Pooka

Formed under the moniker of an Irish goblin, the duo Pooka—guitarists and vocalists Sharon Lewis and Natasha Jones—earned recognition chiefly through their layered vocal harmonies and lyrics steeped in fairy-tale imagery. Lewis and Jones, both born in Manchester in 1971, launched their live career with shows across London, where a WEA records scout discovered them and secured a recording deal. Their self-titled debut album, helmed by noted producer John Coxon, reached American listeners via Elektra in 1993. Subsequent road work included shared bills with Tindersticks, Kristin Hersh, and the Levellers. Outside their own studio projects, the pair contributed songwriting to electronic outfit Ultramarine’s 1995 release Bel Air. Following a period of postponement, the duo issued their follow-up LP, Spinning, in September 1997 through Trade 2, an Island subsidiary, infusing their compositions with electronic elements.