Biography
Though rooted in the Brighton punk rock scene, the Chefs distinguished themselves through brisk, driving pop songs whose bright melodies and frequently whimsical lyrics about ordinary topics positioned them as an early influence on the later C-86 and twee pop scenes. Bassist and vocalist Helen McCookerybook, born Helen McCallum, and guitarist and vocalist Carl Evans established the group in 1978. Helen had arrived in Brighton two years earlier to pursue studies in art and printmaking; drawn to the area’s music community, she took up the bass and briefly played in the punk outfit Joby & the Hooligans, whose guitarist Steve Beardsley would subsequently form the Accents. That band soon transformed into the Smartees, with Carl added on guitar. After the Smartees disbanded in late 1978, Helen and Carl started composing material together. When Carl supplied music for a poem of Helen’s titled “Food” and she created an accompanying sketch of a dancing cook, they formed the Chefs. Helen brought in her brother James McCallum, previously of Smeggy & the Cheesybits, on guitar, while several drummers rotated through the early lineup. Percussionist Muttley performed on the band’s first recordings in 1979, contributing “Food” and “You Get Everywhere” to the Attrix Records compilation Vaultage 79 -- Another Two Sides of Brighton. Impressed by the tracks, Attrix issued a four-song EP in 1980; by then Russ Greenwood, formerly of the Parrots, had joined on drums, and his precise, forceful approach helped define the Chefs’ sound.
Following significant airplay from BBC disc jockey John Peel, the Chefs secured stronger and more frequent bookings nationwide, and Peel invited them to tape a session for his program. Their signature single “24 Hours” appeared in spring 1981, prompting a relocation to London. Graduate Records, the independent label that had found success with UB40, signed the band and re-released “24 Hours,” yet the company struggled to promote a group whose style contrasted with prevailing British chart trends. Unsuccessful demo sessions for a planned album led the members, in 1982, to rename themselves Skat. Their fortunes did not improve under the new name despite another Peel session featuring fresh songs, and after issuing a single covering the Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale,” Russ Greenwood departed. Bron Buick took over on drums, but the band dissolved within months. Greenwood later joined the Popticians, Carl Evans started the cowpunk group Yip Yip Coyote, and Helen McCookerybook performed with the retro-styled Helen & the Horns. James McCallum, who sometimes battled stage fright, left music professionally and became a lawyer. Damaged Goods Records released the 2012 anthology Records & Tea: The Best of the Chefs, compiling the Chefs’ studio and radio material.
Following significant airplay from BBC disc jockey John Peel, the Chefs secured stronger and more frequent bookings nationwide, and Peel invited them to tape a session for his program. Their signature single “24 Hours” appeared in spring 1981, prompting a relocation to London. Graduate Records, the independent label that had found success with UB40, signed the band and re-released “24 Hours,” yet the company struggled to promote a group whose style contrasted with prevailing British chart trends. Unsuccessful demo sessions for a planned album led the members, in 1982, to rename themselves Skat. Their fortunes did not improve under the new name despite another Peel session featuring fresh songs, and after issuing a single covering the Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale,” Russ Greenwood departed. Bron Buick took over on drums, but the band dissolved within months. Greenwood later joined the Popticians, Carl Evans started the cowpunk group Yip Yip Coyote, and Helen McCookerybook performed with the retro-styled Helen & the Horns. James McCallum, who sometimes battled stage fright, left music professionally and became a lawyer. Damaged Goods Records released the 2012 anthology Records & Tea: The Best of the Chefs, compiling the Chefs’ studio and radio material.
Albums
