I'll say! This song is heavenly...much like the beautiful angel girl I'm in love with. Listening to this song and thinking of her lately. The pain and undescribable appetite is too unbearable.
I'm so glad that you finally got back around to this album. After seeing your reaction to "Bonny", I knew that you were in for more pleasant surprises. Your analysis, as always, is spot on. But the crucial and perhaps indefinable element is when music touches you in some way. That is as hard to explain as falling in love. And sometimes just as elusive. This may be dismissed as pop by some, but their delightfully askew take on it still touches me differently on each song after all these years. No explanation.
I gave you a thumb, but why do you say "this may be dismissed as pop"? What's the problem with "pop"? I think it's the greatest art form humans have invented. Anyone can make difficult, non-popular music. I could knock out three avant-garde albums a day.
@@harripalomaki8796 I completely agree with you. But I have seen a number of comments on the web from people who dismiss music they don't like as being too "pop". I don't get it either.
The arrangement, engineering, intricacies of instrumentation and sheer beauty of this track kills me every time I hear it. Revisiting my entire Prefab recordings. Nice review. Thank you.
@@marlew6629 Well, I don't think he's underrated. Millions of people like us rate him very highly. How much rating does one need? He doesn't like seem like a narcissist, so I'd bet he feels adequately rated.
I love your reviews. I have great difficulty in trying to put into words how I feel about certain songs, some songs I just love, but I couldn't tell you what I love about them, so it's always nice to here people's reviews of my favourite albums, and you are the best out there.
I could not agree with you more, this song is instantly appealing. After you first introduced me to this band I took a dive into their music and made a compilation disc, this song definitely made the cut. They remind me of the English duo Everything But the Girl. I think you'll like the singer Tracey Thorn, Ben Watt plays guitar, keyboards, produces and sings.
Agree totally EBTG are fantastic. I'd wager that Justin has already heard Tracey singing with Massive Attack on Protection. I'll give a shout out for The Style Council - Tracey again singing beautifully on 'The Paris Match', and Aztec Camera or Black.
Hail Dolby. Steve McQueen has the perfect Prefab production. It's lush but sturdy and funky. Some of the later material gets just a tad sugary. Having said that, I love everything Paddy has done, I love his songs like brothers I never had. (I do have a little sister so I'm not an only child. Jus' sayin'.)
Your face says it all. This song is dripping with gold nuggets. It predates sequencers and so still has human feel. And character, emotion, story. So smooth Thomas Dolby production 🇬🇧
Paddy McAloon is a true pop craftsmith. I strongly recommend you give a listen to Jordan:The Comeback from start to finish. Pretty sure you won't be disappointed.
One of the great true originals of the 1980's. I still remember where I was, the moment I first heard tracks from their debut album 'Swoon' A very beautiful and gripping album unlike anything that came before, superbly recorded but with less of the production sheen of this one. Steve McQueen became the mainstay though. Just a glorious album.
If you love this song, you will have a positive problem of describing the rest of the songs! For me this is musically a bit monotonous but the Dolby-production is top-notch! Keep the Sprout wheels rolling!
If you haven't noticed I'm kinda binge watching your reactions right now and I have noticed how good you are at verbalizing emotional response. You are also great at metaphor and coming up with pictures that visualize the music. This is really special and not just on reaction channels. I hope that you are also a writer. Anyway, this album is one of the overlooked classics from the 1980s. I did this nerd thing about 7 years ago where I decided I was going to take 3 months and just listen to records from 1985 sort of like a project to research the year in music. When I discovered this record I couldn't believe my ears. To this day it seems that very few people know about it and that's even music nerds like me. You kinda already said it all (on first listen which is insane) but there is a real blue-eyed soul quality to this song once it kicks in through that 'mist'. They were moderately popular as a college rock band but it amazes me this song didn't blow up bc it is almost like an alternative version of Hall & Oates yet without that mist every fully leaving the song. When you consider that only 2 years later The Church would become huge off of Under the Milky Way tonight the fact this song wasn't a hit in the States is dumb luck. Thanks for reacting to Prefab Sprout and also props to you for the Tears for Fears singing at the beginning from (I might add) Songs from the Big Chair, also a 1985 released album.
Thank you so much Tristam! Not a writer, thought I used to love poetry and mythology :) Songs from the Big Chair is my favorite TFF album, and one of my favorites ever
When you say your parents would like this, I forget, they are probably my age,lol! Yeah, this is about as perfect a pop song as perfect can be! Which brings to mind another band and album you need to check. The Go-betweens, 16 Lovers Lane. An Australian band on parents with the Sprouts. Hope you get to them.
Really enjoying your Prefab Sprout reactions, Justin. Glad you're liking the music so much. You got it right about the feel and the emotion (as well as the wordplay). There's always something about Paddy's writing that stirs the emotions and hits you right there. As some people have said in the comments, there is a certain smoothness about this album, a sheen, courtesy of Thomas Dolby's production. But like that other great English melodist Paul McCartney, that simplicity is often deceptive. Try listening to the bonus disc which came with the 2007 Legacy Edition of the album, which features Paddy re-recording all of the Steve McQueen tracks on acoustic guitar. Shorn of their eighties production, some of them are even more beautiful.
Prefab sprout are an A1 musical proposition.you broke this track down brilliantly,such a pity they are not more appreciated,but people who really feast on excellent art will find nourishment for ever within their music.well done for spreading the love.
This always reminds me of a dear departed friend who loved this album. We would sit in his apartment and chill to this pretty often. I should put it back into my headspace. Thanks JP. A little more upbeat band that still balances pop with jazz is China Crisis.
