Papers Discography of CDs

"Papers have evolved. When I first saw them, they played a good mix of upbeat numbers and slower tunes. Papers would end a set with an incendiery cover of 'Take a Letter, Maria' and there was not a soul standing still. Over time, Papers have composed more complex songs and have really moved into the near ethereal zone. They have become the band I want playing in my bedroom as I drift off to sleep. Papers play dream songs, songs that at the time of eyes finally closing, will induce an experience beyond what one has come to expect from slumber. Papers also seem to be still in gestation but are so ridiculously talented that they can evolve onstage and still pull off an amazing performance. Papers are mavericks in the scope of Nebraska music. Papers take chances because they can. Papers are expansive and they will pull you into their dream if you let them." -Eric Wickizer, Lone Prairie Records, 1 March 2005

The Papers were formed in 1979 and were based in the wild end of Brixton South London and oscillated between the music scenes in Brixton and Deptford Crossfields estate - the home of Dire Straits, Squeeze and many other fine bands. The scene was agitated, uncompromising, exhilarating, ripe for political protest and full of invention and unstoppable musical carnage. In the middle of this The Papers emerged with their strident tough talking explosion of challenging agi-pop. The Papers are: John Fitzsimons - lead vocals, guitar, writerJohn Wilkinson - lead guitar, keys, backing vocals, writerMike Fitzsimons - bass, backing vocalsNorman Marsh - drums Twin brothers John and Mike Fitzsimons were born in Orpington, Kent in 1951. The sons of Irish emigrants they graduated from Essex University in 1971 and spend most of their energies directed towards music projects until forming the Papers in 1980. Bands along the way included 'The Mighty Plod, The Stan Laurel Band and Targets as well as many other experimental projects. John Wilkinson was born in Barrow in Furnace, a graduate of Warwick University. Norman Marsh comes from Putney. Within a year following an introduction by their good friends The Skunks (later The Craze) to Salamander Productions The Papers were recording their first single with Tony Taverner at Maison Rouge studios in Fulham, London, owned and run by Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson. Panache Music (Malcolm Forester) signed the band for publishing and produced the first two singles. The first single 'How many More' featured the then US president Ronald Reagan (probably the world's first 'sample'). This single gained the band the reputation they wanted - politico agi pop. Rising to number one in the indie charts and being played by national BBC Radio. A proliferation of gigs followed, notably many at new festivals. The follow up single 'Reggae On The Radio' while as strong musically did not have such an impact. The music industry were unsure what to do with a band that straddled politics and pop. Deals came to an inevitable end. The band continued to play for a couple of years and expanded the line up to include sax (Bernie Hagley of Vanity Fair), vocals (Jenny Geraty) and percussion (Barry) The Papers released their third single in 1984, 'The Only One I See', an anti war epic recorded at Mekon studios with Rob Doran (Hard Corps). Then the band went their separate ways. Mike joined the Piranhas in Brighton. John Wilkinson jouned God Made Trouble. Norman and John 'went west'. With political stakes raised even higher in todays 'modern world' and ...