The Loft

Led by the songs of Peter Astor, the Loft were one of the forerunners of the indie sound in the mid-'80s U.K. scene. Combining the jangling guitars of folk-rock, Television-inspired deadpan vocals singing melancholy tunes, and timelessly hooky melodies, the group staked its claim to legendary status on the back of two singles -- 1984's "Why Does the Rain" and 1985's "Up the Hill and Down the Slope" -- released in the early days of Creation Records. The band's progress was stopped in its tracks by an ugly breakup, but members have reunited through the years for the occasional l...