Midlands Mod/powerpop band THE V.I.P.'S failed to break through in their late 70s heyday, but now thanks to a complete works compilation, they're ripe for rediscovery.
Formed in 1978 at Warwick University in Coventry, the crucible of the Mod revival, the band gigged across the Midlands, often sharing stages with The Specials and Squire, stablemates on the Bust label.
Recording sessions with former Animals bassist and Hendrix and Slade manager Chas Chandler led to a deal with RCA's Gem imprint. Substantial airplay and tour dates with Dexys Midnight Runners, Madness, The Beat and Secret Affair soon followed. Their Bolan-esque single 'The Quarter Moon', produced by Mike Leander, was a Radio 1 record of the week, rocketing to number 55 in the charts, but further success eluded them and they folded, eventually partially re-emerging as New Psychedelia band Mood Six.
Now the band's complete studio recordings, including all their five singles, are to be compiled on one 17-track LP. Completely remastered and pressed on limited edition blue vinyl in a gatefold sleeve, Need Somebody To Love will be released by Optic Nerve Records on 30 October. It's available to pre-order here.
