The Blow Monkeys

One of the progenitors of ‘80s sophisti-pop, the Blow Monkeys' swanky, theatrical sound is the brainchild of U.K. singer and songwriter Dr. Robert. After forming in 1981, the group had their biggest hit in 1986 with the international Top 20 hit "Digging Your Scene" from their internationally charting sophomore album Animal Magic. A year later, their cover of Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me" was included on the multi-platinum soundtrack for Dirty Dancing, and they went to a career-high number 20 in the U.K. with their third album She Was Only a Grocer's Daughter. Although 1989's Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood would prove to be their final album to chart, resulting in their 1990 disbandment, the group's original lineup reunited after a 17-year layoff for 2008's Devil's Tavern and an accompanying tour. Reinspired, they continued to release new material throughout the 2010s and 2020s, with their 12th LP, Together/Alone, showcasing a lush, orchestral approach to their trademark sound in 2024. The British sophisti-pop quartet the Blow Monkeys were formed in 1981 by singer/songwriter, guitarist/keyboardist, and producer Dr. Robert (born Bruce Robert Howard), along with saxophonist Neville Henry, bassist Mick Anker, and drummer Tony Kiley. On the strength of seductive live performances, the band was signed to RCA for their debut, 1984's Limping for a Generation, which was followed by the EP Forbidden Fruit in 1985. The group's commercial breakthrough came with 1986's Animal Magic, which featured the hit single "Digging Your Scene." The song reached the Top Ten in Ireland and New Zealand, hit number 12 in the U.K., and also made it into the Top 20 in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Meanwhile, the album peaked at number 21 in the U.K. and 35 on the Billboard 200, among other appearances in Europe and Australasia. A reference to then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher, 1987's She Was Only a Grocer's Daughter reached number 20 behind the U.K. Top Five hit "It Doesn't Have to Be This Way," while charting in a handful of other countries (including peaking at 134 in the States). That year, their version of Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me" made it onto the hit soundtrack for Dirty Dancing.As mainstream musical tastes began to shift around the turn of the decade, the Blow Monkeys' fourth LP, 1989's Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood, climbed to number 46 at home and managed only one other Top 50 placement, in New Zealand. Although its title track landed a Top 75 placement in the U.K., the next year's Springtime for the World failed to chart and proved to be the Blow Monkeys' final album for RCA. The band broke up before the end of 1990.Dr. Robert moved forward as a soloist, and contributed to Paul Weller's 1992 eponymous solo debut before releasing his own solo album, Realms of Gold, in the mid-'90s (Japan, 1994; U.K., 1996). He continued a pattern of regular solo releases while working behind the scenes with others, including contributions to Beth Orton's 1999 album, Central Reservation. In late 2007, the Blow Monkeys announced a reunion that ultimately resulted in a new self-released album, 2008's Devil's Tavern, and a companion tour. Reinvigorated, the band stayed together, delivering Staring at the Sea in 2011 and Feels Like a New Morning in 2013. With their leader continuing to work on solo material outside of band projects, the Blow Monkeys added If Not Now, When? to their discography in 2015. All of their reunion output to this point showcased a part-rock, part-swing sound reminiscent of their '80s days. A classic concert from the Camden Palace in 1985, Live from London saw its first audio release in 2016. In 2017, the Blow Monkeys issued their tenth studio album, The Wild River, which marked a return to their earliest soul/funk roots. A tour with Level 42 ensued in 2018, and lusher, orchestral arrangements distinguished 2021's Journey to You. The band's twelfth album, Together/Alone, arrived in 2024 with similarly elaborate orchestrations.
© Marcy Donelson /TiVo

Leer más Leer menos

Escuche