The Sundays Songs, Albums, Pictures, Photos and Artwork

Who are they?

The Sundays are Harriet Wheeler (vocals), David Gavurin (guitar), Paul Brindley (bass) and Patrick Hannan (drums). They were formed in 1987 by partners Wheeler and Gavurin who spent most of their university years composing songs together.

Whereas most bands spend years touring relentlessly before attracting the attention of a record company, the Sundays seemed to have the midas touch, invoking a bidding war after one of their very first gigs at the 'Vertigo Club' in Camden. Rough Trade eventally ended up emerging as the Sundays contractors and in 1990 they released their long awaited debut LP 'Reading, Writing and Arthimetic' to great press reviews.

It took the band until 1993 to release their follow-up album 'Blind'. Expectations were high after the out and out success of their debut and although 'Blind' stands up on its own as a great album it did not have the same amount of charm as 'Reading, Writing and Arthimetic'

Harriet and Dave went on another 4 year break, during which they built their own studio and had a child together. The resulting album 'Static & Silence' (1997) built upon the success and sound of 'Blind' spawning only the Sundays second top 40 UK single 'Summertime'.

Since then there has been absolutely no news.

What are they most famous for?

Writing a modern classic in the form of 'Here's Where The Story Ends' which was systematically shat upon several years later by the hapless indie covering outfit 'Tin Tin Out'. Their version of the song reached #7 in the UK charts in the summer of 1998 making it much more well known than the original. Which really is a shitter Because its shit.

Also of note was the almost universal slating of the bands cover version of the Rolling Stones 'Wild Horses'

Why aren't they famous?

Harriet and David's relationship took precadence over musical acclaim, with the couple taking major breaks throughout the 90's to spend more time together with their young family.

The Sundays definitely possessed the talent and the charm to break into the mainstream in both the UK and the USA. It is refreshing to see a group sacrificing their potential for personally constructive methods rather than through drug addiction or suicide. They definitely were one of a kind.

Where to start

Reading, Writing and Arithmetic has more charm than a sackful of Smiths-era Morrissey's. 'Can't be Sure', 'My Finest Hour' and 'Here's Where The Story Ends' are all songs that might make it onto your funeral program if you just give them a chance.

Both 'Blind' and 'Static & Silence' are seriously recommended if you find their debut irrestible.