This was shown on British TV on New Year's Day, 1984. It's not an exaggeration to say that it changed my life. SWOON was released a couple of months later and became the soundtrack to that year. Still my favourite album ever. About four years later I met Paddy by change in a greetings card shop in Newcastle and chatted to him for a few minutes. Lovely, funny, humble guy.
The album was one of my few Christmas presents in 1986 ( a bit late to the party). It didn't change my life ( great comment and glad it did yours) but it was a thrill to explore the album in all its variety, depth and quirkiness. My love of the band's music has stood the test of time and the rest of the albums are all great too.
one of my favorite songs from their debut album. Which is their greatest work. If I ever stop listen to all the music I have ever loved, this will remain until the end
@@tonybrereton7863 It's an incredible debut, the songs are wonderfully spiky, and "Cruel" is maybe Paddy's best song, but you can't deny the contribution of the fifth Beatle on Steve McQueen/Two Wheels Good (Thomas Dolby).
this band is essence.....first I' ve fell in love with strange and unusual harmonies,than words,than this sensual intelligence and silky appearance of thoughts.....love them very much...complex,intelligent,talented and stellar band....
and then his crowning glory jordan the comeback what a piece of work that was .... even a young phil scofield when interviewing them said the album was class was that a good or bad thing coming from him cant stand the guy myself but there you go ...................
Like so many, the first time I heard this is etched in my mind, round at a friend’s house drinking tea after school, immediately hooked hearing something so unexpected, different and striking such a musical chord, not so much ahead of its time, but rather like coming home. Amazing band, thank you for the music.
Even if Paddy has said various things about "Swoon", this is a daring and unique album and if i should call something "prog pop", this album always comes in mind after all these years.
I had read in interviews that he thought it was not so much direct, sentimental and honest as his later works, like he was trying to show he can really write complicated music with difficult lyrics. Personally, it is one of my favourite albums, and it will always be ( I love everything he has done).@@ajs41
Such a great album. I heart Don't Sing in Spring 1984 while listening to KSPC 88.7 FM one evening while doing homework. I immediately knew this was a band I had to pursue. I did then and still do.
I remember buying this in my last year at secondary (high) school. My classmates were perplexed by the band name! The start of a love affair with this absolutely fantastic Co. Durham band.
My sis bought this album, sounds unheard, after reading a rave review about it in a British magazine on her first trip to the U.K. Fittingly, it was called “Swoon,” and oh, we did. One of our all time favorite bands. Superb lyrics, music and a feeling of beauty one can’t quite capture, except in song.
One of the best tracks off 'Swoon', probably my favourite Sprout album (although I've doubtless said that about all of them at some point...). Never even knew they made a video for this one, but I love its raw simplicity, and Paddy's harmonica in a harp rack busker look. Great, great tune.
Yep. Had a girlfriend who was basically a classical pianist. Thought the Beatles were primitive, and didn't get get Jazz!. Held on, did not work out. got her married off to a lawyer!....so what does that say? Glad their happy. Doesn't get the Beatles or Jazz... doesn't understand some of the basic beauty and wonder of being human. Good luck with Gamelan gong music....yes I know not for everyone. I am an aural explorer.
I remember first hearing this on the Radio and thought - this is so different. I bought the album and wasn't disappointed- full of memorable tunes and arrangements. For me it's their best - quirky and emotional
Bought 'Swoon' while on strike in May 1984; £4.49 at a local record shop, thanks to hearing this on Radio Hallam. Still love it, and great to see the video again. xx
There are certain artists and albums through history that make me think - what made the A&R guys take a punt on this? 'Swoon' 'Roxy Music' and 'Low' spring to mind for me. We'll never know those stories but thank our lucky stars that they did, for somehow this is how masterpieces come to be.
The first two agreed (perhaps). However, you're hardly taking a 'punt' with David Bowie who had got 10 albums under his belt by 1977. Agreed, RCA weren't too happy with this change of direction, but DB was well and truly vindicated by the passage of time (which was flicking dimly upon the screen?).
Jeez, Prefab Sprout would have, & should have been a much biigger band than they were, but Paddy hated touring, its his songwriting that makes them so brilliant.
I'm gobsmacked! Thanks for letting me know as i've not vistited Sproutnet in a while, just heard "Billy", a return to form!, fingers crossed they will tour again one day!
Such a brilliant track. Although Paddy is a great musician and songwriter, it's a real shame that Wendy, Martin and even that drummer Graham Lant, another Durham native, are no longer a part of the band, leaving Paddy to all the Prefab Sprout work these days.
