Musique 365: Day 298: Steve McQueen – Prefab Sprout

It’s taken 298 days, but we reach my favourite album of all time. For me, this one is timeless. I first heard it in mid-1985 and its impact has not lessened in the intervening 30 years. I’ve written elsewhere about a life lived with the music of Prefab Sprout, so I won’t dwell on that here. Suffice it to say that if you are looking for 11 consistently beautifully-crafted songs that sound like nothing else before or since, with melodies and lyrics that stay with you, and vocal performances that convey the full spectrum of emotions, then your search is over.

Stand-Out Track: (must I really choose just one?) Bonny

Musique 365: Day 246: Protest Songs – Prefab Sprout

Recorded in 1985 but not released until 1989, this one slipped almost unnoticed under the musical radar with no singles released from it at the time. This said it still showcases the lyrical and musical dexterity of Paddy McAloon, who goes from upbeat (‘Life Of Surprises’) to reflective (‘Dublin’) with natural ease. Arrangements here are sparser which brings the content of the songs into even sharper focus. An unsung hero of an album.

Stand-Out Track: Dublin

 

Musique 365: Day 161: Let’s Change The World With Music – Prefab Sprout

The ‘lost’ album. Recordings from the early 90’s that were moth-balled (mostly due to record company meddling, from what I remember), which were dusted down and brought blinking back into the sunlight in 2009.

With a back catalogue to rival Mr Springsteen, Paddy McAloon can draw on masses of  material that is high on quality, hitting the mark every time.

Try this for size …

Stand-Out Track: Earth: The Story So Far

Musique 365: Day 149: Jordan: The Comeback – Prefab Sprout

Where do I start? Picking a stand-out track here is like choosing between your children for a favourite … Again, this album defies the norms. It’s long (64 minutes) refuses to be categorised (taking in samba, bolero and doo-wop on its journey) and is repeatedly playable (loud). Enjoy!

Stand-Out Track: All The World Loves Lovers

Musique 365: Day 118: The Gunman and Other Stories – Prefab Sprout

When it comes to Mr McAloon and his musical output, he is singularly unique in his ability to produce top-quality material every single time. ‘Farmyard Cat’ is (admittedly) a little quirky, but ‘Cowboy Dreams’, the anthemic ‘The Gunman’ and ‘When You Get To Know Me Better’ are immediately banked in the long-term memory. Therefore, to place ‘Love Will Find Someone For You’ above all of these, is high praise indeed.

Stand-Out Track: Love Will Find Someone For You

Musique 365: Day 103: From Langley Park To Memphis – Prefab Sprout

Oh good, a Sprouts album!

Following on from ‘Steve McQueen’ is like trying to improve on perfection. Hardly surprising then that this one takes a slightly different direction. Jaunty, commercial (King of Rock N Roll reached the top 10 if memory serves) but still beautifully crafted in all areas. Having Stevie Wonder on harmonica (Nightinglaes) is the icing on the cake …

Stand-Out Track: Nightingales

Musique 365: Day 65: Crimson / Red – Prefab Sprout

A very welcome return to Paddy McAloon. This was my album of 2013. It’s classic Prefab Sprout from beginning to end and if you aren’t swept away within the first 30 seconds of the opening track (details below), then you really have no soul!

Stand-Out Track: The Best Jewel Thief In The World

PS: What a great video!

Musique365: Day 27: Andromeda Heights – Prefab Sprout

One of the albums of the 90’s.  It hits the heights (sorry) all the way through. From the brass-emblazoned ‘Prisoner of the Past’ to the plaintive ‘Swans’.  However, ‘Life’s a Miracle’ is one of their best.

Stand-Out Track: Life’s A Miracle