Great review! you're "getting" this music. As I get older (i'm old) this is the kind of music I return to most often on my SiriusXM line up. Light, airy, great beats, not too long. 80s pop, while not producing the "epic" bands and songs (Zep, Floyd etc), had great all-around music that's fun to listen to.
WOW!! Hey Justin My Man!!! I was so excited to see this pop up today!!! I've been listening to BONNY on my walks at night!!! I WAS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU TODAY SIR!! RIGHT FROM THE START JUST LIKE YOU!! 😊😊😊!! Man this is such a GREAT ALBUM!! I am so shocked that I never heard of them before!! But then again I never really got into folk or bluegrass in the 80s either and now my favorite music right now is FOLK, Bluegrass, 3 PART HARMONY! I was just at our local record store ZIA RECORDS IN PHOENIX! Great store!!! They have everything!! But I'm going back today to see if they have this album or CD!!! Kinda surprised at some of the lack- luster comments of this song actually!! This album so far for me anyway- IS SO VERY PLEASING TO THE EARS TO LISTEN TO!! How could ANYONE NOT LIKE THIS?!! Thats okay!! To each their own!! We're not here to judge anyone just to share with you our musical journey!!!! I really think you WERE SO SPOT ON AGAIN WITH YOUR INTERPRETATION TODAY SIR!! SIMPLE- MAYBE BUT WITH HEART & SOUL FOR SURE!!! I ALSO JUST LOVE THE FEMALE VOCALS!! JUST BEAUTIFUL!!! THIS MUSIC JUST MAKES ME SMILE AND FEEL ALL WARM AND FUZZY INSIDE!!! RIGHT PEOPLE?!!! NOT MUCH OF THIS AROUND ANYMORE THATS FOR SURE!!! GREAT LYRICAL CONTENT TOO!!! JUST WOW ALL OVER!!! PLEASE- CANT WAIT TO LISTEN TO THE REST OF THIS WITH YOU!! I JUST MAY GO OUT AND BY THIS BUT WAIT TO LISTEN TO IT WITH YOU!! REALLY DOUBT IF I COULD HOLD ON THAT LONG THOUGH- SO: GET TO IT MY MAN JP!!! LOVED YOUR WORK TODAY AND ON THE LAMB TOO!! YOUR AWESOME!!! PEACE TO EVERYONE OUT THERE TODAY!!! YOUR #1 AZ FAN MICHAEL😽😸😊😊
This literally made my eyes well up As a teen in Alabama in the 80s, I happened to catch the last half of this song on a Canadian video music channel and INSTANTLY was in love with the song. It was such a soulful song to me, which was confusing because it didnt sound like r&b soul from the black stations, it was something completely different.
Justin, I'm so glad you are doing more by Prefab Sprout, and loving it. Steve McQueen is one of my all time favourite albums. You know those Facebook polls that went around during lockdown - 'name your 10 favourite albums ' - I got at least four of those, from friends in UK, USA and Australia. So I did my top 30 (plus a few more). All the usual suspects were there Genesis, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, ELP, Joni Mitchell, Beatles, Gentle Giant, Caravan, Steely Dan, Smiths, Elvis Costello, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder plus jazz - Miles Davis, Return to forever, Weather report and Mahavishnu Orchestra. PLUS Prefab Sprout - Steve McQueen, it's flawless jazzy/indie pop. 'Jordan' is bigger and more polished, ' From Langley to Park to Memphis' was a bigger hit, but this album is the one! Oh, and I love the tee shirt, Massive Attack - 'Blue Lines' was another of my top 30 😊 I looking forwards to what you think of 'A Passion Play', my favourite Tull. PS I still think you'll enjoy Quadrophenia more than Tommy, but you can make that decision when you've heard them both.
Wasn't 'Langley Park To Memphsis' their attempt to 'crack America' and get airplay in the States, hence the radio friendly King Of Rock 'N' Roll' and 'Cars And Girls' - even if both songs were highly satirical about the very rockstar lifestyle led by the likes of Springsteen, etc!
@@jeremyb5640 Exactly, those two songs were minor 'hits' and totally misunderstood by the casual listener, especially 'The king of rock 'n' roll'. The silly promotional video and seemingly nonsense lyrics, were taken at face value by the casual listener, who just didn't 'get it'. There are some fabulous songs on that album, Stevie Wonder and Pete Townshend guesting, but the incognizant just remember dancing frogs.
Yeah, you gotta get to When Love Breaks Down... another real winner that I think you'll love. And I recommend you watch the video so you can see the band performing. It's a beautiful video. Appetite is another of their great ones.
"If you take-then put back good. If you steal-be Robinhood ". Produced by the absolute genius that is Thomas Dolby. He just might be too clever/smart for his own professional financial good. He is a true artist. Check out his album ASTRONAUTS AND HERETICS. While it is impossible to name a single favorite song of all time, mine just might be his I LOVE YOU,GOODBYE.
This was a good listen and very light, but in a good way. Nothing challenging or to make you stop and think. Reminds me immediately of Tears for Fears and Simply Red. It’s got that soul/r&b/synthy thing going on. Nice one JP.
Just love this album. Generally I abhor 80s production but one or two albums (eg Cupid and Psyche by Scritti Politti) do it so stylishly it really works. On a completely unrelated note - I suggest you listen to the whole album The Visitors by ABBA. They were an astonishingly adept band but this album reaches out into prog and art-pop in a surprising and rewarding way. Leave your prejudices on the doorstep and dive in!
