The Spinners

Also, The Spinners are known in England as The Detroit Spinners or The Motown Spinners because a Liverpool based folk band had taken the name in Britain during the 1960s. Gareth Davies now persues a solo career as a performer and producer, whilst Andrew Girardin publishes poetry and is currently working on his first novel. In their recently released box set The Chrome Collection, The Spinners were lauded by David Bowie and Elvis Costello. (I) Feel Like A Ghostbuster was a sparkling pop song that re-awakened interest in this most cultish of bands. They are big draws on the oldies and nostalgia concert circuits, and continue to play the music that made them famous. In 2001 a compilation LP entitled Tautology (http://www.geocities.com/subveguk/tautology.html) was released and Davies recorded a new single under the Suburban Vegetable name for the occasion. Even though their last hits were over 20 years ago, the bright lights of their 1972-1976 run of the charts continues to provide for the current members. Although the 1992 line-up reformed for a one-off gig in May 1993, the band split for good immediately afterwards.

The Spinners appeared on the charts only twice more, both in 1980. The sound again shifted to more heavy guitars and basses, more akin to American bands such as Pavement and Pixies. When Wynne left the group in 1977, the hits dried up. In late 1992, internal rifts split the band apart and Davies recorded the final LP Censored Haircut (http://www.geocities.com/subveguk/haircut.html) largely alone. This turned out to be a precursor to disco, the dance music fad that came several years later. It was in the summer of 1992 that the band played their biggest gigs and reached their career peak. The Detroit band's popularity was contributed to by their producer, Thom Bell, who was beginning to be recognized for his trademark Philly soul or "Philadelphia Sound". Live in concert, the band were often compared to local heroes The Fall, despite Davies' prominent use of tin whistle and flute which clearly betrayed his continued love of Jethro Tull and folk rock.

With songs like "I'll Be Around", "Sadie", "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love", "Rubberband Man", "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)", and "Then Came You", The Spinners had cemented their place in pop music history. The album was hailed as a masterpiece and the subsequent tour saw them attract their biggest crowds, despite their success being localised to the North West of England. The Spinners began a climb up the charts that put 11 songs in the Top 40 pop charts between 1972 and 1976. By November 1991 though the band were back on track with their third LP Gladioli Mix (http://www.geocities.com/subveguk/gladioli.html) and new permenent members in guitarist Matthew Poole and drummer Ian Ferguson. Their fourth LP Organic (http://www.geocities.com/subveguk/organic.html) saw them move away from their traditional keyboard and acoustic guitar sound and use electric guitars for the first time, a change inspired by Davies' new found love of indie music and bands such as Blur and The Stone Roses. They did not achieve another commercial hit until singer Philippe Wynne joined the group, and (as legend has it) Aretha Franklin suggested the group finish out their Motown contract, and change to Atlantic Records. Following Girardin's departure in early 1991, Davies struggled to write and record the second album Weety Things (http://www.geocities.com/subveguk/weety.html) which was panned by critics. Success mostly eluded them until 1970, when they had a hit with Stevie Wonder's composition, "It's A Shame". This was followed in 1990 by their debut LP Mr.Ridley (http://www.geocities.com/subveguk/ridley.html) which was immediately revered as an underground classic.

They also signed to Berry Gordy's Motown label, based in Detroit. They signed to Saltwater Records in October 1989 and released their debut single One For Uncle Martin later that month. The Spinners first hit the charts in 1961, with "That's What Girls Are Made For." In 1964, they made their debut at the Apollo Theater and won instant acclaim, a rare feat at the time. Their early work was influenced by The KLF and the Pet Shop Boys although Davies' love of progressive rock gave their work a more off-the-wall approach. Dixon was the first to go. Suburban Vegetable were formed as an improvisational synth-pop duo by Gareth Davies and Andrew Girardin in Manchester, England in 1989. Dixon, and Bobbie Smith called themselves the Domingoes. Early on, The Spinners established a pattern of rapidly going through lead singers. 2001 Tautology - Suburban Vegetable Examined Compilation LP.

Billy Henderson, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson, George W. 1993 Censored Haircut LP. A group of friends in a Detroit, Michigan high school in 1957 came together to make music. 1992 Organic LP. The band still tours as of 2004. 1991 Gladioli Mix LP. The Spinners are a Detroit-based soul band popular in the 1960s and 1970s. 1991 Weety Things LP.

1990 Mr.Ridley LP.