Bio Full Biography »

The Merton Parkas, taking their name from their home in South London (Merton) and the classic mod-wear (the parka), are another footnote in the British mod revival of the late '70s (which itself was merely a footnote in music history). Formed by brothers Mick Talbot (keyboards) and Danny Talbot (vocals) along with Neil Hurrell (bass) and Simon Smith (drums) in 1978, they became one of the first third wave mod-revivalists to release an album, Face in the Crowd, which featured the hit single "You Need Wheels." While many of the movement's followers took a more serious approach, the Merton Parkas tapped into the novelty side of the genre, becoming something of a mod version of Madness, though less innovative (and less interesting). Mick Talbot later teamed up with Paul Weller to form the Style Council in 1983. ~ Chris Woodstra