Tuesday, August 25, 2009

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6793618.ece

Will be back with more HWS concerts tomorrow and then we'll gear up for the box set. But in the meantime, I read the new Mojo magazine (or at least new for the US) last night and buried amongst the feature articles on current bands that should be soon (and deservedly) forgotten was a bit about Prefab Sprout releasing their first album in 8 years (and demos from '92 at that). I happen to be of firm belief that Paddy McAloon is the greatest song-writer of the past quarter-century and that the neglect of Prefab Sprout (especially in America – their last two albums weren't even released here) is on a criminal level equal to that of the neglect of Big Star in the 70s. They're that good. I'll let the writer in the Times make the case but if you haven't delved into the catalog yet, the comparisons to Burt and Sir Paul are well-deserved. The production sometimes is "of its era" (it's 80s-90s keyboard-based power pop – Thomas Dolby for some LPs) but it's not overwhelming. But the songs are. I obtained a bootleg recording of the band doing some live shows a few years back with just a simple guitar / keys / bass / drums band and you just listen to it and shake your head...Beautiful writing on every level.

2 comments:

Rock Smith said...

Great post and blog.Keep up the good work,check my Prefab Sprout at http://tincanpot.blogspot.com/ best wishes Martin

B. E. said...

Thanks Rock. I'm going to note your blog right after I get the "new" album. Cool to have so many updates. I lament that Prefab is probably the one band (besides The Beatles) that I'll never get to see. But at least there's a sliver of hope on the Prefab front. I still fantasize that they might come over here and play Toronto...