Steve McQueen - Prefab Sprout

'Steve McQueen' is one terrific album.It has often popped up in best '100' albums ever.and MOJO once called it 'the finest slice of 80's thinking boys pop you will ever hear'. I would rank this along Lloyd Coles 'Rattlesnakes' and Aztec Cameras 'High Land Hard Rain' as the definitive eighties guitar pop.It was music that shaped the direction music was going to take for the next decade.Albums that paved the way to indie music as we now know it.
...were a four piece based in Newcastle.

Paddy McAloon main singer/song writer
Martin McAloon
Neil Conti
Wendy Smith

Together they lovingly crafted this beautiful record,eleven tracks long.

Tracks

'Faron Young' Its hard to believe that this song started as a metal track.It was a backlash at country music at a time when Paddy could not understand the universal appeal of ... more

'Steve McQueen' is one terrific album.It has often popped up in best '100' albums ever.and MOJO once called it 'the finest slice of 80's thinking boys pop you will ever hear'. I would rank this along Lloyd Coles 'Rattlesnakes' and Aztec Cameras 'High Land Hard Rain' as the definitive eighties guitar pop.It was music that shaped the direction music was going to take for the next decade.Albums that paved the way to indie music as we now know it.

So who were Prefab Sprout? Well they were a four piece based in Newcastle.

Paddy McAloon main singer/song writer
Martin McAloon
Neil Conti
Wendy Smith

Together they lovingly crafted this beautiful record,eleven tracks long.

Tracks

'Faron Young' Its hard to believe that this song started as a metal track.It was a backlash at country music at a time when Paddy could not understand the universal appeal of that music genre(I confess I still can't).A heavy bass line is possibly the only clue to its heavier origins but stylistically on this record the track is more country folk in feel.Paddy sings 'forgive me Faron Young at 4 in the morning'.A reference to Faron Youngs best known song.

'Bonny'. When I first bought this record initially on vinyl so many moons ago this was one of my favourites. It begins with a beautifully strummed acoustic opening and a great lyric 'I spend the days above vanity.I'm lost in heaven and I'm lost to earth'.Its one of those songs that gets louder and louder and with a strong melody that hooks you in the further the song progresses.Great sparse use of atmospheric keyboard and Paddys voice sounds more and more anguished as the song closes.

'Appetite'. Again this used to be one of my favourites but I confess that having just played it a few times over now it does not perhaps hit me as it once did.Still a great melody and undeniably catchy but maybe more dated than other tracks here.

'When Love Breaks Down'.I have heard this song variously described as the best song never to have got to number one and the best love song written.I am not sure on both of these counts but it is a superb song.A great sweeping melody a strong chorus and lyrically astute.I have always loved 'abscence makes the heart lose weight' and 'when love breaks down the things you do to stop the truth from hurting you' but none better than 'when love breaks down you join the wrecks who leave their hearts for easy sex'.Sublime!!!!!A song that I often find myself humming when I am wandering about aimlessly.

'Goodbye Lucille'.Another classic moment on an album packed with classics.A brooding song, beginning with cleverly picked guitar with clever backing vocals and another slow burner that picks up pace as the song progresses and full of interesting key changes.Paddy again demonstrates agonised vocals that seem to add increased meaning to the words 'lifes not complete till your heart skips a beat'.

'Hallelujah'. This sees Wendy's voice used to greater affect as she backs Paddy's rougher voice.There is a lush keyboard arrangement aided by Thomas Dolby but still essentially remains a guitar based track.The song is punctuated by subtle key changes that show McAllon to be one of the cleverest song writers of modern times.

'Moving The River' is a great song beginning with another great lyric 'you surely ar a truly gifted kid but you're only as good as the last great thing you did'. followed with 'have you got a new girlfriend,hows your wife taking it'.The lyrics throughout the album are tongue in cheek,astute and clever.This song is and up beat number, a tinge of gospel thrown into the folksy rock and it works well. They also had the ability to throw in some non sensical lyrics as well.If anyone can tell me the meaning of 'I'm turkey hungry,I'm chicken free and I can't breakdance on your knee' I would be surprised and greatful.A totally awe inspiring song.

'Horsin Around'.Its funny that when I had the vinyl because of the quality of the first five songs much of the other side got neglected.Now these are my favourite songs.'Horsin Around' is the cleverest song on here by a long way.It takes a while to get used to as it has many key changes but that is its beauty.Its a song about betraying someone.The lyrics are strong throughout 'Horsin around is a serious business.The last thing it wants is someone to witness.I was a fool that always presumed that I'd wear the shoes and you'd be the doormat'.The free jazz solo half way through is just magic as well.

'Desire As'.In some ways it is similar to 'Horsin Around' as it is just sublimely written.It begins with gentle keyboard and the lyric 'I've got six things on my mind and you're no longer one of them'.There is also some great saxaphone on this track.It is a haunting song and it again deals with betrayal 'all I want is to be far away from the eyes that ask me in whos bed you going to be tonight'.Listening to it now it is hard to believe that this was my least favourite track when I first had it but I guess that just shows how your music tastes mature.

'Blueberry Pies'. I fear that this song deals with betrayal as well.Blueberry pies are lies.It is a sad song with some choral and atmospheric backing vocals.Again Paddy rushes as many key changes as possible in to the exquisite 2.24 of this song the shortest on here.

'When The Angels' is a tribute to the death of Marvin Gaye.It is quite a funky number with a ripping baseline. Another strong song and a homage to one of his song writing influences.

To summarise a flawless album that has not dated in the 20+ years since it was released.Maturely written pop songs inspired by song writing legends such as Gershwin,The Beach Boys and Burt Bacharach but always retaining a very distinctive style of thier own .Filled from start to finish with quality melodies and lyrical gems.You will not be disappointed with this album and you can pick it up for next to nothing nowadays as well so treat yourselves.  

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