| Early in 1996 Paul went to Holland to write the lyrics for the next album. They were ready for recording by the Summer and the album was soon finished. However release was delayed as the band's label, Go! Discs was in trouble. The success of 'Carry On Up The Charts' meant that the relatively small label simply could not afford to run with such a high profile band on their books. Paul was unhappy, and when it was discovered that Go! Discs had been keeping more than the agreed share of profits, he decided enough was enough. He sold the rights to the album to PolyGram, and Go! Discs folded in January 1997. A further hiccup ensued when the band's long standing manager, Paul 'Bambi' Thompson decided he was leaving the job. It took another few months to sort this out, but finally in September the first single, 'Rotterdam', was released. The album, 'Blue Is The Colour' was released in October, and became their first proper No. 1 album. In February of 1997, the band were featured in a Jools Holland special, with guests including Bill Withers and James Dean Bradfield singing South songs. The rest of the year was taken up with touring, and Jacqui had her first child in the Autumn, so any further work was put on hold for a few months. |
