Whatever the reasons, and they remain clouded, British pop emerged in
the ascendant. From the Who to Led Zeppelin, Cream to David Bowie, a
definite élan was attached to rockers from this side of the Atlantic
over the dozen years that followed. And, just when it seemed that
punk had punctured that special relationship, the telegenic glamour
of the new romantics - Duran Duran and Culture Club - joined forces
with a youthful MTV to keep UK acts in the American eye.

....Proposals to remedy this malaise arising from the British Council are
modest but at least realistic. A New York office is planned, costing
around £340,000 ($500,000) over three years. The UK industry - labels
linked to the BPI (British Phonographic Industries) - will presumably
cover the bills and allow artists, managers, promoters and record
companies to share information and intelligence on the complex US
scene. Famous industry figures like producer Sir George Martin and
Island founder Chris Blackwell are backing the scheme and there are
hopes that the UK music business could have a Manhattan platform by
2003. Without it, it appears, the alternatives are really quiet
worrying. It remains to be seen if British music can be thrust upon us if we don't want the thrust, but I guess a little marketing can't hurt.