The Vinyl Archive


Between 1981 and 1989 Dave and Barbara released a series of high quality 7" singles on their own Broken Records label, some in conjunction with Stiff Records. Here is a list of the singles.

What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted

In 1980, Dave Stewart (who had spent the last 12 years playing in one band or another) decided to try some solo recordings. The first step in this direction was an experimental version of the old Jimmy Ruffin Tamla Motown classic, 'What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted', the traditional rhythm section sounds stripped away and replaced by a huge, buzzing synth bass line and a gadget called a 'Claptrap' which uttered small, explosive sounds not unlike someone stamping on a packet of crisps. The arrangement completed, various vocalists were approached; Julie Driscoll, Robert Wyatt and Green Gartside (then with Scritti Politti) all turned down the job, but a call to ex-Zombie Colin Blunstone (who was actually suggested by Barbara Gaskin) turned up trumps. The single, backed up by the Dave Stewart original 'There Is No Reward', became a hit in the UK in 1981 on Dave's own Broken Records label (the name derived from the 'A' side) distributed by Stiff Records, launching the unsuspecting keyboardist on an eccentric solo career. The original sleeve (depicted on left) had to be withdrawn when a company who claimed it infringed their logo threatened legal action! Well, you know what they say - where there's a hit, there's a writ.

(THE 'A' SIDE C/W 'THE LOCOMOTION' WAS RELEASED ON A CD SINGLE BY PICKWICK / OLD GOLD RECORDS IN AUTUMN 1995.)

It's My Party

Having sold nearly 250,000 copies of his debut single in 1981, Dave Stewart invited Barbara Gaskin to sing on a quirky but musically intriguing arrangement of the old Lesley Gore teen lament 'It's My Party'. A few big record companies were approached, but made all the usual noises about the track being 'uncommerciaI'. Undeterred, Dave did a deal with the independent Stiff Records, who released the record on Dave's own Broken label. The single, released in autumn 1981, sold faster than Stiff could press copies, at one point selling 40,000 in a day. The eventual tally was over 750,000 in the UK, where it stayed at number one for four weeks, and well over a million when it became a hit worldwide . . . . not bad for an 'uncommercial' single! Though Dave & Barbara have since progressed to more sophisticated material, the all-synth arrangement, sonic/harmonic invention and fresh, unmistakeably English vocal style mark this track out as a quiet 80's pop landmark, and the beginning of the original and highly distinctive Stewart/Gaskin sound. 'B' side is a strong but eccentric Dave Stewart ditty 'Waiting In the Wings', which the duo still feature in their live set.

('A' & 'B' SIDES BOTH AVAILABLE ON CD ALBUMS - see 'CD Releases')
This song appears on the albums: 'Up From The Dark', 'Broken Records -The Singles' & 'Selected Tracks'.

Johnny Rocco

Inspired by an R & R rumble record waxed in the 50's by Marty Wilde (Kim's dad - one of the original British rockers), this track features an unlikely guest cameo by Robert Plant. This unplanned collaboration occurred when a chance encounter with the Led Zeppelin lead singer in Trident Studios revealed Dave Stewart & Robert Plant's mutual affection for the song. On hearing that Dave & Barbara were recording a version, Plant volunteered to play the part of the evil gang leader and utter the immortal line 'Johnny - stand up and fight, boy!'. The session ended in amicable confusion with Stewart audibly wondering whether Plant's delivery sounded too much like Deputy Dawg, whereupon Plant remembered an urgent appointment elsewhere. Backed up by 'The Hamburger Song', a cheerful D.S. rocker with nonsense lyrics.

('A' & 'B' SIDES BOTH AVAILABLE ON CD ALBUM - see 'CD Releases')
This song appears on the album: 'Broken Records -The Singles'

Siamese Cat Song

Recording songs from the soundtracks of Walt Disney cartoon films may not be desperately hip, but this colourful feline extravaganza was Dave Stewart's choice for a follow-up to 'It's My Party'. (Others thought otherwise, and the more conventional 'Johnny Rocco' was given that honour.) Although the song itself is a little twee, the musicality of the arrangement, and the controlled build-up from spacy, chiming beginning to thunderous playout (with Barbara's vocal leading the ever-changing dynamics) makes it worth a listen 13 years further on. The 'B' side, a blistering attack on talentless 'record company' bands which has subsequently been re-worked and introduced into Stewart/Gaskin's live set, is worth the price of the single alone. (Actually, can anyone remember what singles used to cost? Three shillings and fourpence ha'penny? 11 guineas? 4 new pounds?)

