London-born power-poppers The Outfield occupied a unique vantage point; they
broke America but failed to generate notable success in the UK. Composed of
guitarist John Spinks, vocalist and bassist Tony Lewis, and drummer Alan
Jackman, the group signed to Columbia/CBS Records in 1984 on the strength of
their live shows and demos, originally performing under the US-friendly name The
Baseball Boys. Keeping in the same ballpark with their baseball-referencing new
name, The Outfield stepped out with their William Wittman-produced debut album,
Play Deep, in 1985 and yielded several hit...