Biography
Formed in London in 1992, the Anglo-American duo The Dear Janes united Barbara Marsh with Ginny Clee, spouse of former Shriekback bassist Simon Edwards. Although the pair had crossed paths earlier, mutual friend Pete Smith encouraged their collaboration, later supplying lyrics for several projects. Their debut album Sometimes I appeared in 1994, captured in Clee’s basement and driven by a lean, folk-tinged sound paired with perceptive songwriting. The release secured touring slots alongside The Proclaimers, The Saw Doctors, and Mary Black. In 1996 the duo signed with Geffen and cut No Skin at Peter Gabriel’s Real World studios, yet glowing reviews failed to translate into strong sales, leaving them mired in lengthy negotiations to exit the contract. That ordeal prompted them to launch their own imprint, Sore Thumb, which issued Skirt in 2002; the album included the track “Ship,” co-written by Syd Straw and featuring a guest appearance by Billy Bragg.