Sometimes bands just don’t get the recognition they deserve in their homeland. But if at first you don’t succeed…then move halfway across the world. We take a look at 5 great American acts that cracked the UK while being ignored in the USA.

White Stripes
The Breeders
Pavement
The Pixies
Jimi Hendrix

5) The White Stripes

While the White Stripes UK tour in 2001 sold out fast, ticket sales were much slower for their US tour. Jack and Meg White showed their appreciation to the UK by recording their album in Toe Rag Studios in Hackney, London.

The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army on MUZU.

4) The Breeders

When Kim Deal, formerly of Pixies formed The Breeders she sent the band’s demo to English independent record label 4AD who signed them immediately.

Along with Deal, the band even managed to call on the services of Throwing Muses Tanya Donelly and Drummer Britt Walford from cult post-rock band, Slint. The band recorded their album “Pod” in a week so had enough time left over to record a session for legendary DJ John Peel.

The Brits were in good company as Kurt Cobain even went as far as saying that “Pod” was one of his favourite albums of all time.

The Breeders – Saints (video) on MUZU.

3) Pavement

Pavement made no secret of their admiration for British group “The Fall” so it wasn’t too much of a surprise when the Brits took to them before their American counterparts. The only problem was the Brit they had most trouble convincing was one of their biggest influences. Mark E.Smith from The Fall continually claiming that Pavement ripped off his band and said they didn’t “”have an original idea in their heads” Pavement briefly flirted with wider American appeal with “Cut Your Hair”, but were always more at home playing UK indie festivals like “All Tomorrow’s Parties”.

Pavement – Major Leagues on MUZU.

2) The Pixies

Despite Kurt Cobain acknowledging the debt Nirvana owed to The Pixies, the band never had the same success in their homeland as in the UK. Like The Breeders, The Pixies were also signed to English independent label, 4AD. Their album “Surfer Rosa” was voted album of the year by British magazines, Melody Maker and Sounds.

Pixies – Dig For Fire on MUZU.

1) Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was brought to London by former Animals bassist Chas Chandler. Chandler helped Hendrix put the Jimi Hendrix Experience together. Hendrix’s legendary London performances caught the attention of music legends like The Beatles, Eric Clapton and The Who. Jimi is still loved by the British public today and even has an English Heritage blue plaque erected in his name on his former residence at Brook Street, London.

My Beat Club – Purple Haze on MUZU.

Have we left any bands off the list? Leave your comments below