New Wave Outpost Forum

As a big Madness fan, I first knew of her as Suggs' wife. Then I heard and dowloaded everything I could find of her work with 70s art rock band Deaf School (just 3 songs) and, later, I heard stuff from her only solo album, Rhythm Breakes The Ice (released in 1981), on YouTube, which I liked, but couldn't find on mp3. So, I kinda forgot about it until I installed Soulseek 4 months ago and searched for it and found it. It's an extraordinary albuum, one of the best I´ve ever heard. It's the perfect pop album as the songs are sooo catchy (I don't understand why it wasn't a hit). Musically, it's great, especially the drum work, but the best part is Bette's singing. She sings with such naked emotion, something that many trained singers can't achieve. She has become my favourite female singer. It's a shame that she didn't release more albums. I totally recommend it (you'll have to download the songs as it hasn't been releaed on CD, I think. All I can say is to thank you guys for recommending me to install Soulseek, as this was my way to findidng this great album.

I have a vinyl copy of Bette Bright and the Illuminations "Rhythm breaks the ice" that I got from a fellow member on this board years back. You're right, it is a good new wave pop album! Worth seeking out.

It was produced by Clive Langer who had a group called Clive Langer and the Boxes; their sound is similar, you might want to check them out. He was a pretty big producer in the mid-80's, doing the Madness lps and Dexy's Midnight Runners among others. He was the guitarist in Deaf School also, I think.

I believe Bette is still married to Madness lead singer Suggs, which makes me like both of them even more. I remember as a teen when the Madness single "It must be love" came out around the time they wed (read it in Trouser Press).

Excellent Spectorish-energetic new wave pop not far away from what was doing at the same period Josie Cotton or Go Go's.Check out also two more Deaf School releted bands The Plenets amd Original Mirrors-of Ian Broudie fame.