Microdisney

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Microdisney was an Irish musical duo formed in 1980 by Cathal Coughlan (keyboards, vocals) and Sean O'Hagan (guitar).

Contents

[edit] Original Lineup

Vocals/Keyboard: Cathal Coughlan Guitar: Sean O'Hagan Bass: Jon Fell Drums: Dave Galvin

[edit] History

Microdisney began recording in their native town of Cork, Ireland, producing a muted, heavily melodic, atmospheric sound. Their first few singles, including 1983's "Pink Skinned Man" were produced by Dave Feeley and released on small indie labels like Kabuki. After relocating to London, they signed to Rough Trade and tapped John Porter (producer of The Smiths) to produce their debut album, Everybody's Fantastic. At this time the band became acquainted with John Peel, who championed their music and gave them the first of several Peel Sessions. Soon after, bassist Jon Fell and drummer Tom Fenner were added as a permanent rhythm section. Microdisney's sound gradually became more commercial and chart oriented, as heard on their 1985 release, The Clock Comes Down the Stairs, and its corresponding single "Birthday Girl." Despite this stylistic shift, Coughlan's lyrics grew increasingly sardonic and scathing. "Town to Town" (1986) is a rock-along sing song about yuppies attempting to live normal lives amid a nuclear holocaust, while their 1987 single "Singer's Hampstead Home" is often described as an attack on Boy George (of Culture Club fame) and the media circus that surrounded his post Culture Club years. In 1988, with chart success and mainstream acceptance having continually eluded them, Microdisney disbanded.

Like many bands who may otherwise have gone completely unrecognised, Microdisney were given a wider audience by BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel.

During their career recorded for Kabuki, Rough Trade and Virgin record labels. Albums included the early compilation We Hate You South African Bastards! (later renamed Love Your Enemies), Everybody Is Fantastic and The Clock Comes Down The Stairs. After signing to Virgin Records they released two more albums Crooked Mile and 39 Minutes. The Clock Comes Down the Stairs was voted no. 1 album of the 1980s in the 1989 end-of-year edition of the Irish newspaper The Sunday Tribune.

They disbanded in 1988, with Coughlan forming The Fatima Mansions and O'Hagan forming The High Llamas, retaining Jon Fell. Post break up two further compilations were issued of previously released material - Big Sleeping House—a Collection of Microdisney's Finest Moments, and the Peel Sessions which has most of their collected BBC John Peel sessions apart from the last one.

[edit] Albums

Everybody Is Fantastic (1984)
We Hate You South African Bastards! (1984) ("Love Your Enemies")
The Clock Comes Down The Stairs (1985)
Crooked Mile (1987)
39 Minutes (1988)
The Peel Sessions (1989)
Big Sleeping House (1995)
Daunt Square to Elsewhere: 1982-1988 (2007)

[edit] Singles

Hello Rascals(1982)
Pink Skinned Man (1983)
Dolly (1984)
In the World (1985)
Birthday Girl(1985)
Town to Town(1987)
Singers Hampstead Home(1987)
Gale Force Wind (1988)

[edit] External links

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