The Bureau were a New Wave Soul group formed in late 1980 when the original lineup of Dexy's Midnight Runners split-up. Ex Dexys members, Pete Williams (bass), Geoff Blythe, (tenor sax), Steve Spooner (alto sax), Stoker (drums) and Mick Talbot (keyboards) were joined by Paul Taylor (trombone) and Rob Jones (guitar and trumpet) and Archie Brown (vocals) from a group called The Upset which had supported Dexy's on tour. The debut single "Only For Sheep" was a big hit in Australia but failed to reach the British charts as did the follow up single "Let Him Have It". A self-titled album was released in 1981 but only in Canada and the band members went their separate ways soon afterwards.
Talbot went on to enjoy greater success with Paul Weller in The Style Council, while Brown formed Flag with exSecret Affair guitarist Dave Cairns, and Blythe teamed up with former colleague Big Jim Paterson in The TKO Horns. Pete Williams went on to form the band These Tender Virtues in the mid-80s and more recently, Baseheart.
Discography: (Singles):
- Only For Sheep / The First One (1981)
- Let Him Have It / The Noose (1981)
- THE BUREAU (Only For Sheep / The First One / Sentimental Attachment / Got To Be Now / Looking For Excitement / Let Him Have It / Find A Way / Bigger Prize / The Carpetbaggers / Helpless) (1981)
