The Housemartins - Hold Tight! Granada TV Special - City Lites, Farnworth 1986

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The Housemartins were an English Pop group active in the ‘80’s. The group blended British Pop, Soul and Gospel.

They were notable for their keen sense of humor; often billing themselves as “the fourth best band in Hull" (he best three bands being Red Guitars, Everything but the Girl, and the Gargoyles). But the band was about more than just humor. As Wikipedia notes: “Many of their lyrics were a mixture of socialist politics and Christianity, reflecting the beliefs of the band (the back cover of their debut album, London 0 Hull 4, contained the message, "Take Jesus – Take Marx – Take Hope").

Here’s another live video from 1986. This one says:

“On December 3rd, 1986, Granada TV show ‘Hold Tight’ featured THE HOUSEMARTINS in concert.

A special live production at the City Lites night club in Farnworth in December 1986.”

Enjoy.


Setlist:

  1. Intro

  2. The Mighty Ship

  3. Think For A Minute

  4. Anxious / Me And The Farmer

  5. Get Up Off Our Knees

  6. Caravan Of Love

  7. Happy Hour

  8. Rap Around The Clock


  • Follow the Housemartins at Facebook

  • Purchase the Housemartins’ music at Amazon


The Housemartins Whistle Test (London 0 Hull 4) Documentary?

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The Housemartins were an English Pop group active in the ‘80’s. The group blended British Pop, Soul and Gospel.

They were notable for their keen sense of humor; often billing themselves as “the fourth best band in Hull" (he best three bands being Red Guitars, Everything but the Girl, and the Gargoyles). But the band was about more than just humor. As Wikipedia notes: “Many of their lyrics were a mixture of socialist politics and Christianity, reflecting the beliefs of the band (the back cover of their debut album, London 0 Hull 4, contained the message, "Take Jesus – Take Marx – Take Hope").

Here’s a short (but two-part) film profiling the group. A short profile piece made for TV and broadcast in 1986. Features the band (Paul Heaton, Stan Cullimore, Hugh Whitaker, Norman Cook) in and around Hull plus interviews and live footage.

This is also known as the “Whistle Test” Documentary. I have only ever seen it edited into two parts. And, I mean, is it’ really a documentary? A feature? A featurette?

Whatever.

And here’s a special bonus piece with Norman and Stan “discussing” the breakup of the band:


  • Follow the Housemartins at Facebook

  • Purchase the Housemartins’ music at Amazon


the Housemartins Konzert 24.11.1986 - Ausschnitte

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The Housemartins were an English Pop group active in the ‘80’s. The group blended British Pop, Soul and Gospel.

They were notable for their keen sense of humor; often billing themselves as “the fourth best band in Hull" (he best three bands being Red Guitars, Everything but the Girl, and the Gargoyles). But the band was about more than just humor. As Wikipedia notes: “Many of their lyrics were a mixture of socialist politics and Christianity, reflecting the beliefs of the band (the back cover of their debut album, London 0 Hull 4, contained the message, "Take Jesus – Take Marx – Take Hope").

Here’s a live video from 1986 simply billed on the Youtubes as: “the Housemartins Konzert 24.11.1986 - Ausschnitte.”

Enjoy.


Setlist:

  1. The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death

  2. The Mighty Ship

  3. I Smell Winter

  4. I Bit My Lip

  5. Anxious

  6. Caravan of Love

  7. We’re Not Deep


  • Follow the Housemartins at Facebook

  • Purchase the Housemartins’ music at Amazon