Aslan

• Christy Dignam - vocals
• Joe Jewell - guitar
• Billy McGuinness - keyboards
• Tony McGuinness - bass
• Alan Downey - drums

Bio:

Aslan formed in Dublin in 1982 or early 1983. Christy Dignam, Tony McGuinness and Joe Jewell had all been in Meelah XVIII, formed in 1980. Billy McGuinness has been in Blue Movies and Alan Downey in Alien Comfort.

They quickly became popular in Dublin as word about them spread, selling out gigs and attracting A&R attention. They recorded some demos at Windmill Lane in 1983.

The band almost split in early 1986 after various management fuckups and failed record company negotiations. Then they signed to Worldwide Management in April or May, and never looked back.

After a couple of indie singles, a Janice Long session on BBC1 and the Stag/Hot Press Most Promising New Band award in 1986, Aslan signed to EMI Records in 1987. Their debut LP was a huge success and EMI took up the option for a second LP, but the band fell apart in 1988, beginning with an (acrimonious) split from lead singer Christy Dignam and his very public problems with drugs. They attempted to continue with new vocalist Eamonn Doyle but EMI dropped the band in February 1989 and Aslan split soon after, despite interest from other record companies.

Most of the band continued as Precious Stones, while Christy Dignam pursued a solo career as well as forming a duo with guitarist Conor Goff.

Aslan reformed in 1993 and have released several more records. Check the official website for details.

Joe Jewell had earlier been in Electron, before Meelah XVIII. Tony McGuinness is a cousin of Buzzcock's bassist Steve Garvey.

Notes:
Note cover variation. A bizarre photo -- what exactly is Christy (wearing the hat) supposed to be doing?

Notes: "Loving Me Lately" also surfaced on Solid Records "Solid Citizens" cassette sampler in 1988. See Compilations section for full track listing.

track: "The Hunger" recorded live at the ICA London - January 1987

7" tracks:
Please Don't Stop
Can't Hold Back

12" tracks:
Please Don't Stop (Glossy mix)
Please Don't Stop (7")
Please Don't Stop (Hank mix)
Can't Hold Back

track: The Courier - It's A Dangerous Game

tracklisting:
1. Loving Me Lately
2. Pretty Thing
3. This Is
4. Been So Long
5. The Hunger
6. Heat Of The Cell
7. Please Don't Stop
8. Down On Me
9. Sands Of Min
10. Feel No Shane
11. Book Of Life

Notes: Promo only cassette with excerpts from the debut LP plus interview.

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