This song sings the summer of 87 to me. It's a perfect companion piece to 'Somewhere in my heart' by Aztec Camera. And Thomas Dolby...wow, it wouldn't be the same without his mad genius production. One of my all time light hearted favourites.
At first listen it seems like a catchy dumb pop song but then you realise it's a catchy smart pop song with a chorus that will lodge in your brain forever.
This was a big hit in the UK. The music video was very memorable for having a frog in butlers gear serving drinks at the pool side and dancing hot dogs. Quirky 80's from a stellar album of the era. Personal favourites are "Cars & Girls" and "Knock on Wood."
Glad to see you come back around to this band because you really seem to "get" them. I remember telling my friends about Prefab Sprout a lot back in the 80's. They would give me that vacant smile with worried eyes that says they are considering packing me off to the drooling academy. Well here we are some 40 years later, and I still like Prefab Sprout. And I have plenty of friends here who like them too. Cheers to all.
I am so pleased you have returned to Prefab Sprout, Justin! The " From Langley Park To Memphis" album might be the band's most overtly commercial offering, but I absolutely love it! Much of the theme of the album is a fascination and romanticised look at all things American from a Brit's point of view. The next song, "Cars And Girls", is probably my favourite.
Their 85 Uk Tour was down with the cats rustic rock n roll and they played some unreleased new songs - so consequently I wasn't prepared for the sugar smaltz prod of Langley at all.
@@HippoYnYrEira I can understand how the glossy production of this album might not be to everyone's taste, but I think it contains some really great, well-crafted pop songs, such as, "Cars and Girls" and "Hey Manhattan!". I also love "Nightingales". I think "The Golden Calf" has more of a rocky feel. I will concede that "Nancy" turns the smaltz level up to eleven!
I love Prefab Sprout I used to shamefully hide my love for Paddy and the guys. People think its a nonsense song but its about a one hit wonder singer who sang the hot dog refrain looking back at his life its quite sad really. It was a huge hit in the UK. 😊
This was a nice surprise!!... It's never been a favourite of mine but I really enjoyed listening along, in some ways it was like re-discovering a song that I used to constantly skip and found myself enjoying it as much as you seemed to do... Thank you!!... 'Hey Manhattan!' is another fun one from 'Langley Park'...
The irony of course being that many people only know the band for this one song. There's a story that when Paul McCartney heard it he got in touch with Paddy and said words to the effect of 'you realise this is your My Ding-A-Ling, don't you?' referring to Chuck Berry's biggest hit.
They sounded nostalgic even back in the 80s. You have probably reacted to When Love Breaks Down before, so I'll recommend 3 other songs by them: Cars and Girls, We Let the Stars Go, and Life of Surprises.
Check out Cars & Girls from this album as well. Great song. Paddy McAloon is a great songwriter. And their fourth album, a double album, Jordan: The Comeback is amaziong.
Thanks for this one JP! I got so excited to see what you were reacting to this morning. I love this album. It's their perfect album to me. Prefab Sprout was an 80s highlight in my life. Please please please continue with this fantastic album. It's full of joy and beauty!
If anyone mentions the name "Prefab Sprout" this is the tune I automatically think of. Was it their most famous, in terms of radio play? I was just a little kid back then but I still know it from somewhere.
Paddy McAloon's novelty pop song about a faded rock and roll star's novelty pop song! No wonder Paul McCartney said to Paddy when this came out: "I suppose that song’s your “My Ding-a-ling" (after the 1971 novelty Chuck Berry hit that charted much higher than many of Chuck's greatest works). Fun, bouncy, irresistible and while this track isn't particularly deep, it guarantees a great time! Some nice observational stuff as well about former stars reflecting on their faded fortunes. Ironically, this album was Prefab Sprout's attempt to break America, but instead gave them their highest chart places in both the UK singles and album charts. Thomas Dolby was back behind the mixing desk on this one after producing all bar one track on 'Steve McQueen'.
I didn't know this was produced by Dolby, I can hear the influence now. Very catchy, it'll be a while before that chorus stops circulating round my brain 😄
JP you must review the whole album. It's excellent & such a departure from Steve Mc Queen. Showing the depth of the band & Paddy's talent as a song writer.
Finally more PS! Been asking for Jordan the comeback album a long time ago. But If you continue this album I wouldn't mind as it is their most popish album but still the sophisticated style of the master Paddy 🎶
This was/is one of those "pop" songs that really are better than pop! Very clever and one that stays in your head long after its finished 👏👏.......here's a little footnote...there are still "prefabs" in Chelmsford, Essex,England. Prefabs were homes built immediately after WW2 as temporary accommodation for people who's houses were demolished by German bombers!!! They are now a protected historical house and people STILL live in them. A little bit of trivia for ya!!!.....prefabs is short for "prefabricated"
nice one JP...Prefab Sprout were in my top 3 silly band names...along with Half Man Half Biscuit and the lesser-known Crispy Ambulance.(.I'm sure there are others just as good that I'm not aware of!) :)
It's quite a bizarre lyric for a mainstream pop single: "Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque!". Excuse me, what?? At the time, I could've sworn they were singing "Hot dog, jumping for, I want cookie!"...
