Summary

Only When I Laugh… (1973) is Blue Mink at their most slyly charming: silky British pop-soul with a wink, pressed on EMI EMA 756 (OC 064 o 94629). If you know the band for their bigger hits, this LP is the deep-cut dessert—sweet, slightly odd, and very moreish.

About the Artist

Blue Mink wasn’t a typical “garage-to-stardom” story. They came together with a studio-craft mindset, blending seasoned voices and players into a sleek, radio-ready sound that still had grit at the edges. Their calling card was always fusion: pop hooks with soul phrasing, a touch of funk rhythm, and that early-’70s UK polish. By 1973, they’d already proven they could land a chorus that sticks—this record shows them enjoying the freedom to color outside the lines.

About the Record

This album feels like Blue Mink leaning into mood and melody rather than chasing a single obvious smash. The vibe shifts between playful pop, late-night balladry, and breezy groove tunes—like a variety show where the band never changes outfits, just lighting. In the broader discography, Only When I Laugh… plays like a “collector’s album”: less headline, more personality.

About the Cover

The artwork is pure mischief. A wide, sky-blue field, big friendly lettering, and a cartoon mink/otter character exhaling a ribbon of smoke that curls across the sleeve. Open it up, and you get a band photo on one side, and on the other a lineup of blue cartoon minks—plus one darker character—staring at a tiny window with a striped awning. It’s surreal, cute, and slightly pointed… a perfect match for a record that smiles while it sings.

About the Lyrics & Music

The tracklist (straight from the back cover) is a tour of compact storytelling and tight arrangements:

• “Watch Out!” kicks things off with urgency and bounce.
• “Anything Under The Sun” sells optimism without getting sugary.
• “By The Devil I Was Tempted” adds a theatrical twist—Blue Mink loved a dramatic title, and they deliver.
• “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” is a bold choice in 1973: a familiar tune reframed through their UK pop-soul lens.
• “Where Did They Go” closes with a bigger-question feel—wistful, reflective, and very side-two-at-midnight.

Conclusion

Only When I Laugh… is a warm, characterful 1973 listen: catchy, well-played, and delightfully offbeat in presentation. Recommended if you like soulful pop that doesn’t take itself too seriously—but still lands emotionally when it counts.

Other Recommendations

If this one clicks, try:

• Blue Mink – Melting Pot (for the classic-era, big-hook side)
• Average White Band – AWB (sleek ’70s funk-soul craftsmanship)
• Hot Chocolate – Cicero Park (UK grooves with pop instincts)