Browse by Artist: MAXIMUM JOY

Artist:	MAXIMUM JOY
Title:	Unlimited (1979-1983)
Label:	CRIPPLED DICK HOT WAX (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.50
Catalog #:	CDHW 101CD

A compilation of rare and hard-to-find 7", 12" and some album tracks from Bristol's Maximum Joy. Formed in 1979, Maximum Joy was originated by Janine Rainforth (singer/violin/clarinet) and Tony Wrafter (saxophonist/trumpeter, previously of another Bristol band, Glaxo Babies). In the wake of the infamous Pop Group and influenced by the hot bed of musical influences driving the Bristol scene at the time: punk, reggae, funk, soul and jazz -- the band developed their own unique version of the post-punk Bristol sound. Sometimes soothing, occasionally challenging, their groove combined funk, punk, soulful jazz and wild improv with daring and panache. Other founding members were Charlie Llewellyn, John Waddington and Dan Catsis, all previous members of the bands Pop Group and Glaxo Babies. Fuelled by Thatcherism, inner city race riots and growing protest amongst young and old, Maximum Joy's songs and melodies were about being conscious and staying positive. They were quickly signed by Y records, and distributed by Rough Trade. Maximum Joy's first single, "Stretch" came out in 1981. The song became a big underground seller in Europe, Japan and the States, and made it into the NME indie charts, becoming an underground post-punk/funk classic in the fashionable night clubs of New York when the disco re-mix was released on New York's 99 Records. The band's next single, "White and Green Place" was a funky, fun number but underneath was reflected the shallowness perceived in modern living of the day. The slick production was orchestrated by maestro Dick O'Dell, string quartet and all. Kev (Ebo) Evans joined as bassist and the band went on to record the jazzy, ethereal "All in the Air," illustrating the intangible yet all-permeating effect of feelings, inspiration and sound. Then in 1982, the band brought out their LP, Station MXJY, featuring spacey interludes and reggae-influenced ballads, which was overseen by producer extraordinaire, Adrian Sherwood. Later that year they recruited Nelly Hooper to add to the line up, (formerly of Mouth, the Wild Bunch and Soul II Soul) who contributed the unique, early '80s disco sound of the syn drum. Trumpeter Jeremy Hirsh also joined the band at this time. Maximum Joy's last single was a haunting version of a Timmy Thomas classic "Why Can't We Live Together," on the flip side of which was "Man Of Tribes," another song about how capitalism can lead to heartache. Produced by prolific musician Dennis Bovell, he dug the B-side song so much that he joined Janine on the choruses and contributed to making it one of Maximum Joy's best recorded tracks. John Peel was a fan, and they recorded a couple of BBC Radio 1 sessions for him while they fast became a European staple.

Artist:	MAXIMUM JOY
Title:	Station M.X.J.Y.
Label:	VICTOR (JAPAN)
Format:	CD
Price:	$38.00
Catalog #:	BRC 193CD

Japanese-only reissue of the lone album by this UK group, originally issued on Y in 1982. Some of these tracks showed up on the Crippled Dick compilation Unlimited (1979-1983), but not all. Includes the original 8 tracks off the album, two 12" tracks, "White And Green Space" (Extraterrestrial Mix) and an unreleased version of "Why Can't We Live Together?". "Maximum Joy was an offshoot of the Pop Group. They were a post-punk band that existed after the Pop Group's break-up in the early '80s. Signed to the Y label, Maximum Joy issued a trio of 12" and 7" singles prior to making Station M.X.J.Y., their lone album. Apparently the band split shortly thereafter. Former Pop Group members/guitarists Dan Catsis (who had previously spent time in the Glaxo Babies) and John Waddington formed the group, and they were joined by Janine Rainforth (vocals, clarinet, violin), Kev Evans (bass, piano, vocals), and Tony Wrafter (sax, flute, trumpet)." --All Music Guide.

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