March Violets
Big Soul Kiss - The Bbc Recordings (2lp)
The March Violets came out of Leeds in the early '80s, label-mates of Sisters Of Mercy. Releasing six indie singles, they were a constant presence in the UK indie charts, hitting the top two with 'Snake Dance' and 'Deep' and no. 1 with 'Walk Into The Sun.' They never recorded an album - their '80s long-players, 'Natural History In The UK' and 'Electric Shades' in the USA, were compilations. Eventually they signed to a major label and were groomed for a USA breakthrough, performing in the 1987 'Some Kind Of Wonderful' movie. However, they were asked to make too many compromises and split up. Their early eighties career was thankfully well-documented by the BBC, who broadcast six sessions between 1982-86 - three for John Peel, and one each with Kid Jensen, Janice Long and Richard Skinner. Chronicling their development with lead singers Simon Denbigh, Rosie Garland and Cleo Murray and backed by bassist Lawrence Elliot and guitarist Tom Ashton, these sessions include nine unreleased songs and alternative versions of their indie hits. Here is the unheard history of The March Violets.