The nature of pop music is such that at least ten years must pass before a revival is deemed acceptable, as new generations of journalists and radio producers reminisce fondly on the music of their youth. All About Eve have spent their years in the cultural wilderness, and the time is now more than ripe to listen to the tunes on this CD with fresh ears; to appreciate the musical craftsmanship of the band and the crystal clear phrasing of Julianne Regan.

In 1988 before Madchester and the ramifications of the 'second summer of love' had fully to take hold. British music was influenced by the so called 'Goth' movement. led by acts such as the Sisters of Mercy a nd the Mission (with whom All About Eve had close and enduring links), Goth was the polar opposite to the chart rampaging sounds of Stock, Aitken and Waterman., it married intelligent if somewhat dark lyrics with a nod to both folk rock and the Velvet Underground. black was de riguer and mascara was applied liberally. Sounding a sometimes softer and more mature note amidst this melee were All About Eve.

1.Our Summer 2.Lady Moonlight 3.Flowers In Our Hair 4.Paradise 5.Gypsy Dance 6.In The Meadow 7.Every Angel 8.Martha's Harbour 9.What Kind Of Fool 10.Gold & Silver 11.Candy Tree 12.Road To Your Soul 13.Tuesday's Child 14.Different Sky 15.Farewell Mr Sorrow 16.Wishing The Hours Away 17.Are You Lonely 18.Share It With Me

Formed in 1985 by vocalist and sometime Gene Loves Jezebel bassist Julianne Regan and Tim Bricheno from (Aemotti Crii) and named after the classic Bette Davis film (more commercial than their original choices Electric Funeral and Red Red Wound!). they quickly amassed a following. and after four independent singles. they were signed to Mercury in 1987. After a while their classic role sound gradually began so catch on leading to 13 top sixty singles. 4 top fifty albums and sell out concert tours including Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury appearances over a period of five years.

It is for the single Martha's Harbour, included here. that the band will be most fondly remembered. displaying a definite Sandy Denny/ Led Zeppelin influence, it provides the band with their only top ten placing in the summer of 1988. This and their debut album marked the zenith of their popularity in Britain. Although they always endured a lose/hate relationship with the British rock press, it seemed impossible to open a music paper without seeing Regan, yet it was always clear that All About Eve were not just another female fronted band.

Bricheno left in 1990 to join the Sisters Of Mercy and was replaced by Marty Willson-Piper, Who also continued to be the guitarist in much underrated Australian band The Church. A change of direction and label to MCA with Ultraviolet in 1992 sounded the death knell for All About Eve,by 1993 it was all over.

All About Eve are still held in enough affection to have been featured in Q magazine's where are they now feature in June of this year, finding all ex-members still working in the music industry: Regan appeared with Fairport Convention at their annual Cropredy festival. Reaffirming comparisons to Sandy Denny yet she dispelled this folks direction with her crunchy indie band Mice. formed in 1995 with original Eve bassist and drummer Andy Cousin and Mark Price. She is now writing with Jules et Jim, Cousin plays in The Lucy Nation signed to Madonna's Maverick label, Price in Del Amitri, Bricheno in Tin Star and Willson- Piper is currently working on the 15th Church album.

This album remembers the glories of All About Eve, through a smattering of hits and choice album tracks, including 5 top forty hits and a couple of rarities, as a chart rival from their era (albeit a million miles removed) once suggested - listen without prejudice.

Daryl Easlea, July 1999

Transcribed by Mario Sorgente