User:David George Street/sandbox

The Strange Boys
Background The Strange Boys (1996-1998) are an English musical group comprising David Street and Chris Street. They recorded and produced 2 albums; 'Very Strange' (1996) and 'Even Stranger than Before'(1997), both only available on cassette although digital remixes have subsequently been made available. The albums comprised electronic organ music and neither featured vocals. The Strange Boys were rumoured to be likely to tour the UK in 1998 although this did not materialize and due to musical differences (i.e. no-one liked their music) the group disbanded in 1998. A comeback album has been threatened but nothing has materialized to date.

Group members David George Street (born 1958) and Chris Mark Street (born 1983) first met in 1983 and realized that they had a musical connection, forming the group in 1996. Chris's brother, Paul made a guest appearance playing the sqweaky door in the first album but was not invited back for the sequel. The first album' 'Very Strange' failed to sell or chart and its follow up performed even worse. In 1998, David mentioned to a reporter " No-one seems to understand our music. I think it could be ahead of its time, or past its sell by date or both". He went on to say "another reason is that I think while my song-writing skills have developed considerably, Chris's have not and he seems to produce the same sort of noise with each song. I think he could be holding me back."

In early 1998, the group were invited to play Glastonbury but refused citing a potential negative crowd reaction to some of the songs. Both Chris and David feared a riot. With album sales non existent, David and Chris decided to retire the group later in 1998 stating 'we will make a comeback when the time is right'. The world awaits. At the time of the announcement, comment from the media was unanimous: "Thank Christ for that" (Gill Street), "That will teach them for not letting me take part in the 2nd album" (Paul Street) and " A waste" (New Musical Express).

In 2011, a digital recording of the first album was released on CD and received extensive airplay in France. A UK release was not considered for safety reasons.

Although never actually charting, the Strange Boys have developed a cult following and rumours abound about a reunion tour. In 2013, David Street quoted: "I think the time may be right for a Strange Boys Reunion Tour". "We have resolved our musical differences and Chris has got a new keyboard with headphone sockets, so we can practice and no-one need hear us". Gill Street was quoted as saying " If they reunite and make an album, I am moving out". In June 2013, Chris established a recording facility in Hinchingbrooke, Huntingdon. His partner, Donna Smith was heard to say to David " Why on earth did you get that keyboard out of the loft. The noise he makes is awful"

Personal lives Chris has now moved away from the recording studios where the doomed 2 albums were made. That room has now been turned into a junk room. Chris works for a design company although harbours ambitions for a solo album.

David still hums music in the car and sings when he thinks no-one is listening, much to the annoyance of his wife who does hear it. In 2013, David said 'It makes me quite sad that absolutely no-one liked our music. I think we had something and the world just wasn't ready for it. I'm not sure that I could go solo after all this time but I'm not sure if Chris feels the same". Gill Street said " I am going to start a petition to stop them reforming"

Paul Street appears to be distancing himself from his earlier involvement in the first album. When interviewed about his seminal moment in musical history he said " I'd prefer it if you didn't mention me".

Legacy It is generally recognized that the Strange Boys contribution to modern musical history has been immeasurable; i.e. no-one has bothered to measure it and most try to forget it.