Vanity Fare: The British Sunshine Pop Hitmakers

Vanity Fare is a British pop group best known for their late 1960s and early 1970s sunshine pop hits. Hailing from England, the band achieved international success with their 1969 single "Hitchin' a Ride," which charted in both the UK and the United States.

Early career

The group formed in 1966 in Maidstone, Kent, initially under the name The Avengers before changing to Vanity Fare. Their early sound was rooted in the pop and beat music popular in Britain at the time, leading to their first recording contract with Page One Records.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough came in 1969 with the release of "Hitchin' a Ride." The single reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and later climbed to number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1970, propelled by its distinctive harpsichord riff and catchy melody. This success established Vanity Fare as a leading act in the sunshine pop genre.

Key tracks

Hitchin' a Ride - This 1969 single is the band's signature song, defining their sunshine pop sound and securing their only US Top 20 hit.

Early in the Morning - Released in 1969, this track became another UK hit, showcasing their harmonious vocal style and melodic pop craftsmanship.

I Live for the Sun - The title perfectly encapsulates the band's sunny, optimistic pop aesthetic that characterized their most popular period.

Following their peak chart success, Vanity Fare continued to record and perform, with various lineup changes over the decades. They maintained a presence on the touring circuit, particularly in Europe, capitalizing on the enduring nostalgia for their classic pop hits. The group's recorded output includes several albums for labels like Page One, Bell, and later, compilation-focused releases.

Fans of Vanity Fare's brand of melodic, late-60s British pop may also enjoy the work of similar artists from the same era. The Tremeloes shared a knack for harmonious and chart-friendly pop songs. The Fortunes also crafted a similar style of vocal-driven, upbeat pop music. The New Vaudeville Band explored whimsical, novelty-tinged pop during the same period. The music of Vanity Fare remains a staple on classic pop and oldies radio stations, where their upbeat tracks are regularly featured.