Unit 4 + 2
Unit 4 + 2 was a British pop band formed in 1962 by guitarist and songwriter Brian Parker in Hertfordshire, England, initially as the vocal harmony group Unit 4 before expanding with additional members.[1][2] The band achieved international success as a one-hit wonder with their 1965 single "Concrete and Clay," written by Tommy Moeller and Brian Parker, which topped the UK Singles Chart and reached number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100, blending acoustic-electric instrumentation with bossa nova influences.[3][4][5] The classic lineup featured vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Tommy Moeller, David "Buster" Meikle on guitar, Howard "Lem" Lubin on guitar, Peter Moules on bass (later Rod Garwood), and Hugh Halliday on drums, with later additions of Russ Ballard on guitar and Bob Henrit on drums, enabling four-part vocal harmonies.[6][1][4] The group released their debut album 1st Album in 1965 on Decca Records, featuring tracks like "Concrete and Clay" and follow-up singles such as "(You've) Never Been in Love Like This Before," though subsequent releases failed to replicate their breakthrough success.[6][4] Active primarily through the mid-1960s, Unit 4 + 2 disbanded in 1969 after issuing a self-titled album, with members like Ballard and Henrit later forming Argent and contributing to other notable acts.[1][2] Their legacy endures as part of the British Invasion era, highlighted by reissues compiling their complete recordings from 1964 to 1969, encompassing 43 tracks across singles, EPs, and albums.[4]History
Formation and early career
Unit 4 + 2 originated in 1962 in Hertfordshire, England, when guitarist and songwriter Brian Parker assembled a folk-oriented vocal harmony group named Unit Four, featuring vocalists and multi-instrumentalists Tommy Moeller, David "Buster" Meikle, Peter Moules, and Parker himself.[1] Early members also included Howard Lubin (guitar/keyboards, replacing Parker on stage), Rod Garwood (bass), and Hugh Halliday (drums), who formed the instrumental +2.[6][1] The quartet focused on close-harmony arrangements inspired by acts like the Everly Brothers and performed primarily in the local area around London.[1] By 1963-1964, seeking a richer pop sound, the group changed its name to Unit 4 + 2 to reflect the addition of these instrumentalists, shifting their style from pure folk vocals toward pop and rock elements, while retaining four-part harmonies as a core feature.[7][1] The band honed its material through early performances in Hertfordshire clubs and nearby venues, gradually building a repertoire that blended vocal-driven songs with fuller instrumentation.[8] In late 1963, Unit 4 + 2 signed with Decca Records, leading to their first recording sessions.[8] Their debut single, "The Green Fields," released on Decca in January 1964, marked their initial foray into the recording industry and achieved modest success, peaking at number 48 on the UK Singles Chart. These foundational efforts laid the groundwork for greater recognition with the 1965 hit "Concrete and Clay."[9]Breakthrough success
Unit 4 + 2 achieved their breakthrough with the release of "Concrete and Clay" in February 1965, a song written by band members Tommy Moeller and Brian Parker.[10] The track quickly climbed the charts, reaching number 1 on the UK Singles Chart for one week on April 14, 1965, after displacing The Rolling Stones' "The Last Time" from the top spot, and spending a total of 15 weeks on the chart.[11][12] In the United States, it peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.[5] The recording incorporated a bossa nova-influenced rhythm and prominent acoustic guitar elements, contributing to its distinctive, upbeat pop sound.[13] The song's success was bolstered by extensive promotion, including heavy airplay on pirate radio stations such as Radio London, where DJ Kenny Everett championed it, and television appearances on programs like Top of the Pops.[13] A notable promotional video was filmed on the construction site of London's Barbican Centre, capturing the band performing amid the urban development that inspired the song's title. This exposure propelled Unit 4 + 2 to national fame, marking their transition from regional performers to chart-topping stars. Following the hit, the band released the follow-up single "(You've) Never Been in Love Like This Before" in May 1965, also penned by Moeller and Parker, which reached number 14 in the UK and number 95 in the US.[14][11] The single adopted a more soulful tone but failed to replicate the massive impact of its predecessor. Capitalizing on the momentum, Unit 4 + 2 issued their debut album, #1 (Featuring Concrete and Clay), in 1965, which peaked at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart.[15] The LP blended original compositions with covers, showcasing the band's harmony-driven style and versatility. Key tracks included the hit "Concrete and Clay," the follow-up single "(You've) Never Been in Love Like This Before," and covers such as "La Bamba" and "Cotton Fields," alongside originals like "Sorrow and Pain" and "Woman From Liberia."[15] Reception noted the album's polished production but observed that the band already appeared somewhat dated amid the evolving British Invasion sound.[13]| Side | Track | Writer(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Concrete and Clay | Parker, Moeller | 2:30 |
