Tootin' the TKO Horns' Horn

My recent obsession with all things Dexys has brought me to this post on the TKO Horns. As you may know, the brass section got its start as part of Dexys Midnight Runners, but they left the band in 1982 and made quite a name for themselves backing Elvis Costello & the Attractions during the 'Punch the Clock' period. In fact, after briefly calling them the Royal Guard Horns and the Imperial Horns, Costello gave the group the moniker TKO Horns... named for the 'Punch the Clock' song "TKO (Boxing Day)." For a quick and concise read on the period, I recommend tenor saxophonist
Paul Speare's take on the festivities.

Costello wasn't the only one to use the TKO Horns' talents during the mid-'80s. Quite a few of his friends enlisted their help as well. (OK, I have no idea if Costello was pals with Howard Jones.) Let's take a listen. What a tight unit!

Elvis Costello & the Attractions - Party Party (mp3) (Buy)
Elvis Costello & the Attractions - Walking on Thin Ice (mp3) (Buy)
Elvis Costello & the Attractions - TKO (Boxing Day) (Live) (mp3)
Nick Lowe and His Cowboy Outfit - L.A.F.S. (mp3) (Buy)
Difford & Tilbrook - Action Speaks Faster (mp3) (Buy)
Howard Jones - Things Can Only Get Better (mp3) (Buy)