Lost in the ’80s: Curiosity Killed the Cat

The most interesting thing about British pop band Curiosity Killed the Cat is that Andy Warhol appeared and co-directed the video for their biggest hit. Okay, maybe that’s not entirely fair, but Curiosity Killed The Cat was one of those mostly faceless Brit bands like Danny Wilson, China Crisis or Johnny Hates Jazz that traded in watered down blue-eyed soul with a touch of synthpop.

Actually, “Misfit” (download) is a bit more memorable than “Mary’s Prayer” or “Shattered Dreams,” yet didn’t fare nearly as well on the charts, at least in the U.S. Not even a cameo by the Pop Art prince couldn’t help the Cats crack the Top 40:

And seriously, just what was Warhol doing in this video, much less co-directing? Did he know someone in the band or connected to them? Did someone in the group have incriminating pictures (like Andy would care)? In any case, the band tried for two more albums, squeaking out a few hits in the U.K., but never charting stateside again. Lead singer Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot (there’s a name for ya) continues to tour under the Curiosity brand.

“Misfit” peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986.

Get Curiosity Killed the Cat music at Amazon.