The Times (band)
The Times are a British indie band, the brainchild of Ed Ball, co-founder member of the Television Personalities, Teenage Filmstars and 'O' Level.
Whaam! Records 1981–1982
After releasing a string of 7-inch singles variously as O'Level, The Television Personalities', Teenage Filmstars, that culminated with the debut Television Personalities album "And Don't The Kids Just Love It" on Rough Trade Records, Edward Ball and Daniel Treacy opted for even more artistic control by setting up their own label, WHAAM! Records.At the same time, recorded as a proposed Teenage Filmstars' debut LP, Ball's 1980 collection of songs was completed as "Go! With The Times", from which the first Times single "Red With Purple Flashes" was released on Whaam! This was followed by "Pop Goes Art!", released in individually hand-painted sleeves that executed the band's Pop Art visions.
ArTpOp! Records 1982–1986
On leaving the Television Personalities, and consequently Whaam!, Ball immediately launched the ARTPOP! label with the Times' second single "I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape!". This was accompanied by humorous tongue in cheek video based on "The Prisoner" T.V. series that starred Patrick McGoohan. Ball's songwriting took a more serious turn with "This Is London". Songs like "Goodbye Piccadilly", "If Only", and the title track, match the bleakness and despair of Joy Division, the cutting sarcasm of The Jam. After the experimental electronics of "Hello Europe", Ball fulfilled a long-time ambition to stage Joe Orton's screenplay for the Beatles "Up Against It" at a West London theatre with Tony Conway from Mood Six. This culminated with the Times' fifth album "Up Against It".Discography
Studio albums
Go! with the Times Pop Goes Art! This Is London Hello Europe Up Against It Enjoy the Times Beat Torture E for Edward Et Dieu créa la femme Pure Alternative Commercial Crossover Sad but True- ''Pirate Playlist 66''
Compilations
Pink Ball Brown Ball Ed Ball – July 1991Welcome to the Wonderful World of Ed Ball – March 1995Here's to Old England! – October 2005Live albums
EPs
I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape- Blue Period Boys About Town EP – 12-inch, Artpop! Times TV – 12-inch, Fire Records
Singles
- "Red with Purple Flashes" – 7-inch, Whaam!
- "Here Comes the Holidays" – 7-inch, Artpop!
- "I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape" – 7-inch, Artpop!
- "Boys Brigade" – 7-inch, Artpop!
- "Blue Fire" – 7-inch, Artpop!
- "London Boys" – 7-inch, Unicorn
- "Times TV" – 7-inch, Fire Records
- "Manchester" – 12-inch/CD, Creation Records
- "The Mods Are Back!" – split 7-inch, Caff Corporation
- "Lundi Bleu" – 7-inch/12"/CD, Creation Records
- "Finnegan's Break" – 7-inch/12", Creation Records
- "Baby Girl" – 7-inch/CD, Creation Records