So many unique bands hit the scene in the 80's, only to disappear just as quickly. But, don't count them out yet, there's good stuff to be found.
Nick Heyward and Les Nemes may have been in numerous bands since 1977, but they never reached a point where they would release any music for the longest time. It wouldn't be until their group, Moving England, that they would finally complete a single.
Heyward and Nemes would relocate to London in 1980, and recruit their friend and guitarist, Graham Jones. It was during this time they would settle on the name, Haircut One Hundred, for the simple fact that it made them all laugh. Drummer Patrick Hunt would also join, and with the guidance of their manager, Karl Adams, would record demos. During these sessions, they were joined by studio saxophonist Phil Smith, who would also join the band, followed by additional percussionist Marc Fox.
After performing a series of live shows, the band would land a deal with Arista Records, and release their first single, Favourite Shirt. The track would go to number four on the UK charts, and lead to the boys being invited to perform on Top of the Pops in 1981.
Patrick Hunt would exit the band leading up to their recording of their debut album, being replaced by Blair Cunningham. Prior to the release of Pelican West, the single Love Plus One hit radios and record stores, ushering in the bands second top ten hit. When released the following month, their debut would reach number two on the UK charts, and the top forties in the USA, leading to a world tour.
Haircut One Hundred wastes no time in delivering, with the opening track being their first single, Favourite Shirt (Boy Meets Girl), which leads right into Love Plus One. From there, the album settles in to its own style, one which I can only explain as a beach scene from an 80's music. Surfer music, if you will. It's enjoyable, but lacks any real sort of punch, in terms of hits.
Their third hit, Fantastic Day, is decent, but doesn't really stand out in comparison to the aforementioned hits. What's interesting, is that the band also had a fourth hit, Nobody's Fool, but that's not even on the album, well, the original pressing anyway. Instead, it was released as a single in August of 1982,
If you did want to add this one to your collection, there is an option in the form of the CD pressing of Pelican West, which is aptly titled, Pelican West Plus. This version contains five bonus tracks, but doesn't really explain where these additional songs came from. I.E. session leftovers, B sides, etc.
Overall, it's an enjoyable album. It's jamming, but not over the top noise, and not overly pop oriented. It's balanced in all regards, delivering an album which you could easily put on for background noise. However, with that said, it also didn't leave me necessarily wanting or needing anymore from the band.
This turned out to be an okay mindset, as in late 1982, Nick Heyward would leave the band. Tensions were growing leading up to the group recording their follow up album, and this wasn't helped by Heyward refusing to attend these sessions. While the remaining members didn't understand or realize at the time, Heyward was struggling with major depression and stress from constant work and pressure. Rather than take a break, and give him the time to recoup, Marc Fox would take over on vocals.
However, more changes would occur before their follow up, Paint And Paint would be released. First, drummer Blair Cunningham would also exit. As a whole, the band would also leave Arista, and sign with Polydor. Sadly, no further singles came from Haircut One Hundred, and they disbanded in 1984.
In 2004, VH1's Band Reunited brought all six members back together for a one night concert. Though they wouldn't release any new material, a 2011 live album featuring all of the members was released on CD. There are occasional rumbles that the band will reunite again, as late as 2022, but nothing has really come to fruition.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS April 4, 1981 |
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS April 4, 1987 |
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