Happy hour - The Housemartins

Sometimes I am still surprised at my own tastes in music. Back in 1986, I didn't really like 'Happy hour' by the Housemartins, but when I heard it recently I realised it is actually quite nice. Now I finally understand why it became a hit: it reached number 3 hit in the UK and number 22 in the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1986.

The Housemartins was formed in 1983 by Paul Heaton and Stan Cullimore. They recruited Ted Key and Dodger. The band's membership changed considerably over the years. By 1986, Key and Dodger were replaced by Hugh Whitaker and Norman Cook (who would become Fatboy Slim in the Nineties). It was a John Peel session that helped the band get their breakthrough with 'Happy hour'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4322
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, December 1, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Happy hour' / 'The mighty 'ship'