The Au Pairs was a 1980s UK-based post punk band led by its outspoken and feminist lead singer, Lesley Woods. Formed in Birmingham in 1979, the band combined sharp and jagged guitar work with a funky rhythm section and sarcastic, at times confrontational, lyrics. The group's sound is often compared to that of fellow jittery post punk bands such as Gang of Four and The Mekons, yet The Au Pairs managed to distinguish itself based on Woods' incendiary presence and the often sinister yet dance-friendly tone of its songs. Its 1981 debut LP, entitled Playing With a Different Sex, found the group its greatest success, reaching #33 on the UK charts. The Au Pairs would release only one more official album before breaking up in 1983.
