On Wed, 9 Dec 1998 Chi.M.Lee@usdoj.gov wrote: I wrote:
First, if you haven't already, run out and buy a Prefab Sprout record. _Steve McQueen_ is a bit moody, while _Jordan: The Comeback_ is brighter in mood and is almost like a series of intertwining concept-EPs.
I'd also suggest the Sprouts' Protest Songs, which was only released in the UK on Kitchenware records. It's not as good as the previously mentioned records but has several great pop songs, one of which is Life of Surprises.
As long as we're at it, I may as well take the chance to provide a bit more information and context. Prefab Sprout put out a 4-song EP, then an album called _Swoon_ (around '83, no overlap between then, and the EP is long-gone). The recordings are a bit rough, but fans of wordy/literary pop (B&S anyone?) should find plenty to enjoy and even to inspire them. Thomas Dolby expressed his enthusiasm for what the Sprouts were doing, and ended up producing the follow-up LP, _Steve McQueen_ (aka _Two Wheels Good_). The music is simpler in certain ways, but more richly textured and with excellent sound (relatively uncompressed too). They originally intended to issue _Protest Songs_ in '85, a few months after _Steve McQueen_, but CBS decided it would be a bad idea. It was finally issued in 1989. The raw material of _Protest Songs_ may be almost as good as _Steve McQueen_, but as I understand it, these were some songs that would not permit themselves to be re-recorded. So the album is recordings produced quickly by the band as 24-track "demos". _From Langley Park to Memphis_ is quite a mixed effort -- numerous producers, too many guests, and just plain too bland a setting for the sensitive-poet lyrics. Still contains some ace songs. Next album was _Jordan: The Comeback_, on which Thomas Dolby returned as producer. 1990. Brilliant! The story has been a little sad since. They put out 2 singles with their best-of, produced by Stephen Lipson (!). Then it seems like Paddy McAloon, the head Sprout, wasted a few years. He might well have been writing the best material of his life, except that he seemingly 2nd-guessed himself into a situation in which he had to cough up something that would primarily please Sony's lawyers and accountants. _Earth: the Story So Far_ was scrapped, at least for now. Meanwhile, as a full 7 years had passed since the previous LP, the drummer must have taken another job, and Paddy and machines could not take his place. Wendy, their backup singer, is nearly absent. Supposedly Thomas Dolby didn't want to get involved (he was reportedly enthusiastic about _Earth: the Story So Far_ though). _Andromeda Heights_ is all very pleasant, and not at all a bad album, but it is seriously flawed and somewhat lacking in personality. If the pattern holds, maybe _Earth: the Story So Far_ will be made and will be brilliant.
Also, the US release of Steve McQueen was re-titled Two Wheels Good (I have no idea why?),
For some incomprehensible reason, the estate of Steve McQueen objected to using his name to title this beautiful album. --Mark __ Burning Rome : SENSELESS CD on Mindfield Records MindCD03 Cathartium 14
Distributed by Dutch East India Trading, Com Four, and Carrot Top < < http://www.xnet.com/~mkolmar/BurningRome > < MP3 & RealAudio tracks >
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