Used to be intro on the tube, in fact it always reminds me of that show. (Actually I think I just remember it from then, it wasn’t the intro, jeez I’m old)
...And winter squarely bites me. Always loved Paddy McAloon's writing. Most people only know his group from 'The King Of Rock & Roll', but they're so much more interesting than that. 'Faron Young', with the line 'The sun makes a fence out of the forest' - how beautiful is that mental image? One of the very best bands of the 1980's. Their name; two mutually exclusive words that go together perfectly, make you smile at the incongruity, and buy the record. Great.
For their name, didn't the band mishear the lyrics of the song Jackson -"Hotter than a pepper sprout" - and thought it was Prefab Sprout, and it stuck?
i clicked on this to see and hear the most remarkable thing on the musical planet, Sprout.....all around the border of the vid is a n ad for Rhianna's new "song"......is there no god???
This was shown on British TV on New Year's Day, 1984. It's not an exaggeration to say that it changed my life. SWOON was released a couple of months later and became the soundtrack to that year. Still my favourite album ever.
About four years later I met Paddy by change in a greetings card shop in Newcastle and chatted to him for a few minutes. Lovely, funny, humble guy.
Same here... Swoon and Protest Songs top of my Sprout tree.
The album was one of my few Christmas presents in 1986 ( a bit late to the party). It didn't change my life ( great comment and glad it did yours) but it was a thrill to explore the album in all its variety, depth and quirkiness. My love of the band's music has stood the test of time and the rest of the albums are all great too.
Totally agree. It's just one classic Album you could listen to all day
you have a great memory there i get it hard to remember what happend last week .......but agree great album never gets old still great to this day...
TV-am...also Hazel O Connor - Dont Touch Me
Those chord changes are mindblowing!!!
Ain't they though Mate? If You like that try Young Child by Ronnie Laws.
This is one of the most unique songs I've ever heard while still managing to sound catchy, truly great songwriting.
They were ahead of their time ... keeping such distance from each other.
🤣
one of my favorite songs from their debut album. Which is their greatest work.
If I ever stop listen to all the music I have ever loved, this will remain until the end
I FUCKING LOVE THIS SONG AND EVERY OTHER SONG ON SWOON
Best album by the Sprout.....
yep the best.
Jake Acker my favourite all time album
It's a fine album and I agree with you.
@@tonybrereton7863 It's an incredible debut, the songs are wonderfully spiky, and "Cruel" is maybe Paddy's best song, but you can't deny the contribution of the fifth Beatle on Steve McQueen/Two Wheels Good (Thomas Dolby).
this band is essence.....first I' ve fell in love with strange and unusual harmonies,than words,than this sensual intelligence and silky appearance of thoughts.....love them very much...complex,intelligent,talented and stellar band....
If this came out today it'd be an indie smash hit
the bass and drums are just tight and that tone is brutal!
Listen to the brutal and honest lyrics ... 😢
Through teeth of sharks the autumn barks, and winter squarely bites me... Genius
Still sounds fresh and relevant, probably always will.
absolutely
This song has such an unusual structure. I love it though.
exactly
It's pretty much verse chorus throughout
@@topnug7626 Yeah but the actual verses and chorus are unusual.
I don't think there's a single musical phrase on any part of this album that ends the way I expect it to.
Thats what i love about this artist. The music is so challenging
This was one of their first great songs - geniuses at work
absolutely....little wonder he's been compared to Stephen Sondheim.....
sounds like the best of Smiths and XTC combined. and these two are among my favourite bands of all time. God, how great this song is. thanks, Paddy.
And Graham Greene of course.
That's a very good double comparison!
At the sound of the opening chords my eyes filled with tears. Only I know why this album changed my life.
The bass line at the end is just beautiful
Reminds me of the bass line from “Do It (Til You’re Satisfied) by B.T. Express.
Swoon - Steve McQueen - From Langley Park To Memphis
The 80s for me
@wesley wild Donna Summer, Nightingales, Hallelujah and of late, Cue Fanfare... and I didn't even mention Bonnie!
and then his crowning glory jordan the comeback what a piece of work that was .... even a young phil scofield when interviewing them said the album was class was that a good or bad thing coming from him cant stand the guy myself but there you go ...................
ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS!! 🎉❤ GOSH!
No one gets it ...
But I know what I feel and like 🤘🙏❤️❤️❤️🎶🎵🥰
Like so many, the first time I heard this is etched in my mind, round at a friend’s house drinking tea after school, immediately hooked hearing something so unexpected, different and striking such a musical chord, not so much ahead of its time, but rather like coming home. Amazing band, thank you for the music.
