Customer Reviews

Collection

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Collection is the US release of 1999's 38 Carat Collection with ever-so-slightly altered title and cover art. This two-disc set contains the band's 19 UK singles, and adds 19 key album tracks.

To a certain extent, The Collection effectively renders half the Prefab Sprout back catalog redundant. Steve McQueen and From Langley Park To Memphis are represented by eight and nine tracks, respectively. However, it's good to see that Epic/Legacy has kept the set intact; given the general lack of awareness of Prefab Sprout's existence in the U.S.,the label could have made a case for whittling things down to a single disc, or passing altogether on its release.

The usual highlights are present, from "When love breaks down" to "The sound of crying", with "Faron Young", "Appetite", "Cars and girls", "Hey Manhattan!", "Looking for Atlantis" and "We let the stars go", among others, in between. A bonus for the American enthusiast is the inclusion of five songs from 1997's Andromeda Heights, which Epic declined to release in the U.S.

The only real disappointments here are the absence of "Wild horses", which was included on 1992's best-of, Life Of Surprises, and "Jesse James symphony", without which "Jesse James bolero" sounds strangely incomplete, as if one had walked into the theatre halfway through the movie.

Still, this collection shouldn't be passed up. Prefab Sprout has consistently managed to combine tasteful arrangements and emotional content without coming across as either too restrained or too mushy. Hopefully, Epic will see fit to release their forthcoming album, The Gunman And Other Stories, in the States this time.

Prefab Sprout really never caught in the U.S. That may be an understatement! I would venture to say that a lot of people have never heard of them, which is truly unfortunate. They graced the pages of the 80's teen magazine STAR HITS constantly- it may be why that magazine closed down- it was just too hip for the room- at least in the U.S. Maybe that is a good description for Prefab Sprout. This hits collections contains 2 discs full of smartly crafted pop confections. I would not say that they are overtly British, but they are obviously not American. Disc one contains the "hits" (they were hits in the U.K.); Disc two contains "B-sides" (although some of the songs are just random album tracks that were used as B-sides- they aren't B-sides in the sense that they are hard to find.) A lot of the songs here were produced by Thomas Dolby- but be aware that Prefab Sprout were NOT blinded by science! (Their music does not sound like Mr. Dolby's!) Great retrospective from an overlooked 80's gem of a band.

It's much easier to put this into your car's cd changer and have space for other cds (maybe some Crowded House, an old EBTG, something from Roddy Frame) than it is to give up all 6 spaces to Sprout CDs, and since all the best songs are represented on this 2 disc set, you don't even feel like you're losing anything (unless you have a strong devotion to Nancy Let Your Hair Down for Me) in the process. It is identical to 38 Carat Collection, and as of this writing, is also a few dollars cheaper.

This is pop music of the very highest order: immensely literate and lyrical, sophisticated, hip, subtle, inspiring, joyous....I could go on and on, but let me just say this: it really restores your faith in human creativity. I must confess that I had never listened to this group before acquiring this CD a week ago. WOW, was I missing out!! McAloon is a indeed a GENIUS. No doubt about it. The comparisons to the great Cole Porter made by critics are well-founded. His work makes that of 99% of the rest of the pack look shabby, shallow, tired, and juvenile. Listening to this CD is the pop music equivalent of watching Renoir's Rules of the Game or reading Rilke's Duino Elegies. You feel uplifted. McAloon's music is that outstanding and it is a real pity that it has not received much more recognition from the public! If I were a Broadway producer looking to put on a musical with truly original music, I would go straight to McAloon. Paddy, where are you? (I have already gone out and bought another one of Prefab's CDs and cannot wait to sink my ears into it!)

Prefab Sprout, a band that just ages very well. Thomas Dolby's footprints are all over this recording.

While this CD lacks "Wild Horses", it contains just about every song any fan could wish for. Hands down, it beats the Life of Surprises compilation with its inclusions of "Lions in My Own Garden" and other material from Swoon, as well as such gems such as "The Golden Calf" (a personal favorite of mine) off From Langley Park to Memphis as well as the wonderful "Bonny" from Steve McQueen/Two Wheels Good.

I think I could listen to this CD for weeks on end and never tire of such greats as "Life of Suprises", "The Sound Of Crying", "Carnival 2000", "Appetite" and so many others.

Yes, you could go buy all the Sprout's stuff (which I recommend highly). Still, this is a great way to savor one of the most wonderful bands out there.

Though this is the most you need from this great, unjustly forgotten band, you'll probably want to by their remaining 6 albums once you're through. This comprehensive collection houses only two sad omissions: "One of the Broken" and "Wild Horses". Otherwise, it's all gold; the ten best songs are, in my opinion, "Horsin' Around", the rare inclusion "Lions in My Own Garden", which is still a pop masterpiece from the opening harmonica, "Cue Fanfare", "Desire As", "Cruel", "The King of Rock'n'Roll" (of course), "Johnny Johnny (Goodbye Lucille #1)", "Appetite", "Carnival 2000", "Bonny", "Life of Surprises", and "Jesse James Bolero". The stuff off of "Andromeda Heights" is pretty good, especially the singles, the title track and "Life's a Miracle". Don't miss it.

Prefab Sprout is one of the groups that make the greatest pop ever, with the best lyrics ever (including The Beatles, yes). This is a collection with some of their best songs, no doubt... If you truly admire Pop Music at its best, buy this CD, and "Two Wheels Good" of Prefab Sprout. No Regrets- for sure!

For me, the criteria for judging the relative genius level of a pop songsmith is how well a song and its melody sticks with you. Prefab Sprout have it all down - all sewn up. How can I ever get out of my mind the irresistible melodies of "Carnival 2000" or "Life Full of Surprises"?
Sorry if I have the song-titles wrong or if I don't know the guy's name( Paddy MacLoon?).
Names and song- titles are left-brain stuff.
Bottom-line is that melody affects the right side of the brain and that's where these songs stick.
Genius pop in the vein of the best of Brian Wilson or Lennon-McCartney or Supertramp.

I certainly wish I'd discovered the work of Paddy McAloon and Co. back in the 80s when it first emerged. Superior pop music. Stunning lyrics and great music. This is an excellent intro to their work, although you'll still want to by Steve McQueen and Swoon to hear the songs not included here.

A very touching collection of songs that sets you in a special mood.