@Richard Benbow, a huge HEAR, HEAR for The Visitors. I am a raving Abbahead in general and would think Justin might also appreciate something like The Name Of The Game, the way the song just builds and builds so erffortlessly via different parts. Those French (?) horns, those countermelodies - I think it's simply genius. PS. Cupid & Psyche also. Masterful. It was a good year, 1985.
To this day, Paddy's compositions continue to hit a place deep in my psyche. Mamy of them break my heart. It's hard to pick out one or two over others, but I would pick out "The Gunman" and "When love breaks down" and "The fifth horseman"
10 Pearls and one Pie ?🥧 JP should do the last two together doncha ffink? In fact , this album needs to be heard in pairs from now on. I’m gonna suggest it b4 it’s too late. It’s probably too late now but hopefully his instincts for Feel will entice him - that’s you JP!- to Experience The Flow On Video as you did with the first two songs. (I’m gonna tweet this to you now just in case there’s a window of opportunity to introduce a New J Policy for Album Listens Namely ‘2 Songs Good’ Do it for “Jordan : the Comeback “ definately ! doh! there are odd numbers on each side and the flow is conceptual in stature for those (19!) songs
As long as you keep doing Prefab Sprout reactions I'll keep watching them all. They're one of my favorite bands ever. Try the song 'I Remember That'. It's one of the few songs that makes me misty-eyed.
The whole album is brilliant, I bought it in 85 after hearing Faron young on the radio .Loved it then still love it now .Bought everything they released saw them in concert absolutely loved the band , Somehow I don’t suppose I’ll ever get into a band the way I did with them.Personally I don’t listen to music the way I did back then which is a shame , now it seams to be random tracks streamed as opposed to owing the vinyl and reading all the information on the sleeve.
Always liked this one but glad you clarified the meaning of Appetite now I know it’s about his sexual appetite it makes more sense to me! I agree that it’s the feel and sound of PS that make them stand out but in particular Paddy’s wistful voice which grabs me and the plaintive melodies
I realized that I have yet to thank you for doing The Lamb, that was some serious work you did there. Hope you got to take a few days off this channel to reset and get ready for more. See ya on the next one! :)
This was quite popular in the Philippines back in the early 80s along with Scritti Politti's Perfect Way, Curiosity Killed The Cat's Down To Earth, Belouis Some's Animal Magic and Friends Again's State Of Art.. Cars and Girls, King of Rock 'N' Roll, When Love Breaks Down and Johnny Johnny are also great tracks from Prefab Sprout..
Yes, this is a fantastic, breezey pop song, full of sunshine and joyfulness. Played it to death in the early Eighties until Prefab released their next masterpiece album "From Langley Park to Memphis" which you'll also have to check out after this one.
Man! You will have to listen to all of their albums because believe me... you won't find a single bad song there... it's one of the most perfect bands I've ever heard. The most pure and sofisticated pop 😍 I've been following you for a long time but now that you're into Prefab Sprout I'm gonna suscribe 😜 let's see how you react to Horsin' Around 😉
With Sprout, you mentioned simplicity and smoothness, but at this level -I think what sounds straightforward is very complex, but well arranged and produced, similar to a Don Fagen (SD) penned track. While McAloon started with an undoubtedly epic foundation, Dolby's contribution is evident at every turn, and substantial. Working in tandem, they become an unequaled writing and producing force.
Interesting. A separate post I had made on this thread disappeared. It did include a link to a website that had a list of playlists (and links to those play lists). I suspect that is why it was removed. Might have even been YT that did it as the linked site had links to spotify and yt. The playlists had been recommended listening for when folks filled in their 2021 census forms in Canada. I thought it was funny and a fun idea.
I'm glad it's not just me! I included a link in a comment on one of Justin's Genesis reviews and it disappeared. It contained a link to the setlist for a Genesis concert that I'd been to. Must be a YT thing.
Did anyone else have the lurid baggy sky blue sweatshirt with the core of an eaten apple on the front and the words " So you're livin in Eden where the apples are good" underneath? Desperately Unhip compared to the Black crew-neck Smiths brigade...but that was the Sprouts..skimpy white vests n all. Well, despite the appeal of the couplets in the chorus, this one was a slow burner and always in the shadows of the instant classics on this LP. It is ridiculously catchy though! Subtle Catchiness. The ones which were re-worked as acoustic versions 25 years later show how good they are, but the ones Paddy didn't sing on his own on the reissue are also an essential part of this emotionally charged collection. Justin, maybe you should check out these acoustic versions too, as they're basically voice & guitar but very rich and sumptuous, as is customary for Paddy McAloon's singing performances. "My Own Writing" sang Mr Dolby in 1984. We await the JustJP broadcast of another classic , as good as "Steve McQueen", in the form of "The Flat Earth". Surely your appetite has been whetted by now, J? Shirley Maclean?! Diolch.
For myself,my appetites have led to 4 sprouts!!! Wed.morning here so,coffee,bagel,poached egg,oatmeal with blueberries. And diced raw chicken for Shadow,Orlando and Justine-yummy raw&bloody for hungry little hunters! Peace & pets.
My pet gets the canned stuff the vet recommends. I haven't eaten yet and your breakfast is making me so hungry. Lets' see, my choices are raisin toast with peanut butter or Cherrios in skim milk with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar... sigh.
I like this band. It is fun and light. Not something that I would turn off the lights to listen to. More something to listen to while working in the kitchen or in the yard on a sunny day.
