature in Songs

Answer: Belle & Sebastian

Belle & Sebastian formed in 1996 when the original band members met on a music course in Glasgow. The band recorded their debut album, 'Tigermilk', as part of their course work and it was released to widespread critical acclaim. The band's subsequent albums, 'If You're Feeling Sinister' and 'The Boy With the Arab Strap', met with similar success and the band established themselves as one of the most influential British indie pop bands of the last two decades.

Although they are considered an indie band, Belle & Sebastian have scored a number of hit singles and albums in the UK, beginning with their early EPs. 'Dog on Wheels' was the first EP released by Belle & Sebastian and features some of the band's earliest recordings.

The lead track and the b-side, 'String Bean Jean', have both become favourites amongst fans of the band.

Answer: Pixies

Pixies formed in Boston in 1986 and are known for their offbeat music and lyrics. Their original line-up consisted of Black Francis, Kim Deal, David Lovering and Joey Santiago. The band experienced modest success in their native USA but their music enjoyed more popularity in Europe.

Much of the band's reputation has been built since their 1993 break-up as popular bands such as Nirvana, Weezer and The Strokes have cited them as an influence. 'Monkey Gone to Heaven' was released in 1989 and was the first single to be released in the UK and USA from the band's album 'Doolittle'.

It has become one of the band's best known songs and has been covered by a number of other artists.

Answer: The Cure

Fronted by lead singer and songwriter and only permanent member of the band, Robert Smith, The Cure emerged from the post-punk music scene of the late 1970s. By the early 1980s the band's sound had taken on a darker aspect, identifying them with the burgeoning goth scene.

However, Smith chose to take the band's music in a more pop-orientated direction, a decision which reaped considerable rewards as the band went on to have a string of hits with such songs as 'Friday I'm In Love', 'Boys Don't Cry' and 'Just Like Heaven'. 'The Love Cats' peaked at number seven in the UK singles chart on its release.

The song's lyrics are said to be based on the work of Australian novelist Patrick White.

Answer: Rilo Kiley

Rilo Kiley formed in 1998 and released their debut album, 'Take-Offs and Landings', in 2001. The band released a series of singles and albums on independent labels before signing to Warner Bros in 2007. The band's lead singer, Jenny Lewis, has also released solo albums and has recorded backing vocals for indie band The Postal Service.

Answer: Patrick Wolf

Patrick Wolf was born in London in 1983 and released his debut album, 'Lycanthropy', when he was still a teenager. Wolf is known for his complex musical compositions which meld baroque pop with electronic music. He is an accomplished musician who can play multiple instruments including the viola, violin, ukulele and piano. Wolf has released a series of critically acclaimed solo albums and has played viola for a number of other acts including The Hidden Cameras, Arcade Fire and Chicks on Speed.

Answer: Le Tigre

Kathleen Hanna had been a founder of the seminal riot grrrl band Bikini Kill. Like Hanna's previous band, Le Tigre's lyrics are overtly political, dealing with issues of feminism and LGBT rights. However, where as Bikini Kill had a much more noisy rock sound, Le Tigre's sound is characterised by catchy infectious beats and a dance aesthetic.

The band are probably best known for the songs 'Hot Topic', 'TKO' and 'Deceptacon'.

Answer: T. Rex

T. Rex, originally known as Tyrannosaurus Rex, were formed by principal songwriter, Marc Bolan, in 1967. They began as a largely acoustic act but in the early 1970s Bolan changed the band's sound considerably, adding electric guitar and fully embracing the burgeoning glam rock movement. 'Ride a White Swan' was the band's first major hit, peaking at number two on the UK singles chart, and it was followed by a series of hits including 'Hot Love', 'Get It On', '20thCentury Boy', 'Metal Guru' and 'Telegram Sam'. Tragically, Marc Bolan was killed in a car accident in 1977, just two weeks shy of his thirtieth birthday leaving behind him an incredibly impressive musical legacy.

Answer: Shrag

Shrag formed in Brighton in 2003 and their urgent post-punk sound, coupled with King's unique vocal style, steadily gained them a cult following. The band toured extensively, headlining their own shows and opening for The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Shrag released their debut eponymous album in 2008 which was crammed with memorable songs such as 'Intelligent Theft' and 'Mark E. Smith' and was met with acclaim from fans.

The band's sophomore album, 2010's 'Life! Death! Prizes!', featured the single 'Rabbit Kids' which helped bring the band to the attention of music critics and radio stations.

The band released their excellent third album 'Canines' in 2012 to widespread critical acclaim. In 2013 Shrag announced their intention to split up during a recording of a live session for Marc Riley's BBC 6Music show.

Answer: Jefferson Airplane

Jefferson Airplane formed in San Francisco in 1965 and achieved considerable commercial and critical success in the late 1960s, becoming one of the headliners at the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969. 'White Rabbit' was written by Grace slick and was taken from the band's wonderfully named 1967 album 'Surrealistic Pillow'.

It was inspired by the character of the same name from Lewis Carroll's classic 1865 book 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and earned the band their second American top ten hit.

Answer: Angelica

Angelica formed in Lancaster in 1994 when the four band members were all in their mid teens. Their debut single, 1997's 'Teenage Girl Crush', brought them to the attention of BBC Radio 1 djs John Peel, Steve Lamacq and Marc Riley. 'Why Did You Let My Kitten Die?' was released as a single in 1999 and was voted alternative record of the year by listeners of Radio 1's 'Evening Session' show.

The band were offered a support slot with The Beautiful South and performed at the NME Awards ceremony in 2000.

In 2000 Angelica released their debut mini-album 'The End of a Beautiful Career' to critical acclaim. In 2002 the band toured Europe with legendary riot grrrl band Babes in Toyland. The band released their excellent full-length album 'The Seven Year Itch' in 2002 but split up shortly later. Holly Ross went on to form successful indie rock band The Lovely Eggs with her husband David.