Swoon

Prefab Sprout burst on the U.K. scene, the brainchild of Paddy McAloon whose literate songs and tailored recordings boasted the jazz-like chords and spotless productions of a synth-pop Steely Dan. “Don’t Sing” begins things with an upbeat funk and McAloon twisting in the wind, somehow breaking things down to a croon of “Don’t Blame Mexico.” McAloon’s elusive, cryptic lyrics make Prefab feel like an impossible puzzle, but once the listener aligns with the mysteries and lets the quirky chords and grooving basslines wash over them, the allure of “Cue Fanfare,” highlighting the falsetto of singer Wendy Smith, creates a new sense of the world. There’s the be-bop heartbreak of “Cruel” where all McAloon’s wordy confessions comes down to puncturing syllables. “Couldn’t Bear to be Special” reflects his disdain for the spotlight. “I Never Play Basketball Now” tears apart nostalgia with an ambitious melody that only points towards the future. McAloon was just getting started. Next year’s Steve McQueen (Two Wheels Good in the U.S.) would be even stronger.