A DIFFERENT KIND OF TENSION (5)

Ironic that the final two tracks from the 1986 compilation LP features two bands that are probably the best known of all that appeared on the LP, and incredibly one of which is still with us 24 years later.

Side B, Track 4

mp3 : The Wedding Present - Once More

The band had released just one single prior to Once More coming out in 1986 as the lead track on the four-track Don't Try And Stop Me Mother on Reception Records in 1985. They've released many more records since then, many of which have featured on TVV. Some folk say The Wedding Present have never bettered the early songs - but they're wrong. No arguments allowed.

Side B, Tack 5

mp3 : The Shamen - Happy Days

Technically, this is the first ever single by The Shamen, released on One Big Guitar in 1985. The band had changed their name from Alone Again Or and changed record labels after just two singles. Frontman Colin Angus was one of the first to realise that indi-pop wasnt the way forward if you wanted major success, and by mid 1988, the band were down to a two-piece who were more focused on dance. Four years later they were among the biggest acts in the UK with a string of chart hits including the unforgettable Ebeneezer Goode which was #1 for a number of weeks in August 1992.

By the mid-late 90s, the band had turned their backs on commercial sounded dance music and frustrating the life out of their record label bosses at One Little Indian. The Shamen called it a day in 1999, but will be remembered fondly by a great many clubbers of a certain generation.

And that ladies and gentlemen concludes the postings for the first week of my summer holiday. The usual Saturday blast from the past will be here tomorrow, then there will be an offering from one of the Sunday Correspondents. Oh and another compilation LP will fill the pages next week.

Happy Listening.