f: Swoon (1984)


Predates much of the later lounge-inflected indie pop, with it's combination of jazz affectation, feyness and sincerity. Both heart-on-sleeve and mannered, moving and artifical, it shows Paddy was a remarkable songwriter even before Thomas Dolby's influence.

Most critics downplay Swoon as not memorable, whereas I find it memorable even 22 years later. Songs like "Couldn't Bear to Be Special," "Green Isaac," and "I Never Play Basketball Now" presage the Belle & Sebastian mood and hold up very well even as McAloon got less loungy and more complex later on.

RIYL: Aztec Camera, Rilo Kiley, Belle & Sebastian, Cardigans, Kings Of Convenience

Cruel

Cruel is the gospel that sets us all free and takes you away from me
There is no Chicago urban blues
More heartfelt than my lament for you
I'm a liberal guy: too cool for the macho ache
With a secret tooth for the cherry on the cake
With a pious smile, a smile that changes what I say
While I waste my time in regretting that the days
Went from perfect to just okay.

Lordy, what would I do?
Don't call me possessive but God if he's smooching with you...
I's a jealous boy root
The world should be free but don't you go following suit.
My heart is aligned
It couldn't be neutral, I couldn't be that way inclined
It's hard to defend, these feelings my tuppentup friend
It's cruel. It's cruel.
It's cruel, it's crueler than cruel, but
Cruel is the gospel that sets us all free and takes you away from me


Should a love be tender, or bleed out loud?
Or be tougher than tough, and prouder than proud?
If I'm troubled by every folding of your skirt,
Am I guilty of every male-inflicted hurt?
But I don't know how to describe the modern rose
When I can't refer to the shape against her clothes
With the fever of purple prose.

Lordy, what would I do?
Don't call me possessive but God if he's smooching with you
I's a jealous boy root
The world should be free but don't you go following suit
My heart is aligned
It couldn't be neutral, I couldn't be that way inclined
It's hard to defend, these feelings my tuppentup friend
It's cruel. It's cruel.
It's cruel, it's crueler than cruel, but
Cruel is the gospel that sets us all free and takes you away from me

My contribution to urban blues.

Bump, light jazz for hangovers.

Paddy McAloon grew the best beard in rock n' roll history.

And was one of the great, great unknown lyricist/songwriters. The music may have gotten a bity fey and precious... but by the time Jordan: The Comback was released... his lyics were unique, deep, bizarre, and as intelligent as anything written in rock. Thanks for the reminder.

acapella meets pure prayer

I'd actually rate 'Steve McQueen' (or 'Two Wheels Good' as I believe it was called in the US) to be the best Prefabs album but 'Jordan: The Comeback' is pretty great for a number two.

I liked the music on Steve McQueen better... but I thought conceptually, lyrically, Jordan was with the greatest all time. I wonder if any kids today even know Prefab Sprout.

Dunno. But there's good songs to be found there.

I always thought Martin kinda looked like Alex Winter of Bill & Ted's fame--

Picked up 38 Carat Collection today used for $4.00. 2 discs of their stuff. I just have sporadic songs so this was a nice addition. Was this even released in the US?