Formed in 1982, this Scottish pop group comprise Graeme Clark (bass/vocals), Neil Mitchell (keyboards), Marti Pellow (vocals) and Tom Cunningham (drums).
The quartet took their name from a line in the Scritti Politti song 'Getting Having And Holding'. After frequent live performances, they recorded a promising demonstration tape, and were signed by Phonogram Records in 1985. Recordings in Memphis followed with veteran soul producer Willie Mitchell. In 1987, 'Wishing I Was Lucky' reached the UK Top 10, followed by the even more successful 'Sweet Little Mystery'.
The group's agreeable blue-eyed soul was evident on their debut Popped In Souled Out, which climbed to number 2 in the UK album chart. Further hits followed with 'Angel Eyes (Home And Away)' and 'Temptation'. Unfortunately, the group suffered litigation at the hands of Van Morrison, who reached an out of court settlement over their use of his lyrics in part of 'Sweet Little Mystery' (also a John Martyn song title).
In June 1988, the group's profile was increased when they reached number 1 in the UK with a track from the various artists compilation Sgt Pepper Knew My Father. Their innocuous reading of the Beatles' 'With A Little Help From My Friends' maintained their standing as 80s pin-up idols. Their reputation as one of the leading UK pop bands was enhanced in 1992 when 'Goodnight Girl' remained at the top of the charts for several weeks.
Their broad appeal does not detract from the talent within, led by the confident vocals of Pellow. Their single, 'Lip Service' in Summer 1992 perhaps suggested a new interest in more dance-orientated music. Any suggestion that their commercial fortunes may be declining were blown apart by the staggering success of their cover of the Troggs' 'Love Is All Around', the theme song to the hit movie Four Weddings And A Funeral, which, in 1994, stayed at the top of the UK charts for 15 weeks just one short of the record.
'Julia Says' also reached the Top 10, but subsequent releases did not achieve the same high level of commercial success. Following 1997's 10, drummer Cunningham left the band.
