|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2LP
|
|
DAMGOOD 621LP
|
"From the ashes of the thriving underground punk scene in Brighton in 1979, a band of songwriters called The Smartees emerged. They never made any records but after their demise one of the guitarists, Carl Evans, approached bass player Helen McCookerybook to ask her if she'd like to write some songs with him. He'd already set one of her poems, 'Food,' to music, and they played their first gig with just three songs, each of which lasted just over two minutes: you can hear 'Food,' 'Sweetie,' and 'Boasting' on this compilation. The Chefs original drummer, Rod Bloor, contributed the seeds of the song 'Records and Tea' before returning to his native Manchester. Soon, augmented by James McCallum on additional guitar and Russell Greenwood on drums, the songwriting duo started recording for local label Attrix records, firstly two tracks on their Vaultage 79 album, followed by the Sweetie EP and then 24 Hours which was championed by BBC Radio 1's John Peel, who invited them to do a session. A residency at The Moonlight Club in West Hampstead, London, tempted them all to relocate to the big city, and a move to Graduate Records saw the re-release of 24 Hours. Graduate also commissioned the album tracks included here, which were languishing in the band attic and have not been released until now. The band split up in 1982, heading in different musical directions: Helen switched to guitar and formed Helen and the Horns, Carl formed Yip Yip Coyote, Russell joined John Hegley's Popticians, and James left the music industry."
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
7"
|
|
ON 411EP
|
Part of the Optic Sevens 4.0 Reissue series. Before the term "indie pop" had even been invented, The Chefs had already nailed it. Formed by Carl Evans and Helen McCookerybook, they first appeared on the Vaultage 79 compilation before releasing two singles for the Brighton based Attrix Records. They recorded two sessions for the John Peel Show and one for Richard Skinner briefly changing their name to Skat and then disbanding. Helen went onto success and a major label deal with Helen And The Horns. Yellow vinyl; includes postcard and poster.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
DAMGOOD 388CD
|
Track compilation of everything The Chefs ever did including two John Peel sessions, one Richard Skinner session and all their Attrix Records recordings. Full sleeve notes by Everett True. This is the roots of C-86, Indiepop & lots more. The Chefs first appeared on the Brighton compilation Vaultage '79. They released three singles in 1980 & 1981; the first two were on legendary Brighton label Attrix records; the last one on Graduate Records. Played to death by John Peel and other radio DJs of the day they recorded two sessions for the John Peel Show and one for Richard Skinner, all are included here.
|