Têtes Noires / Tetes Noires

Based in Minneapolis, Têtes Noires explored folk-pop with a trio of mid-'80s albums that focused on socially conscious songwriting and gorgeous three-part harmony that recalled the days of the folk revival over 30 years past, although a drum machine did provide one concession to technology. Recording for Rapunzel Records, the group released a self-titled debut in 1983, with American Dream following on its heels one year later. Moving to the appropriately folky Rounder label, Têtes Noires recruited Brian Ritchie and Victor DeLorenzo (from Midwest heroes the Violent Femmes) for the production of 1987's Clay Foot Gods. The album proved a disappointment, much more commercial than the first two LPs.