Martin Stephenson is another one of the great songwriters in Britain who deserves much more coverage and praise. He’s probably best known for the hits he had with The Daintees back in the 80s when his work was heard regularly alongside Lloyd Cole, Aztec Camera and Prefab Sprout, but Martin always had a rootsier edge than any of these. Their ‘Boat To Bolivia’ was a personal favourite album of the decade and it’s recent remastered re-release drew this comment from the BBC:

"Crocodile Cryer, a heartbreakingly bittersweet take, opens the album and showcases everything good about Stephenson's song-writing: melodically strong, effortlessly poignant, intensely private yet incredibly personable. Affecting and soulful song-writing at its very best."

His later work has increasingly drawn on roots, rockabilly, folk and traditional musical sources, and some of his low-key live events have drawn enormous praise. Martin is a writer who doesn’t take easy routes out, his lyrics have included controversial topics including lesbianism, Roy Buchanan's alcoholism, miscarriages and working in a slaughter house. He has recently recorded albums in a Scottish church and a disused lighthouse and he continues to be one of our great songwriting treasures.

Check out his myspace for more - http://www.myspace.com/martinstephenson