The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death  by The Housemartins

The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death of 1987 is the swan song of The Housemartins, a record that masterfully balances between sunny pop and sharp social critique. The distinctive element of the album is its irony. While the music invites you to dance, the lyrics attack the hypocrisy and greed of Thatcherite Britain.

The recording exudes the energy of Hull, combining indie-pop aesthetics with jangle-pop guitars and the characteristic gospel vocals of Paul Heaton. It is the moment when Norman Cook (later Fatboy Slim) showcased his talent on the bass, just before the band disbanded at its peak, leaving behind one of the most sincere albums of the '80s. The album's influences are a blend of Motown soul, rockabilly, and a politicized punk ethic, though "dressed" with sweet melodies. The singles Five Get Over Excited and Me And The Farmer stood out for their rhythm, while the title track caused a sensation with its lyrics about the royal family.

In the charts, The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death reached No.9 on the UK Albums Chart, establishing the band as one of the most beloved of the decade.