If you like: the iconic vocal stylings of Alison Statton (of Young Marble Giants) or the world-music-influenced new wave of late ‘80s Talking Heads or the sounds of ‘90s Saint Etienne, La Varieté is essential listening.
About: Weekend was an immediate off-shoot of Young Marble Giants, the post-punk band known for their lone influential LP, Colossal Youth. Songwriter and guitarist Stuart Moxham formed The Gist, while singer Alison Statton formed the jazzier Weekend with Simon Booth. Spike joined the fold after Statton and Booth relocated from Cardiff to London. A trio of singles in 1982 was followed in November of that year with the full-length La Varieté. The band dissolved by 1984. The ‘81 Demos compilation was issued over a decade later. Statton went on to record a number of records throughout the late ‘80s and ‘90s, with Spike and Ian Devine. Less significantly, Booth was briefly in Working Week. *^{via Andy Kellman}
Why it’s worth your time: An incredible, sunny and lush effort from Alison Statton melding samba, jazz, and Afrobeat with new wave pop sensibilities, La Varieté is an album that received brief cult status upon its 1982 release. What it truly is–a modern masterpiece–seemed to be overlooked until recent years, though it did serve as a key tethering point from post-punk at the time, influencing many popular groups (including Belle And Sebastian). 
A favorite track: Drumbeat For Baby