I’d forgotten how good this song is and given the dearth of good Irish pop songs (I said good) it is odd that it is so rarely recalled on 80’s laden playlists. Minor Detail were 2 brothers John and Willie Hughes from Blackrock and despite a fleeting recording career they have the distinction of being the first Irish band to be picked up by a US record label (Polydor). This was a big achievement in the grim 80's but listening to ‘Canvas of Life’ you can't help but notice the potential. Flush with melodies, ripe with invention and most interestingly it still sounds contemporary after the recent obsession with all things electro pop. I’ve tried unsuccessfully to track down the video to the tune which from memory was a heartfelt homemade effort involving a mime artist of Irish descent. 2 interesting factoids about the band; Minor Detail’s eponymous album from 1983 was produced by Riverdance’s Bill Hughes (not related) and one of the brothers John went on to discover and manage the Corrs! KD

Minor Detail - Canvas of Life

More Info: Irish Rock Entry
Buy Songs: Minor Detail (Cassette Tape)
Year: 1983