Big in Britain

Big In Britain: Laurie Anderson…

Big In Britain:…

Big In…

Big In Britain

Big In Britain: Althia And Donna And “Uptown Top Ranking”

Althia and Donna - "Uptown Town Ranking" (Warner Bros., 1977)

By Michael Verity | January 3, 2012

You might remember Althia and Donna from a story we did on them back in October (Founding Mothers, 10/4/11). With a lone hit in the UK and none in the US, they qualify for our Big in Britain category, as well. Let's take another listen to "Uptown Top… Read more »

Big In Britain

Big In Britain: Alphaville And “Big In Japan”

Alphaville - "Big in Japan" (Warner Bros., 1984)

By Michael Verity | December 31, 2011

Though their first (and biggest single), "Big in Japan," made it only as far as #66 in the US, German trio Alphaville were Big in Britain (and most of Europe) during the mid-'80s. Take Me on a Trip to Alphaville Read more »

Big In Britain

Big In Britain: Alfi And Harry And “The Trouble With Harry”

Alfi and Harry - "The trouble With Harry" (London, 1956)

By Michael Verity | December 29, 2011

A few years before he became famous as David Seville, wrangler of those pesky Chipmunks, Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. was Big in Britain under the name Alfi and Harry. Play It for Me Read more »

Big In Britain

Big In Britain: Alberto Y Lost Trios Paranoias And “Heads Down No Nonsense Mindless Boogie”

Singer Les Prior of Albert Y Lost Trios Paranoias Sings "Heads Down No Nonsense Mindless Boogie" (YouTube)

By Michael Verity | December 27, 2011

An early-'70s comedy troupe-turned-band, Alberto Y Lost Trios Paranoias were biggest in Britain with their Status Quo spoof, "Heads Down No Nonsense Mindless Boogie." Tell Me More. Please Tell me More Read more »

Big In Britain

Big In Britain: The Alarm

Single Sleeve of The Alarm's "Spirit of '76," One of the Songs That Made Them Big In Britain (IRS, 1986)

By Michael Verity | December 27, 2011

Though they've had a following in the US since their 1983 debut, the Alarm have never done better than a #50 showing on the American singles chart (with the 1989 cut, "Sold Me Down the River"). In the UK, of course, they've been perennial… Read more »

Big In Britain

Big In Britain: After The Fire

After the Fire - "Laser Love" (CBS, 1979)

By Michael Verity | December 26, 2011

Before they hit it big in the United States with "Der Kommissar," After the Fire were Big in Britain for awhile with a pair of songs on the UK chart. Let's give 'em a listen. Let's Go After the Fire Read more »

Big In Britain

Big In Britain: The Adicts And “Bad Boy”

The Adicts - "Bad Boy" (Razor, 1983)

By Michael Verity | December 24, 2011

Known by fans in their homeland for their singable melodies, catchy riffs and flashy stage show, the Adicts spent seven days on the UK pop charts (but still manage to stay Big in Britain). Tell Me About Them Read more »

Big In Britain

Big In Britain: Adrenalin M.O.D. And “O-O-O”

Adrenalin M.O.D. - "O-O-O" (MCA, 1988)

By Michael Verity | December 24, 2011

Adrenalin M.O.D. were an acid-house band that never saw the light of day in the US. At home, they were Big in Britain for about a month in '88. Bring Me the Adrenalin Read more »

Big In Britain

Big In Britain: Arthur Adams And “You Got The Floor”

Arthur Adams - "You Got the Floor" (RCA, 1981)

By Michael Verity | December 23, 2011

Though Arthur Adams continues to have a successful career as a blues singer and guitarist (as well as a top session man and composer), he's never found any chart success in the US. In the '80s, however, he managed to be Big in Britain for a… Read more »

Big In Britain

Big In Britain: Ace Of Change

Ace of Change - "The Bible of Beats" (Fon, 1986)

By Michael Verity | December 22, 2011

Referring to themselves not as singers and drummers but as "mob-orators" and "beat dominators," Ace of Change enjoyed a brief period where they were Big in Britain, their native land. Tell Me About Them Read more »