About this item

The Pale Fountains were formed in Liverpool in 1980 by Mick (as he was then known) Head with Chris McCaffery on bass, Thomas Whelan on drums, trumpeter Andy Diagram and guitarist Ken Moss.

Signing with Virgin in late 1982, this was the first time the music world became aware of the work of singer-songwriter Michael Head.

1985's . . . From Across The Kitchen Table was produced by Ian Broudie, soon to form and redefine sugar-pop with The Lightning Seeds. The album is more unified than its predecessor as it was recorded over a shorter period of time. Lead single Jean's Not Happening is one of the great lost indie gems of the 80s, complete with a powerful string arrangement. The closing song, September Sting, is a joyous slice of scouse-a-billy that points the way clearly to later groups such as The Las.

Near four decades later, Michael Head is adored by his hardcore following and the wider world freshly discovers him as each of his new releases achieves widescale acclaim, whether it be his subsequent band, Shack, or his current outfit, the Red Elastic Band. But The Pale Fountains was where it all began.

This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1985 Virgin Records UK release with printed inner and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.

STAFF COMMENTS

Andy says: Brilliant follow up to Pacific Street, this record had a harder sound than its voluptuous predecessor but in Shelter, These are the Things, It's Only Hard and the title track Mick's songwriting was still right up there. Did I miss one out? Jean's Not Happening: World Number One that never was!!!

TRACK LISTING

Shelter
Stole The Love
Jean's Not Happening
Bicycle Thieves
Limit
27 Ways To Get Back Home
Bruised Arcade
These Are The Things
It's Only Hard
... From Across The Kitchen Table
Hey
September Sting