| A2 | Sorrow and Pain | Parker, Moeller | 2:45 |
| A3 | Couldn't Keep It To Myself | Parker, Moeller | 2:40 |
| A4 | You'll Remember | Parker, Moeller | 3:00 |
| A5 | Cotton Fields | Leadbetter | 2:15 |
| A6 | Tell Somebody You Know | Parker, Moeller | 2:07 |
| B1 | (You've) Never Been in Love Like This Before | Parker, Moeller | 2:30 |
| B2 | La Bamba | Trad., arr. Valens | 2:30 |
| B3 | Woman From Liberia | Whiting, Rodgers | 2:27 |
| B4 | Wild Is The Wind | Moeller | 2:13 |
| B5 | The Girl From New York City | Taylor | 3:10 |
| B6 | Cross A Million Mountains | Parker | 2:06 |
Later career and disbandment
Following the breakthrough success of "Concrete and Clay," Unit 4 + 2 struggled to replicate their earlier chart performance, with subsequent releases failing to match that benchmark. Their next single, "(You've) Never Been in Love Like This Before," reached No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart in 1965. However, later efforts like "Baby Never Say Goodbye" in 1966 only peaked at No. 49 in the UK, marking their final chart entry and signaling declining commercial viability.[11][4] In 1967, after being dropped by Decca Records, the band signed with Fontana Records, releasing non-charting singles such as "Butterfly" and "Loving Takes a Little Understanding," which incorporated light psychedelic elements amid the era's shifting musical trends. These tracks reflected an attempt to evolve their sound, but they received little airplay or sales. Lineup instability compounded these challenges; guitarist David Meikle departed in 1967 to form a new group, while Russ Ballard and Bob Henrit joined as full-time members after earlier session work, and drummers like Hugh Halliday were replaced, altering the band's dynamic. By late 1968, only vocalist Tommy Moeller remained from the original core, as other members pursued independent paths.[4] The band's second and final album, the self-titled Unit 4 + 2, arrived in 1969 on Fontana, featuring tracks like "Face in My Head" and "(Living In) The World of Broken Hearts" that leaned into psychedelic influences but achieved poor sales and critical indifference. Final singles, including "3.30" in 1969, also failed to chart, underscoring the group's inability to adapt to heavier rock trends or regain audience interest. Internal shifts and creative frustrations led to their disbandment in 1970.[4][16] In 1971, drummer/singer Michael David Ingle formed a new lineup that continues to perform as a tribute act, without original members.[4]Post-breakup activities and reunions
After the band's disbandment in 1970, Russ Ballard joined Argent as lead singer and guitarist, contributing to their 1972 hit single "Hold Your Head Up," which reached number five on the UK Singles Chart.[17] He left Argent in 1973 to pursue a solo career, releasing his self-titled debut album that year, on which he played all instruments himself.[18] Ballard also established himself as a prolific songwriter, composing tracks such as "Since You Been Gone," a 1979 number six UK hit for Rainbow, and "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," originally recorded by Argent in 1973 and later covered by Kiss in 1991.[19] Bob Henrit continued drumming with Argent following the split before joining The Kinks in 1984 as their permanent drummer, a role he held until the band's 1996 breakup.[2] Tommy Moeller stayed involved in the music industry post-1970; his brother Billy Moeller was the public face (as Whistling Jack Smith/Coby Wells) for the 1967 novelty hit "I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman," which topped the UK charts while Tommy was still with Unit 4 + 2.[20] He later formed musical collaborations, including a 2015 pop duo with Graham Collyer, and released his first solo album in decades, Time – Special Edition, that same year.[21] Brian Parker, who had stepped back from live performances due to ill health during the band's later years, maintained limited musical involvement afterward and died on February 17, 2001, at age 61.[22] No official full-band reunions of Unit 4 + 2 have taken place. In the 2000s, however, Michael David Ingle's lineup has performed the original band's repertoire at live events.[23] These tribute efforts, along with occasional performances by former members, have been sustained by the lasting appeal of the group's 1965 hit "Concrete and Clay."Musical style and influences
