we need to back, way back…

when in the UK –– via 4AD records…

M.A.A.R.S  released of pump up the volume in 1987 which went to No. 1 in the united kingdom, canada, the netherlands, and new zealand

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around the time of beastie boys in NY, MAARS, consisting of 4 kids from UK, released “pump up the volume”. it was a mega hit in the clubs! MARRS started in 1987 as an intended collaboration between the groups A.R. kane and colourbox, with additional input from DJs chris “c.j.” mackintosh and dave dorrell. (basically nobodies)

however, instead of working together, the two groups ended up recording a track each, then turning it over to the other for additional input. this was a propulsive martyn young track constructed largely of samples, including one of A.R. kane’s guitars. the track was released on 4th & b’way/island records in the US. because of legal issues, some of the samples used in the original UK release of the song were removed and replaced in the US release. the song was nominated for grammys in the US… but it lost out and it remained MAARS one hit wonder… that said the baseline is catchy as hell, some one pick it up.

* MAARS derived from the forenames of the five 4AD artists involved in the project: (M)artyn young (from Colourbox), (A)lex ayuli and (R)udy tambala (from A.R. kane), (R)ussell smith (an associate A.R. kane member), and (S)teven young (from colourbox). by uh