Racey - Smash And Grab (Reissue, Remastered) (1979/2009)

One of Mickie Most’s numerous UK successes on the RAK Records label in the 70s, this pop outfit was formed in 1976 from the ashes of the unsuccessful Phoenix Press. The line-up featured Richard Gower (b. 1955, Hackney, London, England; vocals/keyboards), Phil Fursdon (vocals/guitar), Pete Miller (vocals/bass) and Clive Wilson (vocals/drums). After playing extensively round the pub circuits, an early supporter called Steve Matthews brought Racey to the attention of Most in London. He quickly signed them after hearing a demo, and they released their debut ‘Baby It’s You’, written by Chris Norman and Pete Spencer of Smokie, which narrowly missed the charts. However, they got their hit with second single, ‘Lay Your Love On Me’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn), which rose to number 3 in the UK charts in early 1979. Another Chapman/Chinn composition ‘Some Girls’ went one place better in March, but after two more Top 30 hits, including a cover version of Dion’s ‘Runaround Sue’, the race was over. Lead singer Richard Gower worked as a songwriter for RAK during the 80s before re-forming Racey in the early 90s. This line-up of the band recorded several new songs for 1995’s Say Wow! Greatest & Latest. They remain a popular draw on the European nostalgia circuit.