Memphis in Texas was the first and only album by Shrubbies. In the aftermath of Lake of Puppies, an alt folk/pop band featuring William D Drake, Sharron Fortnam (North Sea Radio Orchestra/Cardiacs/Lake of Puppies/Led Bib/Lost Crowns) and Craig Fortnam (North Sea Radio Orchestra/Arch Garrison/Lake of Puppies) formed Shrubbies with Sarah Smith (Cardiacs/Sea Nymphs) on sax and keyboards, and Ben Clarke on drums. When he left the band, Dominic Luckman (Cardiacs) joined the fold! Following Sarah’s departure from the band, Dan Maitland signed up. They played enthusiastically on the London circuit from 1996-1999, made this record, released it then split up. Craig’s songs are settings of poems that Sharron wrote in her bedroom next the North Sea

Sharron and Craig Fortnam went on to form North Sea Radio Orchestra, recruiting classical musicians to perform Craig’s chamber music and even forming a small choir, the North Sea Chorus.

Another gem from the Cardiacs family of bands. I’m off to see North Sea Orchestra play in Hackney in July. A lot of wine was consumed the last time I saw them.