Core sound and instrumentation
Unit 4 + 2's core sound blended elements of pop and beat music with folk influences and bossa nova rhythms, creating a distinctive Latin-tinged accessibility that set them apart in the mid-1960s British music scene.[13] This hybrid approach emphasized melodic simplicity and rhythmic bounce, often driven by acoustic guitar patterns that evoked a light flamenco flair, primarily through Brian Parker's contributions on the instrument.[3] The band's setup combined acoustic and electric elements, with Parker's acoustic guitar providing rhythmic foundation alongside Russ Ballard's electric guitars for added texture and drive.[3] Central to their sound were rich harmony vocals, led by Tommy Moeller's clear lead delivery and supported by four-part arrangements from the core vocalists, which initially drew from folk group traditions.[24] Bob Henrit's steady drumming anchored the rhythms, while Moeller's occasional piano accents added subtle melodic layers without overpowering the ensemble's clean, song-driven focus.[25] Their Decca recordings featured a polished production style that prioritized radio-friendly clarity and fashionable sheen, enhancing the pop appeal of their simple, hook-laden structures.[13] By 1967, the band's sound evolved from its early folk-harmony emphasis toward a more rock-infused pop orientation, incorporating mod and freakbeat influences while retaining vocal harmonies and rhythmic vitality.[13] This progression reflected lineup adjustments and a shift to Fontana Records, broadening their palette without abandoning the core acoustic-electric hybrid. "Concrete and Clay," their 1965 signature hit, exemplifies this foundational blend through its bossa nova rhythm and harmonious pop melody.[13]Key influences and innovations
Unit 4 + 2 drew significant influences from the pop harmonies popularized by The Beatles, incorporating layered vocal arrangements that added emotional depth to their tracks. Their folk roots were evident in early singles like "The Green Fields," which echoed the style of American folk groups such as the Kingston Trio through upbeat, acoustic-driven arrangements. Additionally, bossa nova artists like João Gilberto shaped their rhythmic sensibilities, particularly in the incorporation of subtle Latin percussion and syncopated beats that lent a sophisticated, international flavor to their music.[3][26][27] A key innovation for the band lay in their fusion of Latin rhythms with the raw energy of British Invasion rock, creating a hybrid sound that predated similar experiments by later acts in the late 1960s. This blend was most prominently showcased in their 1965 hit "Concrete and Clay," where bossa nova-inflected beats merged with pop structures, offering a fresh alternative to the dominant guitar-driven beat music of the era. The track's distinctive guitar riff, evoking flamenco techniques, marked one of the earliest instances of such Spanish-inspired elements reaching the upper echelons of the pop charts, broadening the genre's sonic palette.[13][27] The band's acoustic-oriented approach contributed to the evolution of the acoustic pop subgenre in mid-1960s Britain, emphasizing harmony vocals and unplugged instrumentation over electric distortion. As a quintessential one-hit wonder with "Concrete and Clay" topping the UK charts, Unit 4 + 2 exemplified the trope's allure and challenges, demonstrating how folk-tinged, harmonious pop could achieve commercial success while maintaining melodic accessibility. Their innovations helped pave the way for a more diverse pop landscape, where global rhythms and vocal layering became staples.[3][13][26]Band members
Original and core lineup
