Biography
THE FRANK AND WALTERS began in Cork, it was the early 90's and their mission was to spread cheer and optimism throughout the world via their music. Naming themselves after some eccentric old boys from down the road, their energetic live shows, infectious melodies and seemingly irrepressible happiness built up a loyal following and before very long, every major and independent record label was showing interest. In 1991, the Franks signed to Setanta Records.
They relocated to London and released a string of critically acclaimed EP's, with three grabbing singles of the week in the NME and Melody Maker simultaneously. They were filled with crafted and memorable songs: "Fashion crisis hits New York", "This is not a song", and "Walter’s trip". They played hundreds of gigs, initially supporting the INSPIRAL CARPETS, STEREOLAB and the B-52s on their tours. Later on, as headliners, SUEDE and RADIOHEAD supported them on their UK tours. Interestingly enough they also had a young man named Noel Gallagher as their roadie.
In October 1992 their first album, "Trains, boats and planes" was released on GO! Discs. It finally exploded in January 1993 when the Franks released their most recognisable tune – "After all". With it's gloriously catchy chorus it thundered into the UK charts at number 11.
"Souvenirs" is the first ever collection of previously unreleased tracks, B-Sides, remixes and rare FRANK AND WALTERS material from the 90s, containing some of their finest moments. Amongst the long unavailable favourites are Franks' covers of: Julian Cope's "Elegant chaos", THE MONKEES "I’m a believer", THE MAGNETIC FIELDS "Falling out of love", THE SMITHS "Cemetry gates" and Tone Loc's "Funky Cold Medina".
It also features videos of their two classics "After all" and "Indian ocean", and a rare MY BLOODY VALENTINE remix of "Take me through this life", as well as a version of "Paradise" covered by Fame Academy's Marli Buck. With purchase of the CD you are then given a special code which lets you download an exclusive third CD worth of even more vintage tracks (a HIGH LLAMAS remix, John Peel session tracks, a cover of disco classic "Love is in the air") from the band’s website: www.thefrankandwalters.ie.
The band released a greatest hits compilation in May 2006, and their fifth studio album – "Renewed interest in happiness" by the end of 2006. All these releases are released on the band's new label FIFA Records (Fresh Indie Frontal Attack), and distributed via Elefant Records.
2007
They played the songs on the new album live in Spain in January 27th (Elástico Club) and February 24th, at the Minifestival in Barcelona, where they played along with Damon&Naomi and THE BITTER SPRINGS.
Discography in Elefant:
ER-191 THE FRANK AND WALTERS "Indian Ocean" Single 7" (February 1998)
