Search - ABC :: Alphabet City

ALPHABETICALLY YOURS

Michael Butts | Martinsburg, WV USA | 05/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When looking back to those dazzling disco/techno pop days of the eighties, there are so many acts that had one or two songs that were really memorable. ABC, however, rises above this "one hit wonder" status, and none so as eloquently as in this "Alphabet City."
What has always worked for these debonair gents is their flair for esoterically correct vocals and their stunning string arrangements. And while many of their songs can be considered a little "glitzy" or "forced," the songs on this collection work because of their unique approach to their subject matters. "When Smokey Sings" is a tribute to Smokey Robinson, and has some clever lyrics, and while it may be seen as a self-confident ode to themselves, I think it's more of a salute to a man whose influence in popular music cannot be underestimated. The synthesized instrumentals saluting "Minneapolis" and "Chicago" are filler fluff, but not bad in that respect. For me, the album's showcase is both the opening "Night You Murdered Love," and it's counterpart (The Whole Story). In this version, the female responds to the male's accusations. It's done in rap and it's so funny and appropriate; also shows that rap music can be done with orchestral backups and gives the singer much more support and is much more interesting than the garbled garbage that exists in rap today.
A clever, well produced and truly listenable musical experience. Hats off to Martin Fry and Mark White. RECOMMENDED."

Nothing can compare!

Michael Butts | 07/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What is it about ABC? If you're familiar with their albums, you know what I mean... there's something about them that seems so wonderfully starry-eyed, from the twinkly styles that decorate their music to their love of filling both their lyrics and their album covers with references to beautiful clouds, starry nights, stars (LOTS of those!) and lovely cityscapes at midnight. That's part of the reason I love them so, of course. There's no denying that their work, as catchy and funky as it is, is part of the great "starry-eyed disco" tradition, if you know what I mean, music created that seems to be dropped from the same edge of heaven that gave us Saturday Night Fever's gorgeous Bee Gee tunes and The Electric Light Orchestra--music which is not only dazzlingly fun to dance to but is also beathtakingly beautiful at the same time. And WOW, WHAT A VOICE that Martin Fry has (in elegance and range, it can top George Michael's)! The only thing that amazes me is how this album can be out of print in the USA when it had so many hits on it in this country--deservedly so. "When Smokey Sings", their tribute to Smokey Robinson, still shines on and the entire album continues from there in the same note. A masterpiece--and be sure to also check out "How To Be A Zillionaire" and "Abracadabra", if you can! CHEERS!"

Lexicon Of Love revisited

Michael Butts | 07/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This fourth ABC album marked a return to the sound of their debut, and even though Beauty Stab and How To Be A Zillionaire were good albums, this blue-eyed soul is the type of music that suits Martin Fry and Mark White best. The sales revealed that the public thought so as well. Big, lush production with layers of keyboards and string arrangements on funky rhythm tracks is the essence of this album, on which The Night You Murdered Love (a great Chic pastiche), funk/disco thumper Think Again, the rocking Ark-Angel and the delicate ballad Bad Blood stand out, showcasing Fry's typically quirky lyrics. I'm probably not the only person wishing that ABC will one day return with more of this. Please."