Tag: Pop
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Scritti Politti, Cupid & Pysche 85, 1985 on Warner Bros
Second album from UK band Scritti Politti, with their breakout single “Perfect Way.” Originally a lefty punk band (the name being a reference to the writings of Gramsci) they’d gone quite pop by 1985. (The LP came out on Virgin in the UK). One of the other major singles / hits was “Wood Beez (Pray…
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Bonnie Raitt, Nick of Time, 1989 on Capitol
Although this was Bonnie Raitt’s big commercial breakthrough—and maybe where I first heard her?—it was actually her tenth studio album. (Later I’d find her back catalogue which has much to recommend in it). It was also her first on Capitol, having been dropped by Warner Bros. It was produced by Don Was (future Blue Note…
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The Parachute Club, At the Feet of the Moon, 1984, RCA / Current
Great early 80s pop – look at the outfits on that back sleeve. The Parachute Club were a Toronto band and this was their second full length following a self-titled debut. Reminiscent a bit of Level 42 (strong baselines) but with a more mainstream pop sensibility. “At the Feet of the Moon” was a hit…
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Sia, 1000 Forms of Fear, 2014 on Monkey Puzzle / RCA
I first heard (at least consciously) Sia on the beautiful “I Go To Sleep” from her appearance on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic in 2006, which then appeared on Sounds Eclectic – The Covers Project in 2007. (I also now know she was a massive fan of the reality TV show Survivor, appearing on some of…
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Squeeze, East Side Story, 1981 on A&M
Squeeze’s fourth studio LP, between 1980’s Argybargy and 1982’s Sweets from a Stranger. This was the first album after Jools Holland departed, replaced by Paul Carrack, who provided lead vocals on “Tempted.” Produced by Elvis Costello and Roger Bechirian, except for “In Quintessence” which was produced by Dave Edmunds. My copy, via Academy Records in…
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Brandy Clark, Your Life is a Record, 2020 on Warner Records / Slate Creek
Clark’s third studio LP, produced by Jay Joyce. Includes “Bigger Boat” (a duet with Randy Newman) and “Who You Thought I Was.” I think Clark is a fantastic modern songwriter rooted in classic country storytelling and worldplay. This is a bit more aimed at mainstream pop audiences, but I think it’s very successful. We’re either…
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Nick Lowe, Pure Pop for Now People, 1978 on Columbia
Issued as Jesus of Cool in the UK and elsewhere, but as Pure Pop for Now People in the US and Canada. this was NIck Lowe’s solo debut. The track list also differs between the North American and European releases. Yep Rock put out an expanded reissue in the US in 2008 under the name…