Name: Station M.X.J.Y.
Brand: Maximum Joy

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

197205

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2020-02-14

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Revol­ver

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

852545003851

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Maximum Joy

Genre US

Label US

1972

Formed in 1979, Maximum Joy is an influential band originating from Bristol. The band was founded by Janine Rainforth (singer/violin/clarinet) and Tony Wrafter (saxophonist/trumpeter). Other founding members include Charlie Llewellin on drums, John Waddington on guitar, and Dan Catsis on bass. Later, Kevin Evans joined as a bass player, Jeremy Hirsch on keys and trumpet, and Nellee Hooper on percussion and backing vocals.

In 2015, the band reformed to perform at Simple Things festival in Bristol. This reunion was spearheaded by Rainforth who later formed a new band called MXMJoY.

Maximum Joy's unique sound has influenced many artists within the post-punk genre. They have been compared to similar bands such as Family Fodder, Essential Logic, Konk, Glaxo Babies, Bush Tetras, Ludus, James White And The Blacks, Delta 5, Au Pairs, Liquid Liquid and more.

New Wave / Post Punk

A focal point for the unique punk-funk that was coming together in Bristol as the bridge from the ’70s to the ’80s arrived, Maximum Joy was formed by Glaxo Babies multi-instrumentalist Tony Wrafter and 18 year-old vocalist Janine Rainforth. Soon they drafted in additional Glaxo Babies in the form of drummer Charlie Llewellin and bassist Dan Catsis, along with guitarist John Waddington, fresh from The Pop Group. The group set about making a one-of-a-kind mix of funk, punk, pop, jazz, dub, soul, afrobeat and reggae; creating a brilliant burst of danceable tunes wrapped around elastic basslines and complex percussion, punctuated by melodic horns and stabs of guitar, all of it highlighting Rainforth’s naturally enthusiastic vocal style. They immediately took their place on the rosters of influential labels like Y and 99 with iconic debut single “Stretch”, as the band had clearly captured something special.

Entering 1982, Kevin Evans had replaced Catsis as Maximum Joy set out to make what would be their only full length LP. Recording at Berry Street and The Lodge with producers Adrian Sherwood (On-U-Sound legend), Dave Hunt (the Flying Lizards and This Heat) and Pete Wooliscroft (Kate Bush, Talk Talk, Peter Gabriel and OMD,) the band would mix practiced grooves with imaginative improvisation. The results were absolutely jaw-dropping.

Station M.X.J.Y.

Music US