Blue Orchids

THE SLEEPER

LTM

Formed by ex-Fall members Martin Bramah and Una Baines, Manchester’s The Blue Orchids cut a caustic swathe through the early ’80s with songs like 1981’s “The Greatest Hit” and 1980’s “Work”, featured here as part of a Peel session. Although more melodic and accessible than The Fall, they never quite emulated their success, though The Charlatans and Inspiral Carpets both emulated their inventive use of Hammond organ.

1993’s hitherto unreleased The Sleeper was their last word, notable mainly for the spidery funk of “NY Gargoyles” and the typically angular “The Gun Is A Coward’s Weapon”. A deceptive band whose songs have a way of stalking you.