There is pop. Instant, money making, for the moment, exploitative, forgettable. Trace it back 50+ years and there are literally thousands of examples. And then there is pop. Classy, well produced, driven, memorable produced by an excellent set of musicians with a great front guy, and a fab voice.
Deacon Blue. They produced an absolute fabulous first LP which still features as one of my all time favourites. And certainly should feature in those ubiquitous lists of ‘great’ first albums. I don’t like the term ‘great’ – massively overused – but in this instance, bang on. If you get the chance check out Raintown it is that good.
But back to a very ‘poppy’ track which, whilst the kids are out, turn the volume up on, and, I’ll be blunt, if it literally doesn’t get you out of your seat, there is something wrong with you. It is vibrant, lively, brilliantly played, with a great hook and everything that pop music should be about. Probably didn’t do them any long term favours (Sit Down – James anyone?), but as a pure unadulterated piece of pop nostalgia it is fricking brilliant. But play it LOUD…..and then go and check out Raintown.
