The Popinjays

Formed in London during 1988, the Popinjays began as a trio consisting of songwriters Wendy Robinson (b. 6 April 1964, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England; vocals), Polly Hancock (b. 16 July 1964, Berkshire, England; guitar/vocals) and a drum machine. Their origins traced back to the influential Timebox Club at the Bull & Gate pub in Kentish Town, north London, where the duo would later establish their own Pop Club at the identical location. In 1989 Dana Baldinger (b. 26 December 1963, California, USA; bass) came aboard after an offer of sweets, comics and biscuits secured the group a deal with One Little Indian Records. Following a single release Baldinger left, and fellow countrywoman Anne Rogers (b. 17 October 1962, New York, USA) stepped in; the change coincided with widespread critical praise for the 1990 debut Bang Up To Date With The Popinjays, on which the band aimed to refine the perfect pop formula. Always mindful of music’s playful side, the promotional clip for the ‘Vote Elvis’ single included extensive Monkees-style antics and featured special guest Cathal Coughlan from the Fatima Mansions. At year’s end Seamus Feeney (b. 19 November 1964, Middlesex, England) replaced the drum machine, precisely when the Popinjays started attracting positive notice from America. Flying Down To Mono Valley failed to strengthen their standing, so the task of achieving a notable stylistic shift fell to the 1994 album. Tales From The Urban Prairie ventured into country rock and singer-songwriter melancholia, delivering an affecting performance that nonetheless bewildered their established audience.