Voice of the Beehive

"Thats why I drink - so I'll be who they think I am"

Who?
Before Blur made Food records a fortune, the label had Voice of the Beehive. Melissa Brooke-Belland and Tracy Brynn, two american "rays", somehow found their way to London and hooked up with Daniel "Woody" Woodgate, erstwhile Madness drummer and carved out slices of pure sugar-coated pop while wearing outlandish outfits you just know were revenge on parents' "You're not going out dressed like that, young lady." Not only did they benefit from the enthusiatsic support of Janice Long, but also recorded a couple of sessions for Andy Kershaw - a rare accolade for a mere transatlantic pop act.

Essential?
Just A City, the debut single; the first album Let It Bee contains this, plus 'I say Nothing' and 'I walk the earth' and, oddly enough, a collaboration with Zodiac Mindwarp - kind of a Britney-sings-Slipknot deal. For some frustrating reason, the fruits of this cross polonisation are ruine don the record because the line "He says I'll fuck you later, now just get me to the bar" is bleeped out. I've paid a tenner, please allow me to decide if I want to hear the f-word. Second album Honey Lingers also contained some gems, and their cover of the Partridge Family's I Think I Love you is pure great - clearly a work of loving recreation rather than the result of a quick flit down to Creasy's with a track on an album to fill.

Obscure?
They had some chart hits, and its possible to warm a room up by mentioning them. Revival surely due.

Trivial details:
They once chided Madonna for encouraging small children to get pregnant with 'Papa Don't Preach'


Not to be confused with:
The B52s. Come on, there's a haircut thing here.