HAPPY MONDAYS 🇬🇧 were at the forefront of the indie- dance MADCHESTER scene in the end of the 1980’s/ early 90’s.

They were signed to the infamous FACTORY RECORDS label. Until they contributed to the eventual bankruptcy of the label due to drug-fuelled Caribbean recording sessions with Talking Heads legends CHRIS FRANTZ and TINA WEYMOUTH, The MONDAYS AND NEW ORDER were the only two Outfits that made money for the label. [Ed. Note- This was covered way back at post 241. Let rex know if you want him to send to you. He will happily oblige as the song is legendary.]

Anyway, following the demise of THE MONDAYS, SHAUN RYDER immediately started a new outfit with rapper KERMIT (Paul Leveridge) from RUTHLESS RAP ASSASSINS, WAGS

(of rex favourites PARIS ANGEKS) and former MONDAY dance impresario BEZ. They were called BLACK GRAPE.

Blending the sounds of electronic, funk and hip-hop, the band enjoyed significant commercial success during the 1990’s. Guest musicians included JOHNNY MARR from THE SMITHS.

Their LP “It’s Great When You’re Straight…Yeah”

went to Number 1 in the British Charts.

The first iteration of the band crash landed in the late 90’s after 2 LPs. However, BLACK GRAPE has reformed done some recording this century and is about to release a new LP this November 3rd entitled “Orange Head.”

They have released two singles off the LP. My favourite is ‘Milk.’ I think it is aces. Check it out here-

SPOTIFY – https://spotify.link/Lj4eXrwH2Bb

(SONG 582)

Play Loud Or Perish

8/6/2023

[Ed. Note- rex has keenly observed that BLACK GRAPE are playing in Southampton UK on December 2. That date coincides with his daughter attending school there and a week of scheduled vacation…hmmmm.]