Stackridge
Stackridge, born in the halcyon days of 1969, is the band everyone figured would be more popular than Genesis but sadly, it didn’t happen. Perhaps they were too resolutely English in their humour, sophistication and cleverness to go worldwide, but they did lodge themselves in the hearts and minds of the British to a degree that easily surpassed their commercial success.
From the start, Stackridge received respect, from musicians and audiences alike. They have the distinction of having opened and closed the very first Glastonbury in 1970 and went on to attract Beatles’ mastermind George Martin, who recorded, in 1974, Stackridge’s third album, The Man in the Bowler Hat, widely regarded as their artistic peak. The band continued to make two more albums but unfortunately split up in 1976, leaving a legacy, the fountainhead of a particular kind of British music that gave us Squeeze, XTC, Queen, Sparks and so many other paragons of melodic ingenuity.
The thing about great musicians is they never stop being great, even when their bands fall apart, even when they don’t sell records, even when they don’t play on stage. Andy Davis, James Warren, 'Mutter' Slater and Jim 'Crun' Walter, the original members of Stackridge, still retain their unique mix of charm, skill and intelligence.
As the title of this new album A Victory For Common Sense attests the resurrection of the original line up of Stackridge is a cause for celebration for fans, old and new. Here they are as contemporary and fresh as bands half their age with a collection of songs that emphasise their talent for writing memorable melodies and playful, poignant lyrics. With the superb production of Chris Hughes (Tears For Fears, Adam and The Ants, Robert Plant) and the innovative arrangements that showcase their musicianship A Victory For Common Sense is not only the most important album that Stackridge have ever made but one of the most significant releases of the decade.
"... cockle-warming studio return...time has sculpted some beautiful lines into the Lennon-esque harmonies - ****"
- The Times
Stackridge promo video 2010
Stackridge
Progressive pop pioneers tour their highly praised new album
"Every song has moments of stirring beauty. Quite splendid." ****
- Mojo