Back to the 50s

In the harsh financial climate of the late 70s and early 80s a nostalgia for 50s and 60s emerged in faux teddy boy and be-bop bands like Showaddy Waddy and Darts. And the miner’s strike led to perhaps the greatest harmony hit to come out of the UK by all-male group the Flying Pickets. Their first single, 'Only You', was a number one hit throughout Europe. The protest tradition, employing close harmony to emphasise lyrics and create atmosphere, was followed by bands such as the Housemartins with their 1987 classic 'Caravan of Love'. But as the 80s grew more confident and wealthy the power of the synth and guitar overwhelmed close vocal harmony.