MARTIN STEPHENSON

IN EARLY 1986 MARTIN STEPHENSON AND THE DAINTEES RELEASED DEBUT ALBUM TO BOLIVIA.

This assured but modest and unassuming collection of retro-tinged songwriting was, in many ways, out of step with its times. It harked back to classic forms from decades as far apart as the 1920s, the 1950s and the 1970s, and aligned them with contemporary adult-oriented indie pop. The subject matters up for sensitive and often insightful lyrical discussion included grief, alcoholism, miscarriage and lesbianism. Surprisingly, with that in mind, it was one of the most joyful records of its era – and it sealed cult status for not only the Geordie band, but for Stephenson as a major songwriting force. For its thirtieth anniversary the album is being reissued as a two-disc set containing the original version plus a complete new re-recording, which offers three decades’ worth of perspective. In this new edition of The Mouthcast, old pal Stephenson discusses BOAT TO BOLIVIA in depth…