LP: Prefab Sprout - Two Wheels Good aka Steve McQueen PE40100

Cond: Sleeve is VG (visible ring wear) LP: is VG+ to EX-

Album Notes: "Released in 1985, “Steve McQueen” was Prefab Sprout’s second studio album. Their first, “Swoon” from 1984, attracted the attention of musician and producer Thomas Dolby, who highlighted one of its tracks on BBC Radio 1. Prefab Sprout frontman and primary songwriter Paddy McAloon subsequently contacted Dolby, who would pick out his favorites from McAloon’s songs and go on to produce their next album.

What’s so entrancing about “Steve McQueen” is its place inside of its era. As a musical statement, it exists as a nice snapshot of refined, smart mid-80s music, capturing the essence of sophisti-pop as it cycles through slick, well-laid-out verses about love and desire, digging through layers of musical influences in the process. In true, refined fashion, McAloon’s lyrics are insightful and opaque, with references and turns of phrase that I honestly don’t understand, and don’t feel like I need to.

“I’m turkey hungry, I’m chicken free / And I can’t break dance on your knee” McAloon sings on “Moving the River.” Though I have no idea what he means by this, especially the first line, it doesn’t seem to matter. The track is incredibly catchy, with a danceable beat and rousing synth hook that always keeps me coming back, not to mention the piano line that ascends toward the song’s end and consummates the feverous pop energy that had been slowly building."