Radar: Martin Stephenson and the Daintees

Yes, here's another classic album about to be performed in full. But, with Boat to Bolivia, you're in for a masterclass in pared down, infectious songwriting.

One of the best overlooked albums of the 80s (well, overlooked in terms of rightful sales)? Got to be Martin Stephenson and the Daintees’ passionate set of Kitchenware goodness, Boat To Bolivia.

Produced by Gil Norton, Boat To Bolivia was released in 1986, and showcased the perfect blend of rootsy, ragged pop, Wearside blues and pub rock. The NME said it “builds bridges between love and hate, between cradle and grave, between folk and pop, between the past and present”. And, back then, the NME knew a thing or two.

Stephenson’s back on the road (SevenStreets caught him solo in Manchester recently) and he’s sounding - and playing - better than ever. Reunited with The Daintees, and promising to play out Bolivia in full, this is set to be a return to the 80s with class, candidness and consummate song craft. And you don’t get that very often.