What happened?
David Stone | San Diego, CA USA | 09/17/2009
(2 out of 5 stars)
"It's almost a sin to say that I'm a bit disappointed with this release. The production on these tracks is lacking. It sounds very 'home studio' to me. The lyrics and the song writing are, of course, still strong. There's too much religious phrasing for my taste. It's bordering on a 'Christian music' album.
Paddy's vocals sound good, and there are moments where I think to myself 'yes! that's the Prefab Sprout I know and love'. I miss the sound of Wendy Smith. The bass guitar and the drums are missing here. It's all either samples or synths.
I listened to the album all the way through, but found myself skipping tracks after 20 or 30 seconds. The religious lyrics got to be a little much. Musically and melodically, it's brilliant. I'm going to give it another listen today. It's hard to top gems like 'Steve McQueen/Two Wheels Good', 'From Langley Park to Memphis' and 'Jordan: The Comeback'.
The new album lacks an earthiness that was usually present in Prefab songs despite the 'glitzy' production and breathy harmonies.
This album just doesn't seem to deliver the bliss and the angst and pure joy of well written pop music.
I'm disappointed. I've looked forward to this for so long. Maybe my expectations were too high."
Gorgeous comeback
Ilovemusic | Spain | 09/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Paddy's comeback has been unbelievably good. 12 wonderful songs, mixture of Andromeda Heights and Jordan, the comeback. He keeps being one the most intelligent and sensitive music writers of all times. The twelve songs are magic and lyric. I miss Wendy in the background chorus but it is just a question of nostalgy.
Only one slightly negative point, the recording. It is not bad in general but, I cannot understand why most recordings nowadays are registered so loud. It's not necessary doing so and Paddy, who was very comitted in his recordings quality, have missed this in "Let's change the world with music".
Whatever it is, the important thing is the music into the record. This is beautiful, moving and of course A MUST HAVE if you like Prefab Sprout. The return has been a surprise for me and now I am delighted.
Thanks Paddy and keep up the good work (included recording quality). Your records deserve reference recording techniques.
"
Here Comes the Last of the Great Romantics
Gatsby | Wetheral | 09/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a work of genius by the greatest songwriter of his generation, Paddy McAloon. These songs are beautifully melodic, with intelligent, penetrating lyrics sung by a man whose phrasing rivals that of Sinatra. "Here comes the last of the great romantics/Not tortured/Not racked/Illusions intact... undiscouraged by the facts..." This is music as it should be - inspirational, instructive, full of humor and wit. This is music that is life affirming. Buy this CD, let it enrich your life, and share it with your friends."
