Soft Cell, the pioneering English synth-pop duo formed in 1978 by vocalist Marc Almond and instrumentalist David Ball, revolutionized the early 1980s music scene with their minimalist electronic sound and provocative themes. Their 1981 rendition of "Tainted Love" became a global sensation, topping charts in 17 countries and setting a record for the longest consecutive stay on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The duo's debut album, *Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret*, delved into the underbelly of urban life, producing hits like "Bedsitter" and "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye." Influenced by artists such as David Bowie and Kraftwerk, Soft Cell's legacy endures, having sold over 20 million records worldwide and leaving an indelible mark on electronic music. ([softcell.co.uk](https://www.softcell.co.uk/dave-ball-biography?utm_source=openai))