('A' & 'B' SIDES BOTH AVAILABLE ON CD ALBUMS - see 'CD Releases')
This song appears on the albums: 'Up From The Dark' & 'Broken Records -The Singles.'

Busy Doing Nothing

An all-time Stewart/Gaskin favourite. It is impossible to hear this song without smiling - whether it be at fond memories of rainy Sunday afternoons spent watching the old Bing Crosby film (A Connecticut Yankee At The Court Of King Arthur, from whose soundtrack the song came) on black and white TV, the deceptively childish lyrics which conceal a deep Zen wisdom, the incredibly detailed musical arrangement with its ever-shifting harmonies, sounds and textures, or the sunny, radiant vocal performance by Barbara Gaskin, the corners of your mouth will be drawn upwards by invisible strings when you listen to 'Busy Doing Nothing'. And when you're done smiling, have a quiet sniffle at the beautiful, spacy 'B' side, written (like all Stewart/Gaskin 'B' sides) by Dave.

('A' & 'B' SIDE BOTH AVAILABLE ON CD ALBUMS - see 'CD Releases')
This song appears on the albums: 'Up From The Dark', 'Broken Records -The Singles' & 'Selected Tracks'.

Leipzig

In the early '80s, Thomas Dolby (then known simply as 'Tom', was a regular football-playing colleague of Dave and Barbara's. (Barbara, alarmed at the effect it was having on her leg muscles, has since given up the game, but Dave remains up for a kickabout.) Being a little guy, Tom was a regular target for Dave's (6'2") catalogue of cynical body checks and illegal shoulder charges, but the Brazilian skill with which the young Dolby evaded the taller man's clumsy challenges proved to be second only to his ability to fashion a great pop song. In most cases, Dolby's recordings of his own songs are so superbly and imaginatively executed that it would be silly (as with some Beatles and Beach Boys tracks) to attempt a cover, but 'Leipzig' was arguably an exception. Originally appearing as a 'B' side to an early Dolby single produced by Andy Partridge, 'Leipzig' sounded like a great song in embryo - the backing was minimal, the overall mood dark and introspective. Dave & Barbara's version of the song is, by contrast, expansive and technicoloured, with a big, rolling beat adorned by electronic percussion, twinkling keyboards, and cartoony sound effects. The chorus remains one of the great pop anthems of the 80's, and engendered two characters (Henry & James) who have subsequently appeared in another Stewart/Gaskin song.

('A' & 'B' SIDE BOTH AVAILABLE ON CD ALBUMS - see 'CD Releases')
This song appears on the albums: 'Up From The Dark', 'Broken Records -The Singles' & 'Selected Tracks'.

I'm In A Different World

Six singles along, the Stewart/Gaskin sound had matured. Barbara's studio technique and confidence had blossomed, along with her ability to embue a lyric with emotional subtlety. Once again, the duo chose a Tamla Motown song as their starting point, but this imaginative arrangement, with its colourful sounds and luscious backing vocals, shows the old song in a new light. This track was particularly popular in Japan, where Dave & Barbara were advised to include it in their live set. Doing so posed certain technical difficulties (ie, three people trying to play the parts of eight or nine), but the end result, which incorporated a long instrumental workout called 'A World Of Difference', was well received.

('A' & 'B' SIDES BOTH AVAILABLE ON CD ALBUMS - see 'CD Releases')
This song appears on the albums: 'Up From The Dark', 'Broken Records -The Singles' & 'Selected Tracks'.

The Locomotion

If nothing else, this record shows that a cover version can be so much more than a dutiful plod through the original. Many artists have had a bash at 'The Locomotion', but none have brought such a wealth of fresh musical ideas, sounds and new harmonies to the arrangement. This was Dave & Barbara's last vinyl single, but its charm, musical interest and sense of fun have ensured its longevity. 'B' side is the simple, sweet ballad 'Make Me Promises', a perfect vehicle for Barbara's breathy vocals and Dave's lyrical keyboards.

('A' & 'B' SIDES BOTH AVAILABLE ON CD ALBUMS - see 'CD Releases')
This song appears on the albums: 'As Far As Dreams Can Go' & 'Selected Tracks'.


Comments are welcomed in the Visitors' Book

Go back to Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin's home page .

Or go forward to find out more about Dave and Barb.


All text and graphics copyright of Broken Records, UK. Please do not reprint in a commercial publication without permission . . . thank you!

Creative Pitch pages produced by Creative Pitch