The Belle Stars: A Journey Through 80s Pop and Ska
In the vibrant and diverse landscape of 80s music, few bands captured the essence of the era quite like The Belle Stars. This all-girl trio, born from the fusion of two-tone/ska revival band The Bodysnatchers, left an indelible mark on the decade's pop and ska scenes. Their story is one of reinvention, resilience, and the power of self-expression, all wrapped up in catchy melodies and infectious rhythms.
The Belle Stars' journey began in 1981 when five members of The Bodysnatchers decided to forge their own path. Guitarists Stella Barker and Sarah-Jane Owen, alto saxophonist Miranda Joyce, keyboardist Penny Leyton, and drummer Judy Parsons joined forces with bassist Lesley Shone and lead singer Jennie Matthias. Their sound, a blend of pop and ska, was an instant hit, and Stiff Records took notice, signing them early in 1981.
The band's early singles, produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, showcased their unique blend of pop and ska. Songs like 'Hiawatha' and 'Slick Trick' had a certain appeal, but they failed to chart. This was a common theme for the band, as their sound, while appealing to both pop and ska audiences, often struggled to break through the noise of the charts.
However, The Belle Stars' resilience paid off when they turned to cover versions. Their rendition of The Dixie Cups' 'Iko Iko' gave them their top forty debut, and soon after, they hit the top twenty with a revival of Shirley Ellis' 'The Clapping Song'. Their LP also included covers of The Velvelettes' 'Needle in a Haystack', Oscar Brown, Jr.'s 'The Snake', and Bob & Earl's 'Harlem Shuffle'.
But it was the group's self-written 'Sign of the Times' that gave them a long-hoped-for breakthrough. It made it all the way to No. 3 on the U.K. Singles Chart and entered the U.S. Hot 100, as well, reaching No. 75. The dance remix peaked at No. 43 on the U.S. Dance chart. All told, The Belle Stars notched seven top 75 entries on the U.K. Singles Chart, with a further two songs peaking lower, while their lone self-titled studio album was a top 20 success.
The Belle Stars' success was not limited to the charts. The group had already broken up when they scored their first U.S. smash with 'Iko Iko', which had been featured in the Tom Cruise/Dustin Hoffman drama Rain Man and climbed to No. 14 on the Hot 100. This was a testament to the band's enduring appeal and the power of their music to transcend time and genre.
Edsel's new release, 'The Belle Stars', collects the original studio LP mastered by Phil Kinrade, plus eighteen non-LP sides and all nine 12-inch remixes, as well as two remixes of 'Iko Iko' which coincided with the song's Rain Man renaissance. The release also includes 'Live Signs, Live Times', a concert from the Birmingham Odeon recorded on April 29, 1983, and three songs produced by Anne Dudley for an abortive second album. The band was down to just three members by the time of those recording sessions: Sarah-Jane Owen, Lesley Shone, and Miranda Joyce.
The Belle Stars' music is a testament to the power of self-expression and the ability of music to transcend time and genre. Their sound, a blend of pop and ska, is a reminder of the vibrant and diverse landscape of 80s music. The band's resilience and ability to reinvent themselves is a lesson in the power of creativity and the ability to break through the noise of the charts.
In my opinion, The Belle Stars' music is a treasure trove for fans of 80s pop and ska. Their sound, a blend of catchy melodies and infectious rhythms, is a reminder of the era's vibrant and diverse landscape. The band's journey is a testament to the power of self-expression and the ability of music to transcend time and genre. Personally, I think their music is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of pop and ska, and their story is one that deserves to be told and celebrated.
