Martykl: I for sure remember the Shirts. I have a few of their recordings (dubbed from LP to cassette!). I also think I have the Medium Medium LP with So Hungry, So Angry. Another band from that era is Bush Tetras, who also were a sort of punk-funk band with female vocalist. How about Colourbox? Really great soul/punk/funk/lounge type British band from the early 1980s. Colourbox's lead singer could have been the inspiration for Amy Weinhouse.
This has turned into a very fun thread.

