Unit 4+2 was a one-hit wonder that probably deserved better. As one of the better acoustic-electric bands of the mid-'60s, the group stormed the charts with one memorable hit, "Concrete and Clay," scoring on both sides of the Atlantic, but they were never able to come up with a follow-up that was as catchy. The group originated with guitarist Brian Parker and an instrumental band from Hertfordshire called the Hunters, who recorded for the Fontana label in 1961. Parker left the Hunters in early 1962 and joined Adam Faith's backing band the Roulettes. He didn't stay long with the latter band, preferring to put together a group of his own with the emphasis on vocals. Parker recruited guitarists Tommy Moeller (with whom he began writing songs) and David Meikle, and singer Brian Moules, and the quartet played gigs at youth clubs and other local venues, and turned professional soon after.
Best known for their huge international hit single from 1965, ‘Concrete And Clay’, Unit 4 + 2 were a part of the British Beat explosion, with a strong emphasis on vocal harmony. Their guitarist was Russ Ballard, who later enjoyed further fame with Argent and as a solo artist.
The band four hits in total, the others being their debut 45 ‘Green Fields’ (No. 48, 1964), ‘(You’ve) Never Been in Love Like This Before’ (No. 14, 1965) and ‘Baby Never Say Goodbye’ (No. 49, 1966).
Unit 4 + 2 signed to Decca in 1964, enjoying notable success and recording a string of singles, an EP and an album for the label before over a three-year period…
Universal Music are pleased to announce the release of Marvin Gaye: 1961-1965, a collection of his first seven studio albums in one fantastic box. Marvin Gaye was originally a member of The Marquees, later known as The New Moonglows under co-founder Harvey Fuqua’s direction. Commonly referred to as the ‘Prince of Soul’, Marvin Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown Records during this period and was one of the greatest voices to emerge from the label. Here we celebrate his early years, this first set of three spanning his career.
Volume Two 1966 - 1970 (2016 UK Motown 96-track 8-CD box set of remastered albums, originally released between 1966 and 1970. Compising Moods Of Marvin Gaye, Take Two, United, In The Groove, You're All I Need, M.P.G, Easy and That's The Way Love Is.