Edward Barton

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Edward Barton is a Manchester poet, artist and musician, known for his eccentric stage performances and use of home-made instruments.

He is probably best known for composing the song It's a Fine Day, originally released as a single by Jane in 1983, but later to become a UK chart hit when Opus III covered it in 1992. It's A Fine Day was followed by the self-titled mini-album Jane & Barton, and another single, I Want To Be With You, released through Cherry Red Records. The album featured Andrew Connell on piano. Another Jane single, Lovely and Chicken, was later released through Barton's own label Wooden Records.

Barton was a regular fixture of the eighties music scene in Manchester, supporting bands such as Stump. He has also contributed lyrics to albums by 808 State and Lost Witness, after the latter sampled It's A Fine Day.

His television appearances have included performances on The Tube and Tony Wilson's The Other Side of Midnight. His radio appearances have included at least one guest spot on The Mark Radcliffe Show, during which he gave a live rendition of his song I Slap My Belly.