The Icicle Works

Named after a novel, The Icicle Works joined Liverpool's early 1980s 'neo-psychedelia' wave, which also propelled Echo & the Bunnymen and

Named after a novel, The Icicle Works joined Liverpool's early 1980s 'neo-psychedelia' wave, which also propelled Echo & the Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes to stardom. Less stellar but acclaimed nonetheless, The Icicle Works' biggest UK hit was 1983's "Love Is a Wonderful Colour." Their debut eponymous album (1984) reached the U.S. top 40, as did the single from it "Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)"; but The Small Price of a Bicyle (1985), If You Want to Defeat His Enemy Sing His Song (1987), and Blind (1988) formed fewer ripples.

Drummer Chris Sharrock departed (to The La's, and later to The Lightning Seeds), as did bassist Chris Layhe. Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr, briefly occupied the drumstool, while various keyboardists, bassists, and a guitarist passed through before the band bowed out with Permanent Damage (1990). Vocalist and guitarist Ian McNabb's solo career included Truth and Beauty (1993), Head Like a Rock (1994) - featuring Neil Young's band Crazy Horse - Merseybeast (1996).