The Housemartins

The Housemartins formed in Hull in 1983, Paul Heaton's sardonic, politically engaged songwriting giving the band a quality that was immediately distinctive. They signed to Go! Discs and released their debut album 'London 0 Hull 4' (1986) — a record of extraordinary wit and melodic invention that established them as one of the most important British bands of their era.

'Happy Hour', 'Think for a Minute', and 'Caravan of Love' — the singles were melodic, funny, and possessed of a political directness that was unusual in the pop mainstream. 'Caravan of Love' reached number one. The band were openly left-wing and Christian, a combination that was unusual and occasionally confusing. Their a cappella cover of 'Caravan of Love' remains one of the most charming British number ones.

The Housemartins split in 1988. Heaton and Dave Hemingway formed The Beautiful South. Norman Cook became Fatboy Slim. Both went on to considerable success. The Housemartins' two albums remain among the most enjoyable British indie records of the 1980s.