The 'lightness' is deceptive, one really has to listen to the lyrics to work out what is really going on, if you just have it as background music, you'll miss the depth. The Sprouts are a more poppy Steely Dan lyrically and musically, face value is deceptive.
I LOVE that you love this song. I am a sucker for lyrics and have always thought that this song oozes pure sex energy. "If you take, then put back good. If you steal, be Robin Hood.." Shit. I forgot where I was going with this. Anyways. I really dug watching you listen!
My favorite song from this album! " You might also enjoy Electric Guitars " on " Andromeda Heights " and "Cowboy Dreams " on " Gunman and Other Stories ". In Japan, they used to be sometimes compared to Aztec Camera.
This is the one song of theirs that I recognize. It's light and breezy, but for me not particularly filling. Now I'd happily partake of your French Toast (hold the bacon please). 😉
Great great music. Good positive vibe. Seriously, you need to experience Brian Augers Oblivion Express “Straight Ahead” album the whole album is soooo good. Keyboards, drummer and percussion, vocals, and bass all work together to draw you in. No other band really like them. They have a tone and positive message. “ Back in the Beginning Again, Straight ahead, Change, You’ll Stay in my Heart, and the classic Bumping on Sunset!
Just had breakfast myself. Fried eggs, sausages, toast and tea, but there's always room for some Prefab Sprout (which is ironic, because I actually don't like Brussel sprouts. I prefer broccoli, zucchini or eggplant.)
Very good pick Justin! do you want to listen more good stuff from the 80´s ? here just 3 sugestions to add to your "small" request list... RIC OCASEK "True Love", DOUBLE "The Captain Of Her Heart", also 1986 ELPowell album deserves a full review, it´s fantastic! Congrats man! 9k views in 5 days for The Lamb SIDE 1.
Easy on the ears. It also feels nostalgic to me, for some reason, making me think of my teenage years but the timing is just all wrong. Was it ever re-released? I can't explain it otherwise.
Hi Ariadne, it had a 2007 'Legacy Edition' release - which also featured a bonus disc of Paddy re-recording all the songs ( just him and an acoustic guitar) which is well worth checking out on Spotify.
One of their best. And one of Paddy's sexiest lyrics. For all his literary inclinations, he can't resist a good piece of ass. And I, for one, love him for that.
When I first heard on the radio back then , this I too had that feeling of...oh this is a bit special...and the band 'is'..along with Talk Talk, and another must is.China Crisis whose 'Wishful Thinking' has similar moods and tones and may be an even more perfect pop song than this gem!
This song hits you different when you're in love and the girl likes you back...a sort of innocent romance, if you will. Can't wait to be with her again. Sigh...
A match made in heaven - Prefab Sprout + Thomas Dolby production/keyboards, the whole album is beautiful
I'll say! This song is heavenly...much like the beautiful angel girl I'm in love with. Listening to this song and thinking of her lately. The pain and undescribable appetite is too unbearable.
Still one of the best albums I've ever bought without knowing anything about it at the time.
I'm so glad that you finally got back around to this album. After seeing your reaction to "Bonny", I knew that you were in for more pleasant surprises. Your analysis, as always, is spot on. But the crucial and perhaps indefinable element is when music touches you in some way. That is as hard to explain as falling in love. And sometimes just as elusive. This may be dismissed as pop by some, but their delightfully askew take on it still touches me differently on each song after all these years. No explanation.
I gave you a thumb, but why do you say "this may be dismissed as pop"? What's the problem with "pop"? I think it's the greatest art form humans have invented. Anyone can make difficult, non-popular music. I could knock out three avant-garde albums a day.
Ty Joseph, its definitely something I enjoy immensely!
@@harripalomaki8796 I completely agree with you. But I have seen a number of comments on the web from people who dismiss music they don't like as being too "pop". I don't get it either.
@@josephthomas3912 Fair enough. Take care, stay safe.
The arrangement, engineering, intricacies of instrumentation and sheer beauty of this track kills me every time I hear it. Revisiting my entire Prefab recordings. Nice review. Thank you.
"Wishing she could call him heartache, but it's not a boys name" is one of Paddy's many great lyrics on this album
Yes. That is poetry.
Good ole' Paddy was one such an underrated songwriter. He really was brilliant.
@@marlew6629 Well, I don't think he's underrated. Millions of people like us rate him very highly. How much rating does one need? He doesn't like seem like a narcissist, so I'd bet he feels adequately rated.
I love your reviews. I have great difficulty in trying to put into words how I feel about certain songs, some songs I just love, but I couldn't tell you what I love about them, so it's always nice to here people's reviews of my favourite albums, and you are the best out there.
I could not agree with you more, this song is instantly appealing. After you first introduced me to this band I took a dive into their music and made a compilation disc, this song definitely made the cut. They remind me of the English duo Everything But the Girl. I think you'll like the singer Tracey Thorn, Ben Watt plays guitar, keyboards, produces and sings.
I strongly second checking out Everything But The Girl. Try the song When All's Well for a start. It's very good.
Agree totally EBTG are fantastic. I'd wager that Justin has already heard Tracey singing with Massive Attack on Protection. I'll give a shout out for The Style Council - Tracey again singing beautifully on 'The Paris Match', and Aztec Camera or Black.
Delighted you have an appetite for this fabulous music. I have an appetite for your nourishing reviews. We have good taste!
Perfect pop
I could tell you loved this from the opening! I had a feeling that you would based upon how you reacted to the previous 2 tracks.
Immediate connection!
35 years late, but welcome aboard. Lovely pop song. I thought so then, too.
