Customer Reviews

Steve Mcqueen

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Steve McQueen is an album I've been hoping to be re-mastered for years, along with Prefab's other great album, Jordan: The Comeback. Jordan was an incredible album packed with great songs diverse both musically and lyrically. SM was, however, more ethereal in its production with a sound that really has not been duplicated, ever. Most people who listened to their first record, Swoon, are aware that Thomas Dolby, the producer, had an enormous influence on the outcome of SM. Not only is the production different but the structure of the songs is better crafted. Having at first listened to SM as a record, I always felt that the CD version lacked depth. It must be added that the CD version I am used to is the American version of SM (called Two Wheels Good because the estate objected to the title). That version included a fantastic extended version of Faron Young, a great county cover of He'll Have To Go and one more track. When Love Breaks Down is also in an inferior state on Two Wheels Good, being slightly edited and mixed

Now, more than 20 years after its initial release the album has been re-released, re-mastered by Thomas Dolby himself. The extra tracks from Two Wheels Good are nowhere to be found. That is understandable since Dolby had nothing to do with that production and they were also not really part of the original Steve McQueen release. On a brighter note, the better version of When Love Breaks Down is intact.

Although some recent re-mastered versions have improved the sound quality significantly, often it is simply because the transfer to the CD was initially incredibly sloppy. Despite not being satisfied with the sound quality of Two Wheels Good, I cannot say that it was bad. Many CD releases in their early stages simply were substandard and TWG was actually above the average for that period sound quality wise. This makes the difference even more astonishing. It is as if the music was transferred into 3-D. Not only is there (much) added depth, the clarity and yet softness is way beyond what I am used to. I even suspect that Dolby may have done some subtle re-mixing to obtain this effect because this is better than most productions done even in today's standards. The only re-release that I can think of having been re-mastered closely as well is Fleetwood Mac's recent 2-CD edition of Rumours, but that version was initially transferred in an atrocious manner. This re-mastered version would be worth the price alone.

There is, however, an extra CD included in this release. Paddy McAloon decided to re-record acoustically 8 of the 11 songs from SM, as opposed to the usual demo/different versions/live versions/omitted tracks route. This is admirable both in regards of bothering to set so much effort in a re-release project (recording of the acoustic set took supposedly much longer than the initial one) and also taking the chance re-recording classics that probably are a hard act to follow. What surprised me is how complex the arrangements are. Instead of Paddy strumming through the tracks with a guitar in his hands, most of the songs are complex interactions of guitars woven together. Many of them are also re-arranged in a fashion that they are almost like different songs. This works well on most of the songs but it most be kept in mind that in general people listening to these tracks are biased, being used to the older versions, including me.

The standout track is, surprising, Desire As. The acoustic version is almost unrecognizable from the original one and, dare I say, better than the original one. Another track which falls into that category is When the Angels, a lovely version that brings the text more to life. The two tracks that I feel are lacking are Bonny and Goodbye Lucille #1. Bonny is my favorite Prefab Sprout track, period, so maybe that makes it simply almost impossible for me being unbiased, but the singing is way below Paddy's usual standards and the arrangement lacks cohesion. Goodbye Lucille #1 needed actually more re-arranging because the vocal interaction makes the song special but with only one voice it does not work out. Faron Young has a Western feel in this arrangement and becomes very addictive after a few listens. When Love Breaks Down, however, has a sweet feel, approaching the performance with a gentle approach once again but from a different angle. Trying to maintain an objective stance, I rate this version as a 4 star record.

This set, however, is a 5 star project, both sonically and musically and very worth purchasing, both for those who own it already and others who still lack one of the most ethereal and stunningly produced releases in the last few decades.

I have all of Prefab Sprout music. All the albums, all the b-sides, all the rarities. All? Well, not quite. Like you I'm missing these albums that are somewhere in Paddy McAloon's head: "Earth, the story so far", the musical about Zorro, etc. All this stuff that fuels fan forums discussions and which will probably never see the light of the day, because Paddy McAloon could not produce them the way he wanted.

But maybe it's better this way. Just think about it: "Steve McQueen", "From Langley Park to Memphis", "Jordan: the comeback" and the underrated "Andromeda Heights". 4 albums, 4 gems. Isn't this enough? After these, "The Gunman" was not as good and "I trawl the Megahertz" definitely doesn't belong to the Prefab Sprout history.

I have all of Prefab Sprout music yet I bought this new edition of "Steve McQueen". Because it sounds like never before, and because these 8 acoustic tracks are actually far more than an unplugged session.

So the world doesn't need a new Prefab Sprout record. The world just needs to (re) discover the best pop album ever produced: "Steve McQueen", by Prefab Sprout. 1985.

I honestly didn't discover Prefab Sprout until 1988 but immediatley fell in love with this album. I had the "Two Wheels Good" version so, like a lot of American fans here, I do miss the two bonus tracks (the "Faron Truckin' Remix" was never a big deal to me)and wish they had added them on either to the second disc or, after a brief pause, on the first. Regardless, "Steve McQueen" sounds extremely good in this reissue with nice detail and warmth in the remastering done by producer Thomas Dolby.

