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One of Britain's more popular indie guitar-pop groups of the
late '80s, the Housemartins' post-Smiths guitar jangle and subtle
updating of catchy, melodic British beat groups earned the
Hull-based quartet a substantial critical and popular following
within the UK. Though the group never gained much more than a cult
following in America, their balance of simple, memorable melodies
and cutting sarcasm helped them rise into the British Top Ten, as
well as earn consistently strong reviews. The Housemartins broke up
in 1988, just before they fully broke into the mainstream. The
group's lead songwriter, Paul Heaton, formed the Beautiful South the
following year, and his new band capitalized on the success of The
Housemartins to become one of the more popular U.K. groups of the
early '90s.
Paul Heaton (vocals, guitar) formed The Housemartins
with Ted Key (guitar), Stan Cullimore (bass) and Hugh Whitaker
(drums) in 1984. From the outset, the group cultivated a distinctily
English image, blending a cynical sense of humor with leftist
political leanings and low-key, commonplace appearance. In 1985,
they signed with Go! Discs and by the end of the year, Key was
replaced by Norman Cook. "Happy Hour," the Housemartins' third
single, became the group's first hit in the summer of 1986, climbing
all the way to number three. Hull 4, London 0, their debut album,
followed shortly afterward and, like the single, it cracked the
British Top Ten. At the end of the year, the a capella "Caravan of
Love" became a number one hit.
Due to their success in 1986, The
Housemartins were award the BPI award for Best Newcomers. Before
they recorded their second album, Hugh Whitaker left the band and
was replaced by Dave Hemmingway. The People Who Grinned Themselves
to Death followed later in 1987, spawning the hit singles "Five Get
Over Excited" and "Me and the Farmer." Though The Housemartins were
developing into one of the most popular bands within Britain, they
broke up in the summer of 1988, claming they only intended to stay
together for three years. In reality, Heaton and Cook were suffering
from creative tensions, as the singer wanted to move into
sophisticated jazz-pop while the bassist was eager to explore dance
music. This difference in taste became apparent in the groups they
formed immediately after the disbandment of The Housemartins. Cook
formed Beats International, who had a few hits in the early '90s
before Cook became a full-time remixer and producer as Fatboy Slim.
With drummer Hemmingway, Heaton formed the Beautiful South, which
carried on the aesthetic of The Housemartins, but added more complex
melodies and arrangements. Toward the end of 1988, a compilation of
Housemartins singles and rarities called Now That's What I Call
Quite Good! was released. In 1993, original drummer Hugh Whitaker
was imprisoned for wounding with intent and arson attacks on a
business partner. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music
Guide
Stephen Thomas Erlewine |
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