Monsoon (band)

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Monsoon
Sheila Chandra, 2008
Sheila Chandra, 2008
Background information
OriginEngland
GenresWorld fusion
Years active1981–1983
LabelsMobile Suit Corporation (Phonogram Records), Indipop Records, Mercury
Past membersSheila Chandra
Steve Coe
Martin Smith

Monsoon was an early 1980s UK world/pop trio that consisted of singer Sheila Chandra, record producer Steve Coe, and bass guitarist Martin Smith.[1] Their song "Ever So Lonely" was a number 12 hit single in the UK Singles Chart in 1982.[2]

Midge Ure directed the video for Monsoon's second single, "Shakti", which just missed out on the top 40 in the UK. Monsoon's third single, "Tomorrow Never Knows" (a cover of the Beatles' 1966 song), featured guest appearances from Bill Nelson, Preston Heyman, Dave Balfe (The Teardrop Explodes) and Merrick (Adam and the Ants).

Due to differences with their label, Phonogram, Monsoon dissolved in 1982.[1] Sheila Chandra started a solo career,[1] Steve Coe continued writing and producing her albums, as well as Martin Smith, but often under the name Ganges Orchestra.

Phonogram released Third Eye in 1983, after the act had split up.[1]

A compilation of Monsoon recordings including several previously unreleased tracks was released on CD in 1995 by Phonogram's partner label Mercury Records.

Discography[edit]

Albums[edit]

  • Third Eye (1983), Phonogram[1]
  • Monsoon featuring Sheila Chandra (1995, Mercury Records) – re-release of Third Eye includes several previously unreleased tracks

Singles[edit]

Year Song UK[2] AUS[3]
1982 "Ever So Lonely" 12 40
"Shakti (The Meaning of Within)" 41
"Tomorrow Never Knows"
"Wings of the Dawn (Prem Kavita)"
2001 "So Lonely" (with Jakatta) 8 51

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Who's Who of Indie and New Wave Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 187. ISBN 0-85112-579-4.
  2. ^ a b "The Official Charts Company: Monsoon". Official Charts. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  3. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 205. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.

External links[edit]