MERTON PARKAS – FACE IN THE CROWD LP – Nr MINT A2/B2 UK 1979 MOD REVIVAL

The Merton Parkas – Face In The Crowd
(Beggars Banquet Records  1979  BEGA11)
Matrix No’s: A2/B2 – UK Pressing

Sleeve in Excellent+ condition
– some light ringwear & crease on bottom left corner

Vinyl in Nr MINT condition
(there are some light surface marks visible on the vinyl when held up to the light but they don’t affect the sound quality)

The Merton Parkas were a mod revival band, formed in the Merton area of South London in the mid-1970s, by Danny Talbot (vocals and guitar), his brother, Mick Talbot (keyboards), Neil Hurrell (bass) and Simon Smith (drums).

The group was discovered playing in a pub in Clapham, South London, by Alan Anger, a punk journalist, and signed with the independent record label, Beggars Banquet. They originally called themselves “The Sneekers”, and were one of a group of power pop bands that included The Pleasers. The Merton Parkas released a few moderately successful singles, such as: “You Need Wheels”, “Plastic Smile”, “Give it to Me Now” and “Put Me in the Picture”. They also released one album, Face in the Crowd. Rick Buckler of The Jam played with the band at Ronnie Scotts, and Mick Talbot played on “Heatwave”, a track on The Jam’s 1979 album Setting Sons.

The Merton Parkas also appeared at the Bridge House, Canning Town, but due to contractual disputes between record labels, did not feature on the now infamous 1979 album Mods Mayday. However the un-released recording of their set at the Bridge House can be found on YouTube.

The band’s most notable track was “You Need Wheels”, which reached #40 in the UK Singles Chart in the summer of 1979. As this was their only success in that chart, they are regarded as one-hit wonders in the UK.

After The Merton Parkas disbanded in 1980, Mick Talbot went on to play with Dexys Midnight Runners, The Bureau, and The Style Council. Simon Smith joined the psychedelic revival band, Mood Six.

Credits

• Bass, Backing Vocals – Neil Hurrell
• Drums – Simon Smith
• Vocals, Guitar, Harp – Danny Talbot
• Vocals, Piano – Mick Talbot