B.E.F. (British Electric Foundation)

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B.E.F. (or British Electric Foundation) was a band formed by former Human League members Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh, who later became Heaven 17 with lead singer Glenn Gregory. Ware and Marsh released their first album as B.E.F. in 1980; entitled Music For Stowaways, it consisted of eight tracks of instrumental electronics. This album was later modified (adding and deleting some tracks) and re-issued in the US in 1981 under the name Music For Listening To.

The following year B.E.F. produced an album entitled Music Of Quality and Distinction Volume One, released on Virgin Records, which involved other artists covering classic songs. The production was mainly in the typical B.E.F./Heaven 17 style (i.e. highly synthesised) with a few exceptions. Tina Turner's version of The Temptations's "Ball of Confusion" was particularly well noticed and was credited with playing a significant part in her 80s comeback. The album also featured covers by Billy Mackenzie - "The Secret Life of Arabia" and "It's Over," Paul Jones - "There's a Ghost in My House," Paula Yates - "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'," Gary Glitter - "Suspicious Minds," Bernie Nolan - "You Keep Me Hangin' On," Glenn Gregory (who was soon to join forces with the producers to become Heaven 17) - "Wichita Lineman" and "Perfect Day" and Sandie Shaw - "Anyone Who Had a Heart."

It was not until 1991 that a second volume appeared. This was in part due to Heaven 17's Glenn Gregory forming the dance group Ugly. The second volume yet again featured Billy Mackenzie, this time singing a cover of "Free", whilst their reading of "Family Affair" gave them and singer Lalah Hathaway a Top 40 hit. Scritti Politti's Green Gartside was another guest on the album and his pop-reggae reading of "She's A Woman" was recorded in the same set of sessions.

It would seem that the work of B.E.F is not yet completed. In a recent interview, Martyn Ware said: "We're also working on a new B.E.F. album that's going to be called "Dark". Basically it's very dark versions of tunes that have to be of a certain type. Basically it's dark reinterpretations, primarily looking at things differently from a lyrical point of view. It's almost like soundscape stuff, in much the same way as "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" on "Reproduction" was kind of like a soundscape." Indeed, 28th March 2007 will see B.E.F. make its first ever live performance, as part of the line-up for the "Tribute to Billy MacKenzie" concert being held at Shepherds Bush Empire, London, in memory of their three-time guest-vocalist, and in aid of Sound Seekers.