The "Whiskey Priest" has to be Father Jack!
Even if Paddy has said various things about "Swoon", this is a daring and unique album and if i should call something "prog pop", this album always comes in mind after all these years.
I have a copy of Swoon which doesn't have Wendy on it. Does that make sense?
@@pommelhorsepommelhorse8731 Picture or recording?
@@cow-millaparker-bowles7353 I guess we’ll never know.
What has he said about it?
I had read in interviews that he thought it was not so much direct, sentimental and honest as his later works, like he was trying to show he can really write complicated music with difficult lyrics. Personally, it is one of my favourite albums, and it will always be ( I love everything he has done).@@ajs41
Such a great album. I heart Don't Sing in Spring 1984 while listening to KSPC 88.7 FM one evening while doing homework. I immediately knew this was a band I had to pursue. I did then and still do.
Still the best group ever in my world, Paddy come back!
I love this band so much.
I remember buying this in my last year at secondary (high) school. My classmates were perplexed by the band name! The start of a love affair with this absolutely fantastic Co. Durham band.
My sis bought this album, sounds unheard, after reading a rave review about it in a British magazine on her first trip to the U.K. Fittingly, it was called “Swoon,” and oh, we did. One of our all time favorite bands. Superb lyrics, music and a feeling of beauty one can’t quite capture, except in song.
One of the best tracks off 'Swoon', probably my favourite Sprout album (although I've doubtless said that about all of them at some point...). Never even knew they made a video for this one, but I love its raw simplicity, and Paddy's harmonica in a harp rack busker look. Great, great tune.
I heard this one afternoon on Anglia TV when I lived in Norwich. My interest was piqued! Have kept in touch ever since. Strange song…
Fabulous opening track. Prefab Sprout dared to be unique and their work for me is as great today as the first time I was blown away by Steve McQueen.
I agree entirely. What a band. Jeez...
When I first played this record, my girlfriend told me to turn it down. She wasn't my girlfriend after that...
best comment ever
Laughing hard here although I know very well the feeling and it ain't funny the disappointment ... :)
Ha ha ha, that's funny.
Ha, she deserved it.
Yep. Had a girlfriend who was basically a classical pianist. Thought the Beatles were primitive, and didn't get get Jazz!. Held on, did not work out. got her married off to a lawyer!....so what does that say? Glad their happy. Doesn't get the Beatles or Jazz... doesn't understand some of the basic beauty and wonder of being human. Good luck with Gamelan gong music....yes I know not for everyone. I am an aural explorer.
Saw this band on the tube in 1984, went out the next day an bought Swoon.
dav01kar me too
me too - the impulse purchase that has never let me down
money well spent .............................
I remember first hearing this on the Radio and thought - this is so different. I bought the album and wasn't disappointed- full of memorable tunes and arrangements.
For me it's their best - quirky and emotional
This song changes lives!
One of the very few Albums I play since it was released. It's played regularly. I bought this on cassette when it first came out and that was it
Paddy McAloon. Un artista favoloso e geniale.
Assolutamente.
❤️❤️❤️
A breath of fresh air and possibly my favourite video by anyone ever. They look absolutely freezing....
Ah the memories
Loved this. Still do. All my pals hated it😂
love everything about this song bass line is brilliant 0:09
Very similar to “Do It (Til You’re Satisfied)” by B.T. Express
Gorgeous! Love the urgence, the harmonica and the effervescence....
Bought 'Swoon' while on strike in May 1984; £4.49 at a local record shop, thanks to hearing this on Radio Hallam. Still love it, and great to see the video again. xx
brilliant story money well spend you sound like a real fan brilliant band they never got the due credit they deserved...................
This was in the charts in January 1984.
should have been no 1.............its that good good
They really were fantastic!
as usual....genius at work..last time i heard this tune was 25 years ago..godbless
Just CLASS ❤
First heard this on radio Caroline. Mesmerized then still mesmerized now. Classic. 😎
The cord changes are endless fascinating and I love that off-key bass guitar melody. They’re like a post-punk Steely Dan.
Fretless (in the recording)
Great songwriting.
My favourite song of theirs.
Brilliant
I've pointed out to Rick Beato, that Serge Mendes 'Never going to let you go' is not necessarily the most complicated chordal structure in a pop song!
Brilliant. You win the internet. Luv The Sprouts.
This video changed my life. The music and the song
Me too!
Looks a bit chilly that day down in Marsden.
was thinking that ain't no ordinary grotto
A masterclass of a song!!