The original lineup of Unit 4 + 2 began as a four-part vocal harmony group called Unit 4, formed in Hertfordshire, England, in 1962 by guitarist and songwriter Brian Parker, who recruited vocalists Tommy Moeller, David 'Buster' Meikle, and Peter Moules to create a modern folk-oriented ensemble.[1] This core vocal group emphasized harmonious singing and acoustic elements, with Parker handling guitar duties and the others contributing on guitar, bass, and piano as needed.[28] Tommy Moeller served as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and pianist, bringing a distinctive frontman presence to the group from its inception in 1962.[1] Born Thomas John George Moeller on 23 February 1945 in Liverpool, he emigrated to Australia as a child before returning to the UK, where he joined Unit 4 after performing in local folk circuits and contributing piano and guitar.[29] Moeller co-wrote several hits, including the band's signature 1965 number-one single "Concrete and Clay," which showcased his melodic vocal style and helped define the group's accessible pop sound.[1] Brian Parker, the band's founder, played guitar and provided backing vocals, infusing the music with his experience from earlier instrumental groups.[30] Born Brian William Parker on 7 December 1939 in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, he had previously been a guitarist with The Hunters, an instrumental act known for tracks like "Rocking Goose," before forming Unit 4 in 1962 to pursue vocal harmony pop. As a primary songwriter, Parker collaborated closely with Moeller on compositions like "Concrete and Clay," emphasizing catchy melodies and rhythmic guitar work during the band's active period.[1] He remained a key creative force even after stepping back from live performances due to health issues.[31] David 'Buster' Meikle contributed rhythm guitar and vocals, anchoring the group's harmonic foundation as part of the original Unit 4 quartet since 1962.[1] Born David Ian Meikle on 1 March 1942 in Goff's Oak, Hertfordshire, he had prior experience as lead singer of the local band Buster Meikle & the Day Breakers before joining Parker to form the vocal group.[32] Meikle's steady rhythm guitar and shared vocal duties supported the band's folk-pop transition, including performances on early hits like "Someday, Someway" in 1965.[33] Peter Moules handled bass and vocals, nicknamed "The Count" for his charismatic stage presence, and was a founding member of Unit 4 in 1962 alongside schoolmate Moeller.[25] His bass lines and harmonies added depth to the group's sound, particularly in live settings where the band balanced college circuits and dancehalls.[4] Moules contributed to the rhythmic backbone during the recording of breakthrough tracks, helping maintain the ensemble's tight vocal interplay.[1] Russ Ballard joined as lead guitarist and vocalist in 1967, bringing prolific songwriting that became central to the band's later output. Born Russell Glyn Ballard on 31 October 1945 in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, he had honed his skills in The Roulettes, backing Adam Faith, and initially contributed session guitar to Unit 4 + 2's "Concrete and Clay" before becoming a full member. Ballard's compositions, such as "You've Never Been in Love Like This Before," elevated the group's pop sophistication with his versatile guitar riffs and melodic hooks.[2] Bob Henrit provided drums and occasional vocals starting in 1967, delivering the solid backbeat that energized the expanded lineup's performances.[1] Also from The Roulettes, Henrit had played on early Unit 4 + 2 sessions and brought a professional rhythm section dynamic to the core group, supporting live tours and recordings through the band's dissolution in 1970.[31] His drumming complemented Ballard's guitar work, contributing to the band's polished sound on albums like Unit 4 + 2 (1965).[6]Lineup changes and contributions
In the band's early years, following their formation in 1962, guitarist Brian Parker departed in 1964 to focus on songwriting, with Howard "Lem" Lubin stepping in as his replacement for live performances and tours. Lubin, who had previously played with David "Buster" Meikle in earlier groups, contributed guitar work that helped maintain the band's harmony-driven pop sound during their initial hit period, including support on tracks like "Sorrow" and "Concrete and Clay." Additionally, bassist Rodney "Humble" Garwood joined around this time, adding rhythmic stability to the lineup alongside drummer Hugh "Pygmy" Halliday, who replaced session drummer Robert "Bob" Henrit in 1965 after Henrit's brief involvement. These changes ensured continuity amid growing tour demands, allowing the group to evolve from a vocal quartet into a fuller ensemble without disrupting their folk-influenced pop style.[1][4] By mid-1967, after switching to Fontana Records, the band underwent a significant shake-up as vocalist David Meikle, bassist Rod Garwood, and drummer Hugh Halliday exited, with Russ Ballard and Bob Henrit joining full-time from The Roulettes to form a quintet lineup of Tommy Moeller (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Peter Moules (bass, vocals), Howard Lubin (guitar, vocals), Russ Ballard (lead guitar, vocals), and Bob Henrit (drums). This transition marked a pivot toward a more robust rock orientation, with Ballard and Henrit providing instrumental drive that supported the band's exploration of psychedelic elements. Ballard's songwriting became pivotal, co-authoring later singles such as "I Was Only Playing Games" (1967), which showcased a shift to introspective lyrics and layered arrangements, while Henrit's precise drumming anchored the evolving rhythms. These additions revitalized the group post their early hits, enabling contributions to albums like No. 1 (1967) that blended pop accessibility with emerging experimental textures.