The Farmer's Boys
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Defunct | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Norwich , England |
| Products | Indie pop, synthpop, new wave music |
The Farmer's Boys were a music group originating from Norwich, England, active between 1981 and 1985. Initially called 'Bang Goes My Stereo', they soon adopted their more recognized name to highlight their unique fusion of indie pop, synthpop, and new wave styles.
History
Beginning as a trio utilizing a drum machine, the band merged influences from country and Western, disco, and punk rock, coupled with a playful 'rustic bumpkin' persona and self-mocking humor. This approach helped define their commercial image despite receiving varied critical opinions. They played a significant role in the 1980s Norwich scene, frequently collaborating with groups such as The Higsons.
Their first single, "I Think I Need Help" (released April 1982), achieved recognition through airplay by prominent DJs including John Peel and David Jensen. The January 1983 release of "More Than a Dream" on EMI marked their breakthrough into the broader UK market. Their subsequent single "Muck It Out" nearly reached the charts before the debut album Get Out and Walk was issued.
In 1984, their rendition of "In the Country" enjoyed notable radio rotation and television exposure but narrowly missed entering the Top 40. The follow-up album, With These Hands, introduced a live drummer, indicating a deliberate move away from their earlier indie sound. Two more singles were released prior to the band's disbandment in 1985, attributed to "electrical differences."
Following the split, members embarked on various musical ventures: Baz and Mark established The Avons; Mark later became part of The Nivens; Stan created Dr Fondle; Frog collaborated with The Higsons and toured alongside Julian Cope; original guitarist Andy joined Serious Drinking. In the 2000s, Baz, Mark, and Stan reunited under the name McGuilty Brothers.
Albums
- 1983: Get Out and Walk (EMI, 1077993) – Reached UK No. 49 (produced by Frog and Pete Hammond except for "For You" and "Matter of Fact"; special edition 12-inch single featured extended versions of select tracks)
- 1985: With These Hands (EMI, EJ 2402904)
Compilation albums
Singles
| Title | Date | UK Singles Chart | UK Indie Chart | Label | Format | Cat # | Additional tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "I Think I Need Help" | April 1982 | — | 15 | "Waap" | 7" | WAAP3 | "Squit" |
| 12" | 12WAAP3 | "Squit" "More Squit" "Squittest" | |||||
| "Whatever Is He Like?" | July 1982 | — | 8 | Backs | 7" | NCH01 | "I Lack Concentration" |
| "More Than a Dream" | December 1982 | — | 4 | Backs | 7" | NCH03 | "Country Line" |
| January 1983 | — | — | EMI | 7" | EMI5367 | ||
| "Muck It Out" | April 1983 | 48 | — | 7" (pic. disc) | EMIP5380 | "Funky Combine John" | |
| 12" | 12EMI5380 | ||||||
| "For You" | July 1983 | 66 | — | 7" | EMI5401 | "T.O.S.D." | |
| double 7" | EMID5401 | "T.O.S.D." "Muck It Out" (demo) "Drinking and Dressing Up" (demo) "Something I Ate" (demo) "I Don't Know Why" (demo) | |||||
| "Apparently" | January 1984 | 98 | — | 7" | FAB1 | "Uncle Freddie" | |
| 12" | 12FAB1 | ||||||
| "In the Country" | July 1984 | 44 | — | 7" | FAB2 | "Mama Never Told Me" | |
| 7" pic. disc | FABP2 | ||||||
| 12" | 12FAB2 | "Mama Never Told Me" "Matter of Fact" | |||||
| "Phew Wow" | October 1984 | 59 | — | 7" | FAB3 | "Portrait of a Legend (Part 1)" | |
| 12" | 12FAB3 | ||||||
| "I Built the World" | February 1985 | 107 | — | 7" | FAB4 | "Sometimes" | |
| 12" | 12FAB4 | "Sometimes" "Probably One of the Best Investments I Ever Made" (live) "Sport for All" |
BBC Radio 1 'In Concert'
On 7 September 1983, a live performance was recorded and aired from the Lyceum Theatre. The evening featured Norwich's own the Higsons as the opening act, followed by The Farmer's Boys taking the stage for the latter half-hour segment. Performed tracks included:
- "Whatever Is He Like?"
- "Matter of Fact"
- "Who Needs It?" (with saxophone contributions from Terry Edwards of The Higsons)
- "More Than a Dream" (also featuring Terry Edwards on saxophone)
- "I Woke Up This Morning"
- "Soft Drink"
- "The Way You Made Me Cry"
- "For You"