Wow ! Just discover it ! What a beautiful song !
An Absolute Classic!!!!!!
The essence of Sprout. Pure genius.
"Oh no, don't blame Mexico" is still a relevant statement today.
Except for the crime gangs.
@@rjjcms1
Denial doesn't change facts.
@@I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music Denial of what?
Yeah, but Mexico, is bigger than its problems...!
@@vimeguvid Agreed. It's been there far longer than those things,and hopefully it'll overcome them.
So incredibile album..so underated band
That is pop music the way I like it...
The lyrics are just fantastic, in every song too.
I love Paddy.
i dont get how people dont like this song..
There are certain artists and albums through history that make me think - what made the A&R guys take a punt on this? 'Swoon' 'Roxy Music' and 'Low' spring to mind for me. We'll never know those stories but thank our lucky stars that they did, for somehow this is how masterpieces come to be.
The first two agreed (perhaps). However, you're hardly taking a 'punt' with David Bowie who had got 10 albums under his belt by 1977. Agreed, RCA weren't too happy with this change of direction, but DB was well and truly vindicated by the passage of time (which was flicking dimly upon the screen?).
Uniquely sproutish.
Graham Greene ,Power and the Glory character ,the Whisky Priest . God bless him .
Absolutely.
I fucking love this
this is a unique song that they never quite lived up to afterwards but when you've done something like this you've done something very special
Not a fan of When Love Breaks Down, for instance?
Or Appetite? :)
@@DoMythago Bonny comments these.
They made more than twenty unique songs.
@@mattwinn5667 perhaps more than that, Matt.
Prefab Sprout... very, very special to me. Thanks a lot.
just discovered it. IT IS OUTSTANDING.
Swoon.A superb album still sounds great today as it did back then.
one day people will sit up and embrace the sprouts.............................they where that good
The perfect melodist ❤
Visti dal vivo a Torino. Che emozione!
Remember seeing this on the video jukebox in wenches in Glasgow.
fantastic song. it got me hooked
This song is the fucken jam!...I love the horns.
Rob me of colour and make the sound duller, but Paddy never go away!
Jeez, Prefab Sprout would have, & should have been a much biigger band than they were, but Paddy hated touring, its his songwriting that makes them so brilliant.
lovely dreamy
Great song 👍
I'm gobsmacked! Thanks for letting me know as i've not vistited Sproutnet in a while, just heard "Billy", a return to form!, fingers crossed they will tour again one day!
Really, really digging this!!! Can't wait to check out the rest of their stuff.
Steve Milian check out the song 'Faron Young'. Class
Such a brilliant track. Although Paddy is a great musician and songwriter, it's a real shame that Wendy, Martin and even that drummer Graham Lant, another Durham native, are no longer a part of the band, leaving Paddy to all the Prefab Sprout work these days.
Used to be intro on the tube, in fact it always reminds me of that show. (Actually I think I just remember it from then, it wasn’t the intro, jeez I’m old)
Genius !
Thank You my friend Francesco for sharing this song !!!!!!!!!!!
I loved this song Wendy Smith cool chik pot old Mexico brilliant
I love you guys
This is such an amazing song..so much energy. Thanks for sharing!
...And winter squarely bites me. Always loved Paddy McAloon's writing. Most people only know his group from 'The King Of Rock & Roll', but they're so much more interesting than that. 'Faron Young', with the line 'The sun makes a fence out of the forest' - how beautiful is that mental image? One of the very best bands of the 1980's. Their name; two mutually exclusive words that go together perfectly, make you smile at the incongruity, and buy the record. Great.
Sunset*
For their name, didn't the band mishear the lyrics of the song Jackson -"Hotter than a pepper sprout" - and thought it was Prefab Sprout, and it stuck?
@@davidcopson5800 - You're quite correct.
Addicted to this strange tune
iconic ...love it ....whiskey priests gg etc
@mugglemoomoo it's from Swoon! Such a grand album...my favourite so far.
"Swoon": one for the greatest first albums list! A Post Punk classic! And "Don't Sing" one of the great opening tracks for an album.
Is this post punk? PM is a great musician…,
My México...♥♥
i clicked on this to see and hear the most remarkable thing on the musical planet, Sprout.....all around the border of the vid is a n ad for Rhianna's new "song"......is there no god???
Awesome songwriter par excellence...
Paddy McAloon wrote this song after he reads Graham Greene's "The Power and The Glory".
Indeed. Paddy of course initially trained to be a priest. God decided his greater contribution was through music.
Rob me a colour, make the sound duller , but never go away