Yazoo was a
British synthpop band consisting of
Vince Clarke and
Genevieve Alison Moyet, and
existant only for two
years: 1982-1983.
The history of Yazoo began in 1982 when Moyet put an advertisement in the Melody Maker, looking for "rootsy blues musicians". Vince Clarke replied, and Yazoo was a fact. Their first single, "Only You / Situation", was released in May 1982 by Mute Records.
In August, the same year, the debut album was released. It was called "Upstairs At Eric's" and sold platinum in the UK.
Very soon rumours about a split emerged, but they were not confirmed until 1983, when Yazoo split up at about the same time as they released their second album; called "You and Me Both". That album was also a big success, but Vince Clarke and Genevieve Alison Moyet had decided to go separate ways; Clarke formed The Assembly together with Eric Radcliffe (and in 1985 Erasure together with Andy Bell) and Moyet went on to pursue a solo career.
In September 1999, an album called Only Yazoo - The Best Of containing Yazoo's best songs was released.
Yazoo was called Yaz in the US from the second release of "Upstairs At Eric's" and forward. The reason for this is unclear, but it might have something to do with trademark difficulties because of a blues music label in Mississippi going under the name Yazoo.
Yazoo discography
Singles
Only You / Situation (May 1982)
Don't Go / Winter Kills (July 1982)
The Other Side Of Love / Ode To Boy (November 1982)
Nobody's Diary / State Farm (April 1983)
Albums
Upstairs At Eric's (September 1982)
You And Me Both (July 1983)
Only Yazoo - The Best Of (September 1999)