The single reached number 22 in the UK singles chart and number 30 in Ireland, but didn't achieve any chart success in Europe. In fact, only the 1989 re-release of 'Iko Iko' would bring them success outside of the UK again.
My collection: 7" single no. 6896
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, 4 March 2023
Tracks: 'Sweet memory' / 'Sign of the times'
I've seen the Belle Stars, or at least, three of them, during those Here & Now tours at the beginning of this century in the UK, and one of the staples in their set was their version of 'Iko iko'. I never found the single of that track, but here it is... a reissue of the song because, apparently, it was used in the movie 'Rain man'.
The Belle Stars made a name for themselves in the London club circuit when they started performing in 1981. Within a few months they appeared on the front cover of Sounds magazine. They were signed by Stiff Records.
'Mockingbird' was originally a hit for Inez and Charlie Foxx in 1969. The song was covered by James Taylor and Carly Simon in 1974.
Only this year I bought the 12" single of 'Sign of the times' by the Belle Stars, but I've had the 7" single for years. I bought my copy during a holiday in London 16 years ago - and then again a few years later as I'd forgotten I already had it.
'The clapping song' is a song originally recorded by Shirley Ellis in 1965. The lyrics of 'The clapping song' are reminiscent of a nursery rhyme or jump-rope rhyme, and also feature instructions for a clapping game.
In January 1983 the Belle Stars, an all-female group consisting of Stella Barker, Sarah-Jane Owen, Miranda Joyce, Penny Leyton, Judy Parsons, Lesley Shone and Jennie Matthias, released 'Sign of the times'. It peaked at number 3 in the UK singles chart, and would become their signature song.
