Four One & Only's: Four Is The Onliest Number

Richard writes: Four One & Only's were a band from Breda, The Netherlands. Founded in 1984 by Marthy with Marcel, Rob, Bart and Felix. From those only Rob had previously been in bands, namely The Mirandas and La Valse. The music of Four One & Only's originated from their love for Television Personalities, Jonathan Richman, Punk in General, D.I.Y. Optimism and Absurdism with a hint of Cynicism, and always lots of beer. 

In DIY tradition, the first single and lp were released on their own label, Noet Lachten. The name came from an incident during the Grand Prix of Dutch Pop/Rock, mid-eighties organised to stimulate new bands. The Four One & Only's appeared once and the jury's report was so badly written that one could only laugh at the rejection. (The Jury could Noet Lachten (not laugh) with this band). 

A second album was released on the national label Megadisc, and did not catch on. After We Love You, Bart and later Felix left, and Hans and Richie came. At the same time the five Four One & Only's became six with the arrival of Stephan, an accomplished musician who could make the accordion sound like the great keyboard it is. Transcending musical styles, the band made a third album (Fairy Tale) and a CD (Sticker). It wasn't called Sticker, but it had ten stickers coming with it so you could choose your own title. Halfway through the nineties Hans and Stephan left and were replaced by Andy and Peter, and not long after the 1996 release Holy the band split up.

After that, Marthy continued a while as Alexandra and The Princess of Orange but that did not take off. Marthy started a successful record store, and made/makes albums with his daughters as The Van Cooths. He also made a CD as The Oers.