Thomas Dolby produced this and played the keyboards. You should check out his album "The Flat Earth" released in 1984.
Hail Dolby. Steve McQueen has the perfect Prefab production. It's lush but sturdy and funky. Some of the later material gets just a tad sugary. Having said that, I love everything Paddy has done, I love his songs like brothers I never had. (I do have a little sister so I'm not an only child. Jus' sayin'.)
And ASTRONAUTS & HERETICS by T. Dolby. Brilliant! (I LOVE THE FLAT EARTH cd, too...quite a bit, actually...)
@@victorhawkins3461 A&H is a very beautiful album that completely bombed, coming out in the middle of grunge hitting huge
I'd go for 'The Golden Age of Wireless'.
Butterflies... Appetite is a song one can easily fall in love with. And that's exactly the lyrical theme of the song.
Your face says it all. This song is dripping with gold nuggets. It predates sequencers and so still has human feel. And character, emotion, story. So smooth Thomas Dolby production 🇬🇧
That production is pristine!
Paddy McAloon is a true pop craftsmith. I strongly recommend you give a listen to Jordan:The Comeback from start to finish. Pretty sure you won't be disappointed.
Jordan's a classic!
Named my son Jordan after that superb album In 99
Great suggestion.
My old girlfriend brought this back from England for me in 85. Man, time does fly.
One of the great true originals of the 1980's. I still remember where I was, the moment I first heard tracks from their debut album 'Swoon' A very beautiful and gripping album unlike anything that came before, superbly recorded but with less of the production sheen of this one. Steve McQueen became the mainstay though. Just a glorious album.
Beautiful song
Wow, that just feels great. I'm saving this album to check it out soon.
The song that won me over to Prefab Sprout back in 1985 - absolute gold!
I think you'll really like "When Love Beaks Down" from this album
I love that you are experiencing this album just like I did. Can't wait for you to do the rest of the songs.
If you love this song, you will have a positive problem of describing the rest of the songs! For me this is musically a bit monotonous but the Dolby-production is top-notch! Keep the Sprout wheels rolling!
If you haven't noticed I'm kinda binge watching your reactions right now and I have noticed how good you are at verbalizing emotional response. You are also great at metaphor and coming up with pictures that visualize the music. This is really special and not just on reaction channels. I hope that you are also a writer.
Anyway, this album is one of the overlooked classics from the 1980s. I did this nerd thing about 7 years ago where I decided I was going to take 3 months and just listen to records from 1985 sort of like a project to research the year in music. When I discovered this record I couldn't believe my ears. To this day it seems that very few people know about it and that's even music nerds like me. You kinda already said it all (on first listen which is insane) but there is a real blue-eyed soul quality to this song once it kicks in through that 'mist'. They were moderately popular as a college rock band but it amazes me this song didn't blow up bc it is almost like an alternative version of Hall & Oates yet without that mist every fully leaving the song. When you consider that only 2 years later The Church would become huge off of Under the Milky Way tonight the fact this song wasn't a hit in the States is dumb luck. Thanks for reacting to Prefab Sprout and also props to you for the Tears for Fears singing at the beginning from (I might add) Songs from the Big Chair, also a 1985 released album.
Thank you so much Tristam! Not a writer, thought I used to love poetry and mythology :)
Songs from the Big Chair is my favorite TFF album, and one of my favorites ever
@@JustJP Why 'used to'?
When you say your parents would like this, I forget, they are probably my age,lol! Yeah, this is about as perfect a pop song as perfect can be! Which brings to mind another band and album you need to check. The Go-betweens, 16 Lovers Lane. An Australian band on parents with the Sprouts. Hope you get to them.
Love that Go-betweens album!
Really enjoying your Prefab Sprout reactions, Justin. Glad you're liking the music so much.
You got it right about the feel and the emotion (as well as the wordplay). There's always something about Paddy's writing that stirs the emotions and hits you right there.
As some people have said in the comments, there is a certain smoothness about this album, a sheen, courtesy of Thomas Dolby's production. But like that other great English melodist Paul McCartney, that simplicity is often deceptive. Try listening to the bonus disc which came with the 2007 Legacy Edition of the album, which features Paddy re-recording all of the Steve McQueen tracks on acoustic guitar. Shorn of their eighties production, some of them are even more beautiful.
@@jeremyb5640 they were an unexpected but utterly pleasant surprise when they came out. Pure beauty, it’ a live-album of surprises😉
So if you take, then put back good. If you steal, be Robin Hood....a very good manta to live by.
Feared by the bad, loved by the good.......
Prefab sprout are an A1 musical proposition.you broke this track down brilliantly,such a pity they are not more appreciated,but people who really feast on excellent art will find nourishment for ever within their music.well done for spreading the love.
Ty Mark!
1985, 17 years old, first love, this album. Nothing more to say. Nice reaction Justin at always. Best wishes.
Ty Peter!
I love this song so much. And I love your reaction.
Thanks so much Marc!
you said it "soulful" -- bang on!
This always reminds me of a dear departed friend who loved this album. We would sit in his apartment and chill to this pretty often. I should put it back into my headspace. Thanks JP. A little more upbeat band that still balances pop with jazz is China Crisis.
Yes man. I spoke to Paddy once, in 1990, and he was lovely.
Thomas Dolby was the producer and you can hear his sound all over this album.You should check out some of his stuff.
Flat Earth is amazing album with amazing sounds.
@@ithaliem u r tellin me!
I love Flat Earth...saw Dolby on that tour...it was amazing.
