I first heard this long forgotten single at Sunshine Playroom in the summer of 1987. Naively at the time I wrongly assumed it was by Talulah Gosh or probably a new Sha-La-La flexi. Fruitless journeys around Brightons (many) 2nd hand shops ensued. I then caused no doubt endless mirth attempting to sing the bloody thing over several counters trying to track it down.
I paid three quid of my dole money for it 2 weeks later having found it in a shop in, of all places, Leeds. The most joyous, poppiest single I owned.
Sweetie by The Chefs was released in 1980 on Attrix Records, a small label in Brighton and also the name of a shop in Sydney Street that sold punk singles. The history of the label and bands from the time are recalled here on Stuart Wilson's astonishing biographical site; "The Punk History of Brighton". Apparently I wasn't the only one who liked The Chefs.
“Stuart! There’s someone on the phone for you!” This turned out to be none other than Pete Waterman himself, who then proceeded to froth at the mouth with adoration about the Chefs! He loved their image, their songs, and was going to make them stars, millionaires! He went on and on about their song Sweetie: “Its gonna be a number one all over the world! Im tellin’ ya!”
The site has dozens of old flyers, discographies, memoirs and news of the bands and this brief profile of the band taken from the Brighton compilation; Vaultage 79
The Chefs call their music pop as they really are too nice to cut it as punks. Catchy, distinctive and sparse, the Chefs sing about oral sex, VD, boredom and food. One song, Thrush, has a great punk lyric: 'I was just a bunk-up for you to get your spunk up'.
it turned out I'd already owned a single by Helen "McCookerybook" Reddington. (the band's singer/songwriter) Freight Train by her later band; Helen and the Horns. They didn't become stars either. But, 25 years on, Helen has bravely decided to have another go, The Chefs/Horns output is being reissued and Helen and the Horns have reformed and are playing at the Brighton Komedia on June 22nd. Ok its not exactly Duran Duran or Gang of Four proportions but hey anyone who can write a single with the lyrics "Records and Tea are all life means to me" is worth celebrating second time around.
Nice to read about The Chefs - wish I'd gone to see them all that time ago. Maybe see you tonight at the Helen And The Horns show at the Komedia !
Posted by: Stephen Drennan | June 23, 2005 at 04:46 PM
Hi there! Glad you like the Sweetie EP- it's getting very rare now so hang on to it!
I'm playing a solo gig in Brighton quite soon- shall I send you details when it's confirmed? I have a mailing list and also info on myspace.com
Best wishes,
Helen McCookerybook
Posted by: Helen McCookerybook | September 30, 2005 at 01:53 PM