There was a time when pop music didn't immediately mean identikit boy/girl bands singing close harmonies to an interchangeable backing. The early 80's saw a resurgence in the quest for perfect pop which was based as much on experimentation and the perfect beat as it was on the memorable hookline. Cheeky smiles and knowing winks simply weren't enough to stake a claim in the hearts of the nation.

As founder member and main songwriter for Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke had already made his mark with such classic pop songs as "New Life" and "Just Can't Get Enough", yet arguably it was with his next band that he firmly worked his way deep into the living rooms of Britain. Departing from Depeche Mode swiftly after the release of their 1981 debut album "Speak And Spell", Yazoo were formed in 1982 when Clarke replied to an advertisement placed by Alison Moyet in the Melody Maker, looking for "rootsy blues musicians".