He has checked out some of his stuff.
I'll keep him in mind🙃
Great review! you're "getting" this music. As I get older (i'm old) this is the kind of music I return to most often on my SiriusXM line up. Light, airy, great beats, not too long. 80s pop, while not producing the "epic" bands and songs (Zep, Floyd etc), had great all-around music that's fun to listen to.
Good review of a fabulous song. Like your comments Prefab Sprout made the best pop music.
Thanks so much daneshananda! This album was a great listen :)
Amazing!
WOW!! Hey Justin My Man!!! I was so excited to see this pop up today!!! I've been listening to BONNY on my walks at night!!! I WAS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU TODAY SIR!! RIGHT FROM THE START JUST LIKE YOU!! 😊😊😊!! Man this is such a GREAT ALBUM!! I am so shocked that I never heard of them before!! But then again I never really got into folk or bluegrass in the 80s either and now my favorite music right now is FOLK, Bluegrass, 3 PART HARMONY! I was just at our local record store ZIA RECORDS IN PHOENIX! Great store!!! They have everything!! But I'm going back today to see if they have this album or CD!!! Kinda surprised at some of the lack- luster comments of this song actually!! This album so far for me anyway- IS SO VERY PLEASING TO THE EARS TO LISTEN TO!! How could ANYONE NOT LIKE THIS?!! Thats okay!! To each their own!! We're not here to judge anyone just to share with you our musical journey!!!! I really think you WERE SO SPOT ON AGAIN WITH YOUR INTERPRETATION TODAY SIR!! SIMPLE- MAYBE BUT WITH HEART & SOUL FOR SURE!!! I ALSO JUST LOVE THE FEMALE VOCALS!! JUST BEAUTIFUL!!! THIS MUSIC JUST MAKES ME SMILE AND FEEL ALL WARM AND FUZZY INSIDE!!! RIGHT PEOPLE?!!! NOT MUCH OF THIS AROUND ANYMORE THATS FOR SURE!!! GREAT LYRICAL CONTENT TOO!!! JUST WOW ALL OVER!!! PLEASE- CANT WAIT TO LISTEN TO THE REST OF THIS WITH YOU!! I JUST MAY GO OUT AND BY THIS BUT WAIT TO LISTEN TO IT WITH YOU!! REALLY DOUBT IF I COULD HOLD ON THAT LONG THOUGH- SO: GET TO IT MY MAN JP!!! LOVED YOUR WORK TODAY AND ON THE LAMB TOO!! YOUR AWESOME!!! PEACE TO EVERYONE OUT THERE TODAY!!! YOUR #1 AZ FAN MICHAEL😽😸😊😊
This literally made my eyes well up
As a teen in Alabama in the 80s, I happened to catch the last half of this song on a Canadian video music channel and INSTANTLY was in love with the song. It was such a soulful song to me, which was confusing because it didnt sound like r&b soul from the black stations, it was something completely different.
Thank you Jay, its a great one!
Justin, I'm so glad you are doing more by Prefab Sprout, and loving it. Steve McQueen is one of my all time favourite albums. You know those Facebook polls that went around during lockdown - 'name your 10 favourite albums ' - I got at least four of those, from friends in UK, USA and Australia. So I did my top 30 (plus a few more). All the usual suspects were there Genesis, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, ELP, Joni Mitchell, Beatles, Gentle Giant, Caravan, Steely Dan, Smiths, Elvis Costello, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder plus jazz - Miles Davis, Return to forever, Weather report and Mahavishnu Orchestra. PLUS Prefab Sprout - Steve McQueen, it's flawless jazzy/indie pop. 'Jordan' is bigger and more polished, ' From Langley to Park to Memphis' was a bigger hit, but this album is the one! Oh, and I love the tee shirt, Massive Attack - 'Blue Lines' was another of my top 30 😊 I looking forwards to what you think of 'A Passion Play', my favourite Tull. PS I still think you'll enjoy Quadrophenia more than Tommy, but you can make that decision when you've heard them both.
Wasn't 'Langley Park To Memphsis' their attempt to 'crack America' and get airplay in the States, hence the radio friendly King Of Rock 'N' Roll' and 'Cars And Girls' - even if both songs were highly satirical about the very rockstar lifestyle led by the likes of Springsteen, etc!
@@jeremyb5640 Exactly, those two songs were minor 'hits' and totally misunderstood by the casual listener, especially 'The king of rock 'n' roll'. The silly promotional video and seemingly nonsense lyrics, were taken at face value by the casual listener, who just didn't 'get it'. There are some fabulous songs on that album, Stevie Wonder and Pete Townshend guesting, but the incognizant just remember dancing frogs.
Love the t-shirt!
Ty Nomis :)
@@JustJP Cheers mate
Not one bad, or less good, song on this album❗ I have been listening to it since it came out, and still love it (i have it on cd and vinyl) 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I bought this album in college. I haven’t listened to it in a while and had forgotten how awesome it was!
Prefat Sprout.... 1985 lot of melodies there, them, Tear for Fears, The Smiths... easy listening and give some smiles.
Yeah, you gotta get to When Love Breaks Down... another real winner that I think you'll love. And I recommend you watch the video so you can see the band performing. It's a beautiful video. Appetite is another of their great ones.
First the album version, then the video.
One of the best pop soul tracks of the 1980s.
"If you take-then put back good. If you steal-be Robinhood ". Produced by the absolute genius that is Thomas Dolby. He just might be too clever/smart for his own professional financial good. He is a true artist. Check out his album ASTRONAUTS AND HERETICS. While it is impossible to name a single favorite song of all time, mine just might be his I LOVE YOU,GOODBYE.
