Song:Kinky Afro
Album:Double Easy: The U.S. Singles
Happy Mondays were successful mostly in their native England. They were from Manchester, England so they were part of what was known at the time as the Madchester sound. Unlike The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays were fueled by the rave scene and lead singer Shaun Ryder's drug use. The 2002 film 24 Hour Party People was partially based on Ryder's life. The other members were Ryder's brother Paul Ryder on bass, Mark Day on guitar, Paul Davis on keyboards and Gary Whelan on drums. Backup singer Rowetta and dancer Mark Berry were added later. They signed with Factory Records in England and Elektra in the US. The 1990 album Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches was their most successful album. It was certified Platinum in England. The single Kinky Afro reached #5 on the British singles chart. So did the single Step On. They were never able to break through in the US. The band split up and Factory went bankrupt after the 1992 album Yes Please. Ryder's drug abuse was a big problem. This budget comp has all their singles. Ryder formed Black Grape in 1995. After they split up in 1998, Happy Mondays reformed in 1999. They have reunited several times. There was an album in 2007. They toured last year but I don't think they are active right now. It looks like Ryder is working on vinyl reissues of Happy Mondays albums. And he seems to appear a lot on reality TV in England. Here's the video for Kinky Afro by Happy Mondays.
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