
A Popular History Of Signs were a synth pop band hailing from London. They released arty synth-dance records in the early and mid-80's and the band released its first three 7" and two EPs with a lineup of Andy Jarman on vocals, bass, and synthesiser with Peter Scammell on synthesiser and Paul Clarke on percussion. In 1983, Scammel left the group and was replaced by Andrew Smith on guitar, synths and vocals. This lineup recorded the LP Comrades and single 'The Art of Persuasion', toured the UK in support of Shriekback and extensively in France and Spain. Clarke was eventually replaced by Mark Tattersall (also of Cabaret Voltaire) on drums. Smith left for journalism in 1986 and is now a bestselling author. One last album followed.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played the group's music in the early 80's on his shows including a session they recorded for his programme in 1983. After 1984, he rarely played material from them on his programmes.
Sessions[]
A Popular History Of Signs - Stigma (Peel Session, 1983)
1. Recorded: 1983-10-12. First Broadcast: 18 October 1983. Repeated: 08 November 1983
- Stigma / House / Christmas Island / Comrades
Other Shows Played[]
- 1980
- 06 December 1980 (BFBS): Justice Not Vengeance (7") Melodia
- 16 December 1980: Justice Not Vengeance (7") Melodia
- 20 December 1980 (BFBS): Justice Not Vengeance (7") Melodia
- 1981
- 01 March 1981 (BFBS): Justice Not Vengeance (7") Melodia
- 06 October 1981: unknown
- 15 October 1981 (BFBS): Crowds (7") Melodia
- 20 October 1981: Crowds (7" - Crowds / Crossing The Border) Melodia
- 1982
- 08 November 1982: 'Dancing With Ideas (7")' (Melodia)
- 14 November 1982 (BFBS): Dancing With Ideas (7") Melodia
- 15 November 1982: Dancing With Ideas (7") Melodia
- 1983
- 07 September 1983: If She Was A Car (12") Jungle
- 17 September 1983 (BFBS): If She Was A Car (12") Jungle
- 28 September 1983: If She Was A Car (12") Jungle
- 1984
- 17 April 1984: House (12") Jungle
- 08 May 1984: House (12") Jungle