The Woodentops with Rolo McGinty in conversation with David Eastaugh
The band formed in 1983 in South London with an initial line-up of Rolo McGinty (vocals, guitar, formerly of The Wild Swans and The Jazz Butcher), Simon Mawby (guitar), Alice Thompson(keyboards), Frank DeFreitas (bass guitar), and Benny Staples replacing Paul Hookham (drums).
After a debut single, "Plenty" on Food Records in 1984, which received a glowing review from Morrissey in Melody Maker, they signed to the independent label Rough Trade Records, releasing a series of singles in 1985 and their debut album, Giant, in 1986. Generally well received by critics, the album's sound was characterised by acoustic guitars, but also featured accordion, marimba, strings, and trumpet sounds. The album reached No. 35 on the UK Albums Chart. A single from the album, "Good Thing", reached No. 7 on the UK Indie Chart.
The band then became more experimental and frenetic when playing live, using more electronicsounds. This first became apparent as documented on the live album Live Hypno Beat (1987), which was recorded in Los Angeles in 1986. The band also started to become more 'raw' and unpredictable live, becoming one of the most exciting independent groups from the UK, while gaining an early hit on the burgeoning club scene in Ibiza with '"Why".
Melanie Safka in conversation
The Names with Michel Sordinia
JoBoxers with Dig Wayne (born Timothy Wayne Ball
Mona Mur in conversation
Jesus Jones with Jerry De Borg
Laura Cantrell in conversation
The Nightingales - with Stewart Lee & Michael Cumming
Direct Hits with Colin Swan
Oxbow with Eugene Robinson
Robin Mayhew talking about David Bowie, Presidents, Lou Reed & much more
The Nightingales with Rob Lloyd
Daniel Takes a Train with Dan Synge
The Roxy - with Andrew Czezowski and Susan Carrington
The Folk Devils with Kris Jozajtis
JoBoxers with Sean McLusky
Senseless Things & 3 Colours Red with Ben Harding
Ze Records - with Michael Zilkha
Flowered Up & Republica special with Tim Dorney
The Bachelor Pad with Tommy Cherry
Heavenly with Robin Turner
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Irish Songs with Ken Murray
Immediately Kinfolk
Turned On
Resident by Hernan Cattaneo
Markus Schulz presents Global DJ Broadcast