One band that has been a huge Tripwire favorite for quite some time, yet never seems to receive the recognition that they deserve, is the UK’s Felt. Although they have been cited as major influences on some notable bands, including Stuart Murdoch from Belle & Sebastian, they definitely firmly remained under the radar on our shores. The first official Felt release was more of a solo single from frontman Lawrence Hayward, which was the track “Index” back in 1979.
Lawrence and drummer Gary Ainge were the only two consistent band members in Felt, although you can’t overlook the great guitarist Maurice Deebank, as well as keyboardist Martin Duffy (Primal Scream & Charlatans) and bassist/guitarist Marco Thomas. One of Felt’s most well-known moments came from the Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins) produced album Ignite The Seven Cannons, with the single “Primitive Painters.” This particular track featured backing vocals by the always amazing Elizabeth Fraser, who perfectly complimented the deep-voiced Lawrence.
Rather than overwhelm you by picking up all ten of their albums, we suggest starting with Absolute Classic Masterpieces, which came out in ‘92. It contains “Primitive Painters” as well as “The Day The Rain Came Down,” “Textile Ranch” and many others.”
Although the quality is a bit iffy, here is the video for “Primitive Painters.” Enjoy!
“Primitive Painters”
