I’ve hit a slight problem – the needle on the URL Turntable has been damaged, and it’ll be a few days before I get my hands on a replacement.
In the meantime, I’ll rely on some of my favourites CD singles to keep things ticking over.
This offering is the debut recording by Echobelly. It dates back to 1993.
The first time I heard this was on a compilation tape put together by a friend. I was immediately knocked out. It was as if the best Smiths tribute band were being fronted by the winner of the Debbie Harry soundalike contest.
This particular release was on a small London indie label – Pandemonium Records – and before too long, Echobelly were getting play on Radio 1, mentions in the music press and ultimately, a deal with a major label.
Sadly for all concerned, the band never quite made it as big as anticipated, although a casual surf of the net reveals they were pretty major over in Japan for a while.
Singer Sonya Madan and guitarist Glenn Johansson still keep the flame burning, although nothing seems to have been released for a couple of years.
No doubt, it won’t be long before the style commentators decide that the era just before Britpop is fashionable again, and maybe bands such as this will receive a fresh airing.
As debut records go, it’s as good as most of them. Hope you agree.
mp3 : Echobelly – Bellyache