After Dinner Speakers: The Lighthouse Family, Sean Lock, Stomp

This UK pop band comprises the Newcastle-based duo of Tunde Baiyewu, a vocalist of Nigerian descent, and songwriter and musician Paul Tucker. They met while working at nightclub bars in the north east of England, at which time Tucker was also recording his own compositions at home in his spare time. They formed a partnership in early 1993 after being introduced by a local soul DJ. After hearing a tape of the band's "Ocean Drive" played down the phone, Polydor Records A&R director Colin Barlow recognized their potential, particularly in the mainstream album market, and signed them to a long-term development contract. Influenced by artists such as Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, the duo made their debut in May 1995 with "Lifted", which entered the lower reaches of the UK chart. This, like their debut album, was produced by Mike Pedan, formerly of UK soul band the Chimes and producer for Shara Nelson and Darryl Hall. "Ocean Drive", also the title of the debut album, was placed on the soundtrack to the Richard E. Grant movie Jack And Sarah before being released as their second single, reaching number 34 in October. Determined not to see a good song die, "Lifted" was reissued in early 1996 and this time caught the mood of the public by reaching number 4. It was also adopted as the theme song by the UK Labour Party for the 2001 general election. "Ocean Drive" was also reissued, and reached number 11. "Goodbye Heartbreak" (number 14) and "Loving Every Minute" (number 20) completed the duo's impressive run of hit singles from Ocean Drive, although detractors took great satisfaction in attacking their brand of "soul-lite" pop. The 1997 follow-up, Postcards From Heaven, confirmed Lighthouse Family's status as one of Britain's most successful new bands. The album featured the UK Top 10 singles "Raincloud", "High" and "Lost In Space". Protacted recording sessions meant the duo's third album, Whatever Gets You Through The Day, did not see the light of day until 2001. By this time, the market for their brand of easy listening soul pop had largely evaporated and the record fared poorly on the charts. A compilation set was hastily assembled for release the following year