LISTEN TO THE BEST THE HOUSEMARTINS SONGS IN STREAMING

The Housemartins were an English alternative rock band formed in Hull who were active in the 1980s. Many of the Housemartins' lyrics were a mixture of Marxist politics and Christianity, reflecting singer Paul Heaton's beliefs at the time (the back cover of London 0 Hull 4 contained the message, Take Jesus – Take Marx – Take Hope).
The Housemartins: The Surprisingly Influential Band You Should Be Listening To
When asked about British bands that have been influential throughout the years, our minds immediately go to the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Smiths. However, there is one band that often gets overlooked but deserves to be in that conversation: The Housemartins. This underrated group made a lasting impact on the music industry with their unique blend of genres, socially conscious lyrics, and catchy melodies. In this post, we will dive deep into the musical biography of The Housemartins, their best songs, their music genre, and their notable concerts, as well as offering a critic of their overall impact.
Musical Biography: Formed in Hull, England in 1983, The Housemartins consisted of members Paul Heaton, Stan Cullimore, Ted Key, and Norman Cook. They rose to fame in the late 1980s with their first album, London 0 Hull 4, which showcased their distinctive sound that combined elements of pop, folk, and soul. Despite only releasing two studio albums, The Housemartins left an impressive mark on the music industry with their socially conscious lyrics, stripped-down instrumentation, and tight harmonies. Their music was the perfect soundtrack for the political climate of the 1980s, as they tackled issues such as poverty, unemployment, and the environment.
Best Songs: The Housemartins have many great songs, but some of their most popular and influential tracks include Happy Hour, Caravan of Love, Build, and Me and the Farmer. Happy Hour is a fun, upbeat song with a catchy chorus that perfectly encapsulates the band's playful side. Caravan of Love is a soulful gospel-style anthem that showcases the group's impressive harmonies. Build is a stirring ballad that addresses the economic struggles faced by working-class families. Finally, Me and the Farmer is an upbeat tune that uses farming as a metaphor for social change. Each of these songs reflects The Housemartins' unique blend of genres and socially conscious themes.
Music Genre: The Housemartins' genre is often difficult to pinpoint, as they combined elements of pop, folk, soul, and gospel into their sound. Their stripped-down instrumentation, dominated by acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies, places them within the realm of indie pop. However, their lyrics and social conscience set them apart from many of their contemporaries. Their music can be best described as a blend of the traditional and the modern, as they took elements of traditional folk music and combined them with modern pop sensibilities.
Notable Concerts: The Housemartins were known for their energetic live performances, which often showcased their impressive harmonies and playful stage presence. One of their most memorable concerts took place at the Hummingbird in Birmingham in 1986. The band played a lively set that included many of their most popular songs, and the audience was highly engaged throughout. Another notable concert was their performance at the Glastonbury Festival in 1987, which is considered by many to be one of the band's best performances. The Housemartins played a high-energy set that had the entire crowd dancing and singing along.
Critic: The Housemartins may not be as well-known as many of their contemporaries, but their impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. Their unique sound and socially conscious lyrics were ahead of their time and continue to influence musicians to this day. They set a new standard for the indie pop genre and paved the way for many of the bands that would come after them. While the band may have only released two albums, their legacy lingers on, and they remain a beloved and influential group more than three decades after their formation.
The Housemartins may not be a household name, but their impact on the music industry cannot be denied. Their unique sound and socially conscious lyrics set them apart from their contemporaries and continue to influence musicians to this day. If you haven't had a chance to listen to their music before, we highly recommend giving them a listen. You might just discover your new favorite band.