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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZHEAVEN 17UK synth pop band formed '80 by Martin Ware (b 19 May '56) and Ian Craig Marsh (b 11 Nov. '56) after departure from Human League (according to rumour, leaving group the name for o20,000 payoff), adding vocalist, former photographer Glenn Gregory (b 16 May '58). Released minor hit 'We Don't Need This Fascist Groove Thang', striking syntho- protest in UK pop's orthodox anti-Thatcher political mood. Innovative, successful electro-funk album Penthouse And Pavement '81 saw rock band as business corporation: Music Of Quality And Distinction '82 marketed as B.E.F. (British Electric Foundation); collection of classic songs incl. guest vocalists Gary Glitter, Sandie Shaw, Tina Turner, TV person Paula Yates (mother of Bob Geldof's children); Turner's 'Ball Of Confusion' hailed as stand-out track and was beginning of her return to stardom: the band prod. her cover of Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together', her first real success in a decade, which led to her comeback. As B.E.F. they released innovative cassette-only Music For Stowaways (Sony Walkman then being called the Stowaway). Heaven 17's own electrosoul 'Temptation' was UK no. 2; more political commentary 'Crushed By The Wheels Of Industry' no. 17 (vocal by Carol Kenyon), both from album The Luxury Gap '83, which featured Earth, Wind And Fire horn section and was critically panned. How Men Are '84 followed by a hiatus: Gregory duetted with Propaganda's Claudia Brucken on soundtrack of film Insignificance '85; Endless '85 was cassette and CD-only best-of; band met Jimmy Ruffin recording Paul Weller's 'Soul Deep' for striking coal miners in '85, teamed with him for '86 hit single 'The Foolish Thing To Do'; Pleasure One '86 was a sterile new album. Single 'Steel City' '86 as the Hillsboro Crew was a tribute to Sheffield Wednesday Football Club. |