1983 was a breakout year for UK singer Paul Young. He'd had some success previously, firstly as part of Streetband who had a novelty chart hit with 'Toast' in 1978, then as lead singer with soul revivalists Q-Tips. After the latter band broke up at the end of 1982, Young was signed to Columbia Records (CBS in the UK).
Retaining only the organ player from the Q-Tips, Young's new backing band 'The Royal Family' included two female backing singers going under the jocular name 'The Fabulous Wealthy Tarts', and fretless bass player Pino Palladino. It was this latter acquisition which gave Young's music a distinctive sound. His debut solo album, 'No Parlez', was released in July 1983, but it wasn't until his third single (a cover of 'Wherever I Lay My Hat, That's My Home', originally by Marvin Gaye) charted that his solo career took off. Reaching number one on the UK charts, from then on Young enjoyed a string of hits, including a re-release of his cover of 'Love Of The Common People' (previously a hit for The Four Preps in 1967) which charted for Young second time around.
The album included numerous covers, including a re-interpretation of 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' (originally a hit for Manchester post-punk band Joy Division) but also featured some songs penned by Young and keyboard player Ian Kewley.
Paul Young went on to enjoy several years of success off the back of this album, although in later years he scaled back his touring and formed a band with the intention of going 'back to basics' and playing smaller venues. Los Pacaminos was formed in 1995 and has toured frequently ever since.
From the Channel 4 music programme 'The Tube', here is Paul Young performing 'Love Of The Common People' live:
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