Cook da Books

Cook da Books (also known as Cook the Books, and Da Books) were a British new wave band from Liverpool, England popular in the 1980s. Their success began with politically charged compositions and peaked with pop friendly film soundtrack and commercial releases. The band had a self professed reputation for being fiercely independent but enjoyed major label attention and numerous high profile global performances.

History

Cook da Books formed in 1980 in Fazakerley, Liverpool composed of former members of pub/cabaret circuit groups The Dogems and Brooklyn" two bands untouched by the phenomenon of the city punk and new wave scene but competent musicians with close harmonies gained from the Hilda Fallon Roadshow days similar to other local bands such as Our Kid. The initial line-up was Kevin Kunky Kelly (Guitar/vocals) Peter "Digsy" Deary (vocals, guitar), Owen Moran (bass, vocals), Tony Prescott (keyboards), and John Legget (drums).

They initially gained attention with their acclaimed, and politically charged debut single "Piggie in the Middle 8", whose provocative lyrics about the Toxteth riots were penned by their manager John Smith who secured reggae superstar producer Denis Bovell to produce the track at his Studio80 in London. Bovell had recently had a number two record with Janet Kay's "Silly Games" and Smith played the demo to Bovell and secured his support for producing the track. Smith further secured a deal with Probe records to release the record in the rising independent market. This was the first record ever released on the Probe label, which went on to become successful with many other artistes following this release. Smith also found local photographer John Stoddart for the artwork of the 7" & 12" sleeves, This was his first band session and Stoddart went on to photograph many bands including most notably Frankie Goes to Hollywood through their major success.