I love breakfast for dinner. Praise be to IHOP.
Smooooooth! Maybe a tiny bit too smooth for my tastes, but I like it.
I love this song!
This was a good listen and very light, but in a good way. Nothing challenging or to make you stop and think. Reminds me immediately of Tears for Fears and Simply Red. It’s got that soul/r&b/synthy thing going on. Nice one JP.
Just love this album. Generally I abhor 80s production but one or two albums (eg Cupid and Psyche by Scritti Politti) do it so stylishly it really works.
On a completely unrelated note - I suggest you listen to the whole album The Visitors by ABBA. They were an astonishingly adept band but this album reaches out into prog and art-pop in a surprising and rewarding way. Leave your prejudices on the doorstep and dive in!
@Richard Benbow, a huge HEAR, HEAR for The Visitors.
I am a raving Abbahead in general and would think Justin might also appreciate something like The Name Of The Game, the way the song just builds and builds so erffortlessly via different parts. Those French (?) horns, those countermelodies - I think it's simply genius.
PS. Cupid & Psyche also. Masterful. It was a good year, 1985.
To this day, Paddy's compositions continue to hit a place deep in my psyche. Mamy of them break my heart. It's hard to pick out one or two over others, but I would pick out "The Gunman" and "When love breaks down" and "The fifth horseman"
This album is like opening an Oyster and finding 11 pearls.
10 Pearls and one Pie ?🥧 JP should do the last two together doncha ffink? In fact , this album needs to be heard in pairs from now on. I’m gonna suggest it b4 it’s too late. It’s probably too late now but hopefully his instincts for Feel will entice him - that’s you JP!- to
Experience
The Flow
On
Video
as you did with the first two songs. (I’m gonna tweet this to you now just in case there’s a window of opportunity to introduce a New J Policy for Album Listens
Namely ‘2 Songs Good’
Do it for “Jordan : the Comeback “
definately !
doh!
there are odd numbers on each side and the flow is conceptual in stature for those (19!) songs
This song reminds me of when all the guys were wearing Polaroid sunglasses, and all the gals were wearing shoulder pads.
As long as you keep doing Prefab Sprout reactions I'll keep watching them all. They're one of my favorite bands ever. Try the song 'I Remember That'. It's one of the few songs that makes me misty-eyed.
@Summertime Blooz, I Remember That is great, but for me the misty-making song is We Let The Stars Go. "Paddy Joe, say Paddy Joe, do you remember me?"
Such a good lyricist.
The whole album is brilliant, I bought it in 85 after hearing Faron young on the radio .Loved it then still love it now .Bought everything they released saw them in concert absolutely loved the band , Somehow I don’t suppose I’ll ever get into a band the way I did with them.Personally I don’t listen to music the way I did back then which is a shame , now it seams to be random tracks streamed as opposed to owing the vinyl and reading all the information on the sleeve.
he gives to the poor like robin hood he wants her to be like him with values ❤
Always liked this one but glad you clarified the meaning of Appetite now I know it’s about his sexual appetite it makes more sense to me! I agree that it’s the feel and sound of PS that make them stand out but in particular Paddy’s wistful voice which grabs me and the plaintive melodies
I realized that I have yet to thank you for doing The Lamb, that was some serious work you did there. Hope you got to take a few days off this channel to reset and get ready for more. See ya on the next one! :)
Ty Queen! Was really fun!
This was quite popular in the Philippines back in the early 80s along with Scritti Politti's Perfect Way, Curiosity Killed The Cat's Down To Earth, Belouis Some's Animal Magic and Friends Again's State Of Art..
Cars and Girls, King of Rock 'N' Roll, When Love Breaks Down and Johnny Johnny are also great tracks from Prefab Sprout..
Yes, this is a fantastic, breezey pop song, full of sunshine and joyfulness. Played it to death in the early Eighties until Prefab released their next masterpiece album "From Langley Park to Memphis" which you'll also have to check out after this one.
an 80s gem
Man! You will have to listen to all of their albums because believe me... you won't find a single bad song there... it's one of the most perfect bands I've ever heard. The most pure and sofisticated pop 😍 I've been following you for a long time but now that you're into Prefab Sprout I'm gonna suscribe 😜 let's see how you react to Horsin' Around 😉
Idk how he fid it but the songwriting is always amazing and pure melancholy in a melody
With Sprout, you mentioned simplicity and smoothness, but at this level -I think what sounds straightforward is very complex, but well arranged and produced, similar to a Don Fagen (SD) penned track. While McAloon started with an undoubtedly epic foundation, Dolby's contribution is evident at every turn, and substantial. Working in tandem, they become an unequaled writing and producing force.
Interesting. A separate post I had made on this thread disappeared. It did include a link to a website that had a list of playlists (and links to those play lists). I suspect that is why it was removed. Might have even been YT that did it as the linked site had links to spotify and yt. The playlists had been recommended listening for when folks filled in their 2021 census forms in Canada. I thought it was funny and a fun idea.
I'm glad it's not just me! I included a link in a comment on one of Justin's Genesis reviews and it disappeared. It contained a link to the setlist for a Genesis concert that I'd been to. Must be a YT thing.
Did anyone else have the lurid baggy sky blue sweatshirt with the core of an eaten apple on the front and the words " So you're livin in Eden where the apples are good" underneath? Desperately Unhip compared to the Black crew-neck Smiths brigade...but that was the Sprouts..skimpy white vests n all.