[25][4][27] In the late era from 1968 to 1970, further flux occurred as Ballard and Henrit departed in late 1968 to form Argent, leaving only vocalist Tommy Moeller, who assembled a new configuration for the band's final recordings. This new lineup produced the 1969 single "3:30," which reflected a more fragmented, experimental approach influenced by the prior changes. The cumulative personnel shifts—from Lubin's steady guitar support in the pop phase to Ballard's innovative songwriting—drove the band's sound evolution, transitioning from harmonious folk-pop hits to a psychedelic-tinged rock that anticipated progressive trends, though it yielded diminishing commercial success.[1][4][25]Discography
Studio albums
Unit 4 + 2's debut studio album, 1st Album, was released in 1965 by Decca Records. The 12-track collection capitalized on the band's recent success with their signature single, blending folk-pop arrangements with close vocal harmonies and acoustic-driven instrumentation. Key tracks included the hit "Concrete and Clay," alongside covers such as "500 Miles," "La Bamba," and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," which demonstrated the band's versatility in interpreting contemporary and traditional material. Supervised by Decca A&R executive Dick Rowe, the album represented an early example of British beat groups incorporating folk elements into pop structures.[34] The band's second studio album, Unit 4 + 2, followed in 1969 on Fontana Records, comprising 12 tracks that marked a stylistic shift toward psychedelic influences amid the evolving 1960s music scene. Standout songs like "Baby Never Say Goodbye," "Rainy Day," and "For a Moment" featured more experimental arrangements, with layered production and introspective lyrics that contrasted the debut's lighter folk-pop tone. The release included original material alongside some prior recordings and aimed to refresh the band's sound but encountered low commercial sales, reflecting challenges in sustaining their initial popularity. Critics noted its transitional quality, bridging the group's early beat era with emerging psychedelic trends, though it failed to produce significant singles chart success.[35][36]Singles and EPs
Unit 4 + 2 released a series of singles primarily through Decca Records from 1964 to 1967, achieving their greatest commercial success during this period with several entries on the UK Singles Chart. Their debut single, "The Green Fields," backed with "Swing Down Chariot," peaked at number 48 in 1964.[37] This was followed by "Sorrow and Pain" / "The Lonely Valley," which did not chart. The band's breakthrough came in 1965 with "Concrete and Clay" / "When I Fall in Love," which topped the UK Singles Chart for one week and spent 15 weeks in the top ranks, marking their only number-one hit.[38] Subsequent Decca releases included "(You've) Never Been in Love Like This Before" / "Tell Somebody You Know," reaching number 14 and spending 11 weeks on the chart, and "Baby Never Say Goodbye" / "Rainy Day," which peaked at number 49 in 1966.[39][40] Other non-charting Decca singles from this era encompassed "Hark" / "Stop Wasting Your Time" (1965), "You've Got to Be Cruel to Be Kind" (1965, B-side unconfirmed in sources), "For a Moment" / "Fables" (1966), and "I Was Only Playing Games" / "I've Seen the Light" (1966). These tracks often featured folk-influenced pop arrangements, with B-sides providing complementary ballads or upbeat numbers that highlighted the band's vocal harmonies.| Year | A-Side / B-Side | Label (Catalog) | UK Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | The Green Fields / Swing Down Chariot | Decca F11821 | 48 |
| 1964 | Sorrow and Pain / The Lonely Valley | Decca F1194 | - |
| 1965 | Concrete and Clay / When I Fall in Love | Decca F12071 | 1 |
| 1965 | (You've) Never Been in Love Like This Before / Tell Somebody You Know | Decca F12144 | 14 |
| 1965 | Hark / Stop Wasting Your Time | Decca F12211 | - |
| 1965 | You've Got to Be Cruel to Be Kind / (unconfirmed) | Decca F12299 | - |
| 1966 | Baby Never Say Goodbye / Rainy Day | Decca F12333 | 49 |
| 1966 | For a Moment / Fables | Decca F12398 | - |
| 1966 | I Was Only Playing Games / I've Seen the Light | Decca F12509 | - |