Customer Reviews

Abracadabra

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Amidst the bargain bins, somewhere between a Color Me Bad sales disaster release and multi-copies of Marky Mark's "You gotta believe", you'll find nestled another 'marketing miss' by the English new wave duo ABC, who created some of the genre's most memorable, soul-bearing, and finest pop records of the 1980s. 1991's MCA-only release "Abracadabra" was quick to enter discontinuity after two singles failed to make an impact on the US Pop charts given the duo's high expectations.
Despite the misfortunes of MCA (the company underwent major executive changes that trickled downward), ABC created a fantastic arangement of smooth-dance layered with jazz-esque rythms and cutting edge synth production. Fans of ABC won't be surprised to see the duo exploring yet another musical direction (from "Lexicon of Love's" orchestrated synth harmonies to "Up's" house dressing), this time marching down the groove of Philly street; the results are inventive yet soothing. From the simplistic imagery of "Love Conquers All" (the first single), to the magical motion of the instrumental "Satori", the production remains extremely tight, locking in the flavor of the recording without tarnishing its craftsmanship. Although primarily more mature than any of the duo's previous work, "Abra.." doesn't always hold back the intrinsic frustration of one Martin Fry. "I was a victim, but nobody's fool!" he boasts on "Welcome to the Real World", one of ABC's greatest album tracks in their recording history. "Say it", mixed by the short-lived dance act Blackbox ("Everybody Everybody"), springs forth a classic ABC moment, reminiscent of "Be near me" from the 'Zillionaire period. The bonus remix, however, is quite unnecessary despite the packaging of LPs during the early 1990s.
Calling "Abracadabra' a classic perhaps would be an overstatement. However, unlike "Lexicon", "'Zillionaire", or "Up", "Abra.." has withstood the test of time, remaining as fresh and contemporary as when it was first released. As other ABC albums become more available with Master Releases and compilations galore, "Abra.." is the gem of their diversive yet intriguing catalog. Available at most online auction sites, grab while you can!

Abracadabra, the final ABC album pairing vocalist Martin Fry and multi-instrumentalist Mark White, is by far the band's most underrated album, and a worthy addition to its catalogue, far better than the overrated Alphabet City. It's a satisfying mix of mellow house vibes and Philly soul, from the haunting "Spellbound" to the hip "Welcome to the Real World." There are some filler tracks, and its riches are subtle, which led to its commercial and critical disappointment. But if you've discovered the treasure that is ABC, you'll want to add this gem to your collection.

I have been an ABC Martin Fry fan for as long as I can rememeber. This band has never gotten the recognition it deserves. We all know that the Lexicon Of Love is an absolute masterpiece from beginning to end but Abracadabra comes very very close. It is definately their best since the debut of Lexicon Of Love. It surpasses Alphabet City and the quirky How To Be A Millionaire by far. The music is funky, jazzy, soulful, with a club twist without the annoying standard club beat machine. And, what can be said about that soulful, sexy sound that comes from Martin Fry. It just doesn't get any better!!!

Prior to Abracadabra coming out in the early'90s I had never paid attention to ABC. I remember one day I was driving on the freeway and heard the song "Say it" on the radio. I had to have it right away! When I bought the cassette tape (at that time)I found other tracks to be just as good; such as "What's good about goodbye".
Now here in the age of CD's, I had long ago replaced all of my cassette tapes with CDs. And I bought Abracadabra on CD as well. The other customer's reviews are indeed correct when they say that this CD was underrated. I never get tired of it.

Incredible album. Production is amazing. David Bascombe is a genius. He has produced albums for some of the best acts in the business (see below). A similar level of producing genius can be found with Guy Sigsworth who has produced music for Alanis Morissette, Seal, Björk, Madonna and others.
David Bascombe producing shortlist >>
Tears for Fears - Songs From the Big Chair
Tears for Fears - The Seeds of Love
Depeche Mode - Music for the Masses
Erasure - Abba-esque
Erasure - Chorus
The Human League - Octopus
Suede - Coming Up
The Lightning Seeds - Tilt
Goldfrapp - Supernature
Placebo - "Bright Lights"
Catatonia - " International Velvet" (mixed track 3]]"

Wow! I read one of the other reviews and thought I'd give it a try. What a wonderful surprise! Next to Lexicon of Love, this album is probably their best. Incredible uplifting songwriting and arrangements, Martin's voice sounds amazing. Grab it while you can.

Abracadabra es la ultima obra de los 2 principales integrantes de ABC, data de 1991, y con cambio de compañia discografica se graba esta obra con un cambio importante en su sonido respecto a su anterior trabajo "Up" de 1989, apartandose del estilo de su fabuloso "Alphabet City" de 1987, reaparecen con un disco espectacular en canciones como "Love Conquers All" y la increible "Unlock the Secrets of Your Heart", acompañados por el maestro Phil Manzanera en la guitarra asi como en "Answered Prayer", con la singular calidad que les caracteriza en sus grabaciones y la voz de Martin Fry destacando en cada una de las melodias, llegan tambien temas como el single "Say It" en sus 2 versiones (Excelente mix the "Black Box"),y cerrando el album con un par de temas excelentes, como "Love Conquers All" y "Whats Good About Goodbye" nos dejan con ganas de escuchar mas de una gran agrupacion que merecia mayor exito debido a la esplendida calidad que puso en cada una de sus grabaciones, sin duda uno de mis discos favoritos del mejor pop britanico, y a la par de sus fabulosos "Lexicon of Love" y "Alphabet City". Unos grandes artistas que nos brindaron el mejor pop de la decada de los 80s, y aun permanecen en nuestra memoria. No dudar en conseguirlo.... "fabuloso".