Martha & The Muffins

Originating from Toronto, the initial lineup of Martha and the Muffins featured Martha Johnson on vocals and keyboards, Martha Ladly on vocals, keyboards, and trombone, guitarist Mark Gane, bassist Carl Finkle, drummer Tim Gane, and saxophonist Andy Haas. The ensemble came together in 1977, and after issuing their first independent single, "Insect Love"/"Suburban Dream," they secured a deal with Virgin U.K. Their opening album, Metro Music, arrived in 1980 and was anchored by "Echo Beach," a track that later emerged as a new wave classic. Following This Is the Ice Age in 1981 and Danseparc two years afterward, Johnson and Gane shifted the group to England, where they cut Mystery Walk in 1984 and The World Is a Ball in 1986 under the name M+M. Thereafter Martha and the Muffins put out material only at intervals, with Modern Lullaby appearing in 1992 and Delicate in 2010.