
Blab Happy were a British indie band from Leicester formed in 1987, comprising Mick McCarthy, Jon Dennis, Tony Owen and Jeremy Clay. After two EPs released on their own Wisdom label, they were signed by Demon Records offshoot F-Beat, for whom they released 2 albums, 1991's Boat and 1993's Smothered. The NME's Gina Morris, wrote of the band: "Blab Happy are a cheerful Leicester four piece, smirking between That Petrol Emotion, Blur, and The Beatles". Blab Happy toured in their own right and as support to bands such as Radiohead, Kingmaker, and Squeeze. The band split up in 1993, with singer Mick McCarthy and bassist Tony Owen forming Perfume. Jon Dennis meanwhile formed Slinky. Dennis and Clay both went on to work as journalists - Dennis writing and presenting podcasts for The Guardian, and Clay for the Leicester Mercury. Clay has also written books, including "Blokes With Balls" and "The Burglar Caught By A Skeleton" Dennis currently records as part of Loaded Knife.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played the band's material including their debut single in 1987 and would support them with airplay until 1993 when the group split. When singer Mick McCarthy and bassist Tony Owen formed Perfume, Peel was not enthusiastic with the new band's music, but Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley played them on their Evening Session show, especially their minor hit, Haven't Seen You, in 1996. They also gave Dennis' band, Slinky with some airplay on their shows, which Peel was not interested in. However, Peel did give airplay to Dennis' project of Loaded Knife, which he gave an airing in 2004.
Shows Played[]
- 27 July 1987: So Articulate (7" - "It's Turned Out Nice Again.") Wisdom
- 21 September 1987: Burn Baby, Burn (7" - "It's Turned Out Nice Again.") Wisdom
- 12 August 1987: Always On My Mind (7" - "It's Turned Out Nice Again.") Wisdom
- 30 January 1989: Perish The Thought (7" - Fruits Of Our Labour) Wisdom
- 21 July 1991: Never No More (12" - Mad Surge E.P.) F-Beat
- 02 May 1992: Inside Out (Feedback Mix) (12 inch) F-Beat
- 16 January 1993: Tender Hooks (EP - Blinding) F Beat
- 19 February 1993: Tender Hooks (EP - Blinding) F-Beat
- Loaded Knife
- 11 March 2004: The Bird (7") Spiky