Well, despite the appeal of the couplets in the chorus, this one was a slow burner and always in the shadows of the instant classics on this LP. It is ridiculously catchy though!
Subtle Catchiness.
The ones which were re-worked as acoustic versions 25 years later show how good they are, but the ones Paddy didn't sing on his own on the reissue are also an essential part of this emotionally charged collection. Justin, maybe you should check out these acoustic versions too, as they're basically voice & guitar but very rich and sumptuous, as is customary for Paddy McAloon's singing performances.
"My Own Writing" sang Mr Dolby in 1984. We await the JustJP broadcast of another classic , as good as "Steve McQueen", in the form of "The Flat Earth". Surely your appetite has been whetted by now, J? Shirley Maclean?!
Diolch.
Another gem from County Durham's finest.
I feel you should've rolled the credits of a John Hughes movie for this one....
🚬😎
For myself,my appetites have led to 4 sprouts!!! Wed.morning here so,coffee,bagel,poached egg,oatmeal with blueberries. And diced raw chicken for Shadow,Orlando and Justine-yummy raw&bloody for hungry little hunters! Peace & pets.
My pet gets the canned stuff the vet recommends. I haven't eaten yet and your breakfast is making me so hungry. Lets' see, my choices are raisin toast with peanut butter or Cherrios in skim milk with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar... sigh.
Good breakfast!
I like this band. It is fun and light. Not something that I would turn off the lights to listen to. More something to listen to while working in the kitchen or in the yard on a sunny day.
Great cleaning music indeed!
The 'lightness' is deceptive, one really has to listen to the lyrics to work out what is really going on, if you just have it as background music, you'll miss the depth. The Sprouts are a more poppy Steely Dan lyrically and musically, face value is deceptive.
The rhytm section!!!! My God!!!!!
First time hearing this. Pretty good. Sounds from 80’s. A lot of these type of music is typical from the 80’s.
I LOVE that you love this song. I am a sucker for lyrics and have always thought that this song oozes pure sex energy. "If you take, then put back good. If you steal, be Robin Hood.."
Shit. I forgot where I was going with this. Anyways. I really dug watching you listen!
I was going to say The Downtown Lights then I found out you are already a fan.
Yup, great song!
My favorite song from this album! " You might also enjoy Electric Guitars " on " Andromeda Heights " and "Cowboy Dreams " on " Gunman and Other Stories ". In Japan, they used to be sometimes compared to Aztec Camera.
This is the one song of theirs that I recognize. It's light and breezy, but for me not particularly filling. Now I'd happily partake of your French Toast (hold the bacon please). 😉
most of the album has this feel... great vocals, lyrics and production..
Great great music. Good positive vibe. Seriously, you need to experience Brian Augers Oblivion Express “Straight Ahead” album the whole album is soooo good. Keyboards, drummer and percussion, vocals, and bass all work together to draw you in. No other band really like them. They have a tone and positive message. “ Back in the Beginning Again, Straight ahead, Change, You’ll Stay in my Heart, and the classic Bumping on Sunset!
Just had breakfast myself. Fried eggs, sausages, toast and tea, but there's always room for some Prefab Sprout (which is ironic, because I actually don't like Brussel sprouts. I prefer broccoli, zucchini or eggplant.)
Sounds good to me!😃
Il basso e' fantastico
You need to get on with Swoon and Jordan the comeback.. Another couple of brilliant albums
If this doesn't wet your appetite for the rest of the album... ;-)
Very good pick Justin! do you want to listen more good stuff from the 80´s ? here just 3 sugestions to add to your "small" request list... RIC OCASEK "True Love", DOUBLE "The Captain Of Her Heart", also 1986 ELPowell album deserves a full review, it´s fantastic!
Congrats man! 9k views in 5 days for The Lamb SIDE 1.
Today a risotto, something we cooked almost twice a month when we were students and we didn't do for years. It was great.
I've tried making risotto, never comes out good😅
@@JustJP I should ask my wife, as I don't make it myself (although I often cook…).
Easy on the ears. It also feels nostalgic to me, for some reason, making me think of my teenage years but the timing is just all wrong. Was it ever re-released? I can't explain it otherwise.
Hi Ariadne, it had a 2007 'Legacy Edition' release - which also featured a bonus disc of Paddy re-recording all the songs ( just him and an acoustic guitar) which is well worth checking out on Spotify.
JP, when are you going to finish up Duke?
Not much longer, just spacing out the Genesis videos a bit to keep variety, and we just did 4 huge days with them🙂
It's hard to compete with "The Working Hour" but "Appetite" is quite fine.
One of their best. And one of Paddy's sexiest lyrics. For all his literary inclinations, he can't resist a good piece of ass. And I, for one, love him for that.
My favourite track from Steve McQueen
Its so good :)
heartbreaking song
When I first heard on the radio back then , this I too had that feeling of...oh this is a bit special...and the band 'is'..along with Talk Talk, and another must is.China Crisis whose 'Wishful Thinking' has similar moods and tones and may be an even more perfect pop song than this gem!
This album is just so good i5 hurts
Mmmhmm!
BTW any Tears for Fears reactions coming up?
He has done a few of their songs, but I'd like to see more.
Funny you mention them, I MAY have something in the works for later
@@JustJP tease, tease 😆
This song hits you different when you're in love and the girl likes you back...a sort of innocent romance, if you will. Can't wait to be with her again. Sigh...
Justin, I think my work here is done.
Seems so😅
Mike Oldfield- Return to Ommadawn ( First Listen).