Furniture, a British new wave band, was formed in 1979 in Ealing, London. The group consisted of founder members Jim Irvin (vocals), Tim Whelan (singer/multi-instrumentalist), and Hamilton Lee (drummer). Furniture released their debut single "Shaking Story"/"Take a Walk Downtown" in 1981 under their own independent label, The Guy from Paraguay. In 1983, Sally Still joined as bass player, followed by keyboard player Maya Gilder and saxophonist Larry N'Azone. The band's breakthrough came in 1986 with the release of "Brilliant Mind" on Stiff Records, which peaked at Number 21 in the UK Singles Chart. This success was followed by their first album The Wrong People, released in November 1986. Despite financial issues at Stiff Records, Furniture toured extensively, including performances in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. After resolving contractual problems with Stiff Records, Furniture signed with Arista Records but disbanded in 1991. Post-breakup, Whelan and Lee formed Transglobal Underground, while Irvin and Still became music journalists. Furniture's influence endured, with "Brilliant Mind" becoming a staple of many 1980s compilation albums and receiving notable recognition, including a nomination by Boy George as his favorite record of the period.
