Biography
Like the Pale Fountains and the Lotus Eaters, Liverpool, England outfit 16 Tambourines produced '60s-influenced guitar pop that earned greater critical praise than commercial returns. Though attached to a major label, the band truly belonged to the unadorned independent circuit, where their sincere and meticulously shaped soft rock received an affectionate reception. Vocalist Steve Roberts and bassist Tony Elliott had first crossed paths in 1981 while attempting to assemble Total Action, yet a few acoustic outings failed to attract further participants and the project was abandoned. Three years afterward the pair, once again without bands, chose to resume working together. Taking their name from an album by psychedelic revivalists the Three O'Clock, Roberts and Elliott began rehearsing with a drum machine that was soon succeeded by Tony McGuigan. Local connections strengthened through steady performances, generating considerable interest within the scene. A three-track demo cut in 1985 showcased “Hope (A Man for All Seasons),” “Jumpin' in the Fire,” and “I Wouldn't Want to Stop,” drawing the notice of U.K. DJ Con McConville and securing initial radio play. By 1987 the lineup had expanded to include percussionist Dr. Perry Pineapple, guitarist Mike Moran, and backup vocalist Susan Elleni, introducing greater depth through pronounced cocktail-jazz and soul inflections. Arista Records offered a contract, and the sole album, How Green Is Your Valley?, appeared in February 1990. Its title track reached only number 78 on the British charts, yet the group supported Wet Wet Wet on a highly successful tour. Arista soon withdrew support and released the band, which disbanded in April 1990. Roberts and Elliott persisted briefly as the Tambourines before that venture also dissolved; Roberts later achieved notable critical recognition as a solo artist with the 2001 release It Just Is.
Albums