What better way to start the first whole week in September than with the first two tracks from Boat to Bolivia the glorious debut album by Martin Stephenson and the Daintees?
Released in May 1986 on Kitchenware Records it is a stonewall classic and a must have.
My copy is a second hand one from Missing Records for 99p. Heaven knows how much Oxfam would be asking for a copy these days.
I have their first three albums but nothing since.
Although troubled by alcoholism over the years Martin is still going strong regularly producing solo albums to critical acclaim.
A great ICA at JC's place from his biographer Rich Cundill is well worth checking out
He is one day younger than me.
Martin Stephenson & the Daintees - Crocodile Cryer
Martin Stephenson & the Daintees -Coleen
Two great songs from a fine album. Can't believe it's 30 years since I first heard Martin Stephenson. He did a live show for the BBC (Andy Kershaw session, I think) and I was hooked. "Wholly Humble Heart" from the 2nd album was a favourite too.
ReplyDeleteAh, Kitchenware's salad days. Prefab Sprout, Hurrah and, of course, Martin Stephenson & the Daintees. As you say, this album is a must have.
ReplyDeleteWholly Humble Heart was my first Martin song- I went out and bought the 12" and then this album.
ReplyDeleteI prefer Gladsome, Humour and Blue, possibly because that was the first one I bought
ReplyDeleteI've vague memories of borrowing a cassette (remember them?) of this album from the library sometime mid 80s and liking a few tracks. 35 years later I'll have to give it another listen
ReplyDeleteLove this album, not a duff track on it.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you sir
DeleteHope you are doing ok
It;s been months since I visited the places where old friends hang about....huge apologies.
ReplyDeleteMartin continues to make marvelous music and his live shows, now that he has quit the drink, are always hugely entertaining.
This debut LP is an absolute joy from start to end - not a duff track on it and covering all sorts of genres.
I'll likely be hanging around for a while...don't mind me as I play catch-up.