Eighties Archive Podcast

EAP Episode.115 - Jim Irvin - Furniture (Songwriter, Singer, Journalist) : "Furniture were quite good at not doing what was required!"

We welcome Jim Irvin, the frontman of London cult 80s band Furniture. We find out about their indie road to an eventual signing to Stiff and beyond and just how much bad luck they had as a band, whilst operating against the grain by choice. Jim went on to write for Melody Maker and subsequently became the Features Editor for MOJO. Having also authored books including the honest and telling account of Jeff Buckley in 'Hallelujah And The Last Goodbye', Jim moved into Songwriting for a living working as a Topliner for successful acts like Lissie & Nothing But Thieves. Jim's detail on work experience at both his part time job at The Beggars Banquet Record Shop and his role as a radio librarian for the United Biscuit Corp. at the top of his career is a-Must-Listen feature! Ace episode! - Enjoy - DA.

EAP Episode.114 - Martin Macaloon (Prefab Sprout) : "I love all the songs, I'm just waiting for the next one. I've been waiting 25 years!"

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party material* Welcome to Martin Macaloon one of the brothers who helped shape the incredible sound of the incomparable Durham band, Prefab Sprout. Humble and unassuming, Martin graciously walks us through the timeline of Sprout history from their first independent release right through to 1990. Martin is on a solo tour with Thomas Dolby performing his brother's songs around the UK from May 15th 2026 to the end of the month. Get your tickets now! - DA

EAP Episode.113 - Tim May (Roaring Boys) : "If we had been launched in America earlier, it might have been a very different story"

*this episode contains excerpts of third party music* Welcome musician Tim May who was the saxophonist in the brilliant Roaring Boys, who also features Neil MacColl, son of Peggy and Ewan and half brother of Kirsty The Roaring Boys evolved from established Cambridge signed band The Models, They found themselves at the centre of a bidding war. However although they got signed, The Roaring Boys suffered perhaps by having 6 strong personalities and no clear leader, Coupled with maybe being in the wrong scene at the wrong time, this translated to not breaking out in the UK or the U.S. to the level we think they deserved. Tim later went on to become a series producer for the BBC Series Arena. DA

EAP Episode.112 - Iain McNay (Cherry Red records Chairman) : "As well as managing to give people what they want, We also give them things they didn't know they wanted"

*This episode features excerpts of 3rd party music* We welcome, Ian McNay, founder and chairman of Cherry Red records, which still remains today, one of the most prolific independent record institutions in operation. Ian takes the time to tell us the Cherry Red story, detailing many of the key moments and signings that decorate his path to success, maintaining an ethos for supporting the truly unique and the different, with independent spirit. from Everything But The Girl, Felt, Dead Kennedeys to a wealth of heritage acts enjoying a resurgence of reissues away from the majors. Not to mention his involvement with his beloved AFC Wimbeldon. DA

EAP Episode.111 - Ross Middleton (Leisure Process/ Positive Noise) : "After hearing Bowie's 'Low', I knew if I were to make music, it was going to include synths"

*This episode includes excerpts of 3rd paty music* Welcome Ross middleton, Scottish singer who along side musician Gary Barnacle, formed Leisure Process, signed by Muff Winwood.