We also get the 8 track acoustic album with Paddy playing and singing solo (although he does double track some stuff on here as well). Reportedly this 8 track acoustic disc took more time to record than the original album. If so, it was certainly worth the wait--Paddy's playing and singing of the songs offers a fresh alternative and is as close to the original demos as we'll ever get (he doesn't have a copy of the demos anymore although Thomas Dolby might...mmmm...here's an opportunity for a rarities CD).

A terrific album got better although, like a lot of folks, I'm not getting rid of my "Two Wheels Good" just yet because I want the other songs NOT on this version. Also, the mastering on the previous disc is actually pretty decent with good dynamic range even if it was done at the beginning of the CD era. This remaster is louder than the previous version and, if compressed, most of the dynamic range has been kept intact. Regardless, fans should truly treat themselves to this if nothing else than for the second disc.

This record is a pop mastepiece. Not only has it held up well over the years, but it's taken on a beautiful mystical aura unlike anything from the 80's. The 80's were filled with great rock records, but as far as the pop side of music goes, this record is the cream of the crop..

Frankly I've grown so accustomed to the bonus tracks "The Yearning Loins" and "He'll Have to GO' on the American version of SMcQ (titled 'Two Wheels Good) as a regular part of the record. "He'll Have To Go", a bonus track and one of the Sprout's best, the song that won me over initially as a Prefab fan, rounds out the record-long meditation on the male condition beautifully.

On the American side of the fan fence, it's wonderful to hear great old tunes with a fresh polish, but I'm still holding onto my copy of Two Wheels Good. I like the title better (and Thomas Dolby's vision and contribution aside) the non-Dolby produced bonus tracks really do make a big difference.

When I first heard Paddy McAloon was re-recording acoustic versions of the songs I groaned. But when I finally heard them, it was an amazing experience. I never realized just how great "Appetite" was until I heard the demo. And the version of "Desire As", is incredible. "When Love Breaks Down" should be on heavy rotation at Starbucks. We'll see ...

Around the release of this album back in 1985, Paddy McAloon claimed that he was 'probably the best writer on the planet'. He wasn't far off the mark. This album is a collection of beautiful, atmospheric, catchy, moving, thoughtful songs, treated with one of the best production efforts Thomas Dolby has ever done - and that's quite something. I love the entire album, but especially Bonny, Appetite, When Love Breaks Down, Goodbye Lucille #1 and Desire As are worth mentioning. Wendy Smith's simple, soaring backing vocals and Dolby's very personal keyboard sounds suit Neil Conti's crisp drums, Martin McAloon's deep bass and Paddy's complex compositions perfectly. Dolby and the band struck something very special and undefinable on this album that they haven't quite been able to recreate on their following collaborations, which, by the way, are still great. For those with an ear/eye for detail: While this CD doesn't have the bonus tracks included on Two Wheels Good, it has Thomas Dolby's remix of When Love Breaks Down. It's a wee bit more uptempo and with a tighter sound than the Phil Thornalley-produced original on Two Wheels Good.

Following on from their hugely promising February 1984 debut "Swoon", England's PREFAB SPROUT took many English and Irish hearts by storm in the summer and autumn of 1985 with their stunning 2nd album "Steve McQueen". Rated by many as being in the Top 50 albums of all time, this April 2007 2CD LEGACY EDITION is a long overdue remastered celebration of that bedsit staple.

Here's the layout first - Disc 1 (45:13 minutes):
Tracks 1 to 11 are the album "Steve McQueen " issued in June 1985 on Kitchenware Records KW 3 in the UK (Vinyl, Cassette and CD). The US version was called "Two Wheels Good" for contractual reasons and was issued on Epic 40100. The US CD version contained 3 bonus tracks - "Faron Young (Truckin' Mix)", "The Yearning Loins" and "He'll Have To Go" - they were not included on the UK version - nor unfortunately included here on this reissue either. This Legacy reissue is remastered by original producer THOMAS DOLBY at The Mastering Lab in Los Angeles - he also contributes recollections to the liner notes.

Disc 2 (35:00 minutes):
Tracks 1 to 8 are brand new acoustic re-interpretations by Paddy McAloon (band's principal songwriter) of 8 tracks from the original 11 - they were recorded across the summer of 2006.