Strictly it's their 4th LP, JP. Protest Songs followed Steve McQueen originally but was withdrawn and then released later. Overplayed on Radio this one. Classic though. The LP's A trifle too sweet even 4 me. But the songs will one day hit me whack between the eyes and ears and make me wonder what on earth was wrong wiv me. Paddy 's classic LP has yet to be released. In similar vein to Protest Songs in fact. Crimson Red was a Contract fulfilment Classic in 2012. Oh Boy. So fine. Jordan: the Comeback. Marvellous Album. Elvis Biography mixed with Catholic Theology. Swoon, the debut is Just as Revolutionary Beautiful as JB's Grace in hindsight. Martin the Bass McAloon funks out on that one. So, in a word, impossible to describe. A Sound? Mnwaaaarh.
@@RC-mk5bi yeah, this song was my introduction to prefab sprout, and I wasn't immediately hooked, fair to say. Then I heard Swoon and my mind was blown. One of the most unique albums of the 80s. The only other album that I know of that comes close to that sound and that sort of songwriting is the man on your street by the Momus / Josef K-band The happy family.
This song sings the summer of 87 to me. It's a perfect companion piece to 'Somewhere in my heart' by Aztec Camera. And Thomas Dolby...wow, it wouldn't be the same without his mad genius production. One of my all time light hearted favourites.
Spring/Summer of 88 my friend.
Now that's how you do a pop tune! Now be sure and hit Cars And Girls.
At first listen it seems like a catchy dumb pop song but then you realise it's a catchy smart pop song with a chorus that will lodge in your brain forever.
There's no escaping the fact that this is a bloody great pop toon!
give me time to pick meself up from ze floor!
@@HippoYnYrEira What surprises you so?
@@Owlstretchingtime78 i thought everybody else were anti sprouts...
Truth be told I could go a long time without hearing this and C&G again!
@@HippoYnYrEira I'm not their biggest fan, but it was a pleasure to hear this again.
This was a big hit in the UK.
The music video was very memorable for having a frog in butlers gear serving drinks at the pool side and dancing hot dogs.
Quirky 80's from a stellar album of the era.
Personal favourites are "Cars & Girls" and "Knock on Wood."
I like "Appetite", "When love breaks down", "Goodbye Lucile #1" as well.
Glad to see you come back around to this band because you really seem to "get" them. I remember telling my friends about Prefab Sprout a lot back in the 80's. They would give me that vacant smile with worried eyes that says they are considering packing me off to the drooling academy. Well here we are some 40 years later, and I still like Prefab Sprout. And I have plenty of friends here who like them too. Cheers to all.
Cars and girls is a good one also.
I remember when this came out.Listening to it again in headphones you realise how well constructed it is. Fantastic pop production.👌
I am so pleased you have returned to Prefab Sprout, Justin! The " From Langley Park To Memphis" album might be the band's most overtly commercial offering, but I absolutely love it!
Much of the theme of the album is a fascination and romanticised look at all things American from a Brit's point of view. The next song, "Cars And Girls", is probably my favourite.
Their 85 Uk Tour was down with the cats rustic rock n roll and they played some unreleased new songs - so consequently I wasn't prepared for the sugar smaltz prod of Langley at all.
@@HippoYnYrEira I can understand how the glossy production of this album might not be to everyone's taste, but I think it contains some really great, well-crafted pop songs, such as, "Cars and Girls" and "Hey Manhattan!". I also love "Nightingales". I think "The Golden Calf" has more of a rocky feel. I will concede that "Nancy" turns the smaltz level up to eleven!
@@sheldonhowells3083 enchanted! 🤗
Justin, your face during that entire song said it all! It’s scientifically designed to get into your head. Great, catchy tune!
I'm listening to that three miles from Langley Park. Great reaction.
I love Prefab Sprout I used to shamefully hide my love for Paddy and the guys. People think its a nonsense song but its about a one hit wonder singer who sang the hot dog refrain looking back at his life its quite sad really. It was a huge hit in the UK. 😊
This was a nice surprise!!... It's never been a favourite of mine but I really enjoyed listening along, in some ways it was like re-discovering a song that I used to constantly skip and found myself enjoying it as much as you seemed to do... Thank you!!... 'Hey Manhattan!' is another fun one from 'Langley Park'...
Prefab Sprout did eventually get around to Elvis Presley (and the mythology surrounding him) on "Jordan: The Comