As we flip through our vinyl collections, it’s hard not to feel a pang for the legends we’ve lost. Bowie’s star has extinguished, McCartney is unfathomably still trying to hit those high notes (unlike the ever-smooth Tom Jones who had the self-awareness to climb down the keys). 2023 took David Crosby from us and we can’t help but wonder who will have strummed their final chords this time next year. And yep, in my house, we’ve got this tongue-in-cheek, possibly in-bad-taste death pool. Who’s next to leave the building? It’s a grim game, but someone’s gotta play it. I hadn’t planned on us losing Shane McGowan last year and that loss will live with me for the longest time yet. This loss of my personal idols has me re-examining my record collection and here’s my take.
There are beats that will keep us bopping – the ever-vibrant world of Sophisti-pop. This genre’s like the cool uncle who still knows how to party. Let’s take a closer look at some albums that prove Sophisti-pop’s still got game.
Sophisti-Pop’s Heavy Hitters:
1. Fine Young Cannibals – ‘Fine Young Cannibals’ (1985): The self-titled debut of Fine Young Cannibals bursts with a fusion of soul and pop, driven by Roland Gift’s unique, expressive voice. Tracks like “Johnny Come Home” and “Suspicious Minds” exemplify their knack for blending heartfelt, soulful vocals with a pop-rock backdrop, offering a fresh take on classic themes of love and longing. This album stands out for its innovative mix of rhythm and blues influences with a contemporary 80s pop sound, setting a high bar for the genre.
2. Orange Juice – ‘Rip It Up’ (1982): “Rip It Up” is a seminal album that brought post-punk energy into the pop mainstream. The title track, with its famous opening riff on the Roland TB-303 synthesizer, was a distinct departure from the guitar-led sound typical of the era. Edwyn Collins’ vocals and lyrics offer a blend of playful irony and emotional sincerity, setting Orange Juice apart as pioneers in blending indie sensibility with pop accessibility.
3. The Beautiful South – ‘Welcome to the Beautiful South’ (1989): Emerging from the remnants of The Housemartins, The Beautiful South’s debut album is a masterclass in lyricism and melodic construction. Songs like “Song for Whoever” and “You Keep It All In” showcase Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway’s ability to write witty, satirical lyrics wrapped in seemingly upbeat pop tunes. The album’s clever storytelling, paired with its smooth, melodic pop sound, made it a distinctive and enduring piece of the Sophisti-pop puzzle.
4. Prefab Sprout – ‘Steve McQueen’ (1985): With ‘Steve McQueen’ (known as ‘Two Wheels Good’ in the US), Paddy McAloon established himself as one of the most inventive songwriters of his generation. Tracks like “Appetite” and “When Love Breaks Down” are filled with lush arrangements and introspective lyrics. The album’s sophisticated production by Thomas Dolby and McAloon’s poetic songwriting create a rich tapestry of sound, blending jazz, folk, and pop elements in a way that feels both timeless and quintessentially 80s.
5. Aztec Camera – ‘High Land, Hard Rain’ (1983): Roddy Frame was just a teenager when he wrote and recorded ‘High Land, Hard Rain’, yet the album displays a maturity and musical complexity well beyond his years. Songs like “Oblivious” and “Walk Out to Winter” combine jangly guitar pop with introspective lyrics, showcasing Frame’s extraordinary talent as a songwriter and musician. The album’s fusion of indie-pop with folk and post-punk influences captures the essence of Sophisti-pop – sophisticated, introspective, yet undeniably catchy.Each of these albums not only defined the Sophisti-pop genre but also left a lasting impact on the broader pop music landscape, showcasing a level of sophistication and musicality that continues to resonate.
Sophisti-Pop: Still Rocking, Still Relevant:
In a world where our musical heroes are exiting stage left, right, and center, Sophisti-pop remains a bastion of cool, proving that great music never really dies.
So, as we salute the stars who’ve left us and wager (in our somewhat morbid but undeniably entertaining way) on who might be next, let’s not forget the tunes that keep our feet tapping and our hearts full. Sophisti-pop isn’t just a genre; it’s a testament to the enduring power of melody, rhythm, and style. And hey, speaking of our little death pool – who are you putting your money on this year?
Nature poetry. For too long, it’s been the domain of soft-focus sentimentality: predictable scenes of meadows, rivers, and, yes, even gliding gulls.
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s impossible not to marvel at how much has been accomplished in just one year. This
Call for Submissions: Glow: City at Night Poems The Broken Spine is excited to announce that submissions for our latest slimline anthology,
The Broken Spine is a poetry and arts collective proudly published on the coastal edge of North-West England. Founded in 2019 by Alan Parry and Paul Robert Mullen – two school friends reunited after twenty years through a mutual love of poetry.