The 2CDs are housed in a card gatefold digipak (where's the Legacy Edition Protective Plastic outer wrap?), have motorbike logos on the CDs and a scant 12-page booklet with liner notes by PAUL LESTER. There are some new photos - outtakes from the album cover shoot, but bizarrely the original inner sleeve of the LP depicting the members of the band and giving recording details - is missing. But worse is the lack of musical extras. Between October 1984 and as late as February 1986, no less than 6 singles came off the album in the UK - When Love Breaks Down was put out 3 times - Faron Young, Appetite and Johnny Johnny were issued also - between them and their multiple formats, they produced as many as 12 unreleased B-sides and mixes. As you can see from the playing time on both discs, there was plenty of room for remasters of these rarities. They will probably never see the light of day now - which is maddening - especially on a supposed collector's edition. However, the other way of looking at it is this - presented as is - this reissue forces you to focus 'only' on the album proper - and the new acoustic tracks - and as they stand - they make for a truly sensational listen. So I can see why McAloon would want the album presented in this way, it's just disappointing not to see those non-album tracks that are not on CD anywhere...

Which brings us to the 1st part of the good news - THE SOUND. Like many who've loved this wonderful record, I've had the cramped vinyl LP and dull sounding original CD for over 20 years now - hoping for a good reissue of it at some point. Well this Thomas Dolby remaster is just BEAUTIFUL - clean, muscular and full of presence. Hearing the sublime "Bonny" in this sound quality is a treat no music lover should be without - and that synth solo - wow! And when you think of how awful a lot of Eighties music sounds now - so dated and over-produced - musically the whole album still holds it own. So many great tracks "Moving The River", "Desire As" and the Johnny Johnny song "Goodbye Lucille No.1" A really sweet remaster by Dolby. But the real fireworks and really great news starts on Disc 2...

Few would have expected that Acoustic Reinterpretations would be this good - or even rival and better the originals - but here they do. It's hard to understate just how stunning these beautifully recorded remakes are - I've been playing them to buggery for over 18 months now and still don't tire of them. Their sound quality is also GORGEOUS - very Blue Nile production - sooo good! I made up a shop-play disc of 7 tracks from the 2007 Ryan Adams album "Easy Tiger" with 7 of these acoustic versions - and it so works - to a point that every time I play it, it never fails to bring customers to the counter with looks of 'discovery' on theirs faces wanting to know "...who is this!!!"

To sum up - despite the ok-only packaging and lack of those b-sides - this is a 5-star reissue of a 6-star album - a must buy. I will go weak at the knees if the same treatment is planned for the equally magnificent "Jordon: The Comeback"...

This masterpiece has never sounded better -- the remastering really makes the case for Thomas Dolby as one of the great producers ever. And on the second disc Paddy makes the case for these great songs as standards. The acoustic "When Love Breaks Down" is thrilling. Two decades undiminished.

This will not be everyone's idea of great music, but Prefab Sprout have a unique sound that explores a depth of music from the early eighties that would shame the bland musicians of today. Bonny, the second track on the album, and When Love Breaks Down, are classic sounds that, alone, justify the sticker price.

Prefab Sprout from Durham, England have a very special sound. In great parts thanks to Thomas Dolby who produced this album. The main writer and singer, Paddy McAloon has a very distinct voice that can not be mistaken after hearing it once. Musically their style would be the nearest to Deacon Blue without being a rip-off! This album in particular is a feast for the ears. One would search high and low to find this crystal clear production on other recordings. In America the title "Steve McQueen" was not allowed by McQueen's daughter, and had to be changed to "Two Wheels Good". My copy is the European one, no bonus tracks. Music for anyone with a taste for pretty lightweight quality pop and a set of ears made for details. Happy listening!

This paves the way for the absolute masterpiece of "From Langley Park To Memphis" with a most impressive set of songs. From the rocking opener "Faron Young" onwards, there are very few flaws in the songwriting and producing. Whilst McAloon does not develop the mysterious sense of knowledge of American culture he shows on "From Langley Park to Memphis", he still writes wonderful songs with a loose and delicate nature compred to "From Langley Park to Memphis".
One theme that the album is notable for (and which no doubt puts many off) is the study of sexual lust and infidelity on the catchy "Appetite", "When Love Breaks Down" and "Horsing Around". However, McAloon DOES write with considerable understanding of the pain lust and infedelity can give ("When love breaks down you join the wrecks/Who leave their hearts for easy sex") {This does foresee "The Venus of The Soup Kitchen" and its tale of a witches' spell}.
Apart from the songs mentioned above, McAloon focuses his lyrics on failed romances, as on "Bonny" and "Goodbye Lucille #1 (Johnny Johnny)". His effort to rage (which he simply does not know how to do) on that last song is in fact the only discernable flaw on a brilliant record. However, on "Desire As" McAloon puts in his best-ever vocal performace which suits the leisurely tone perfectly. "Faron Young" and "When The Angels" prefigure the geius he displayed on "From Langley Park to Memphis."
The major difference between this album and "From Langley Park to Memphis" is that "Steve McQueen" is much looser and more relaxed, concentrating mostly on fairly sparse ballads like "Desire As". Even the less slow tunes are very delicate and much more difficult to appreciate than "From Langley Park to Memphis", as with "Bonny", "Hallelujah" and "Appetite."
On the whole, a masterpiece from a man who has proved himself the most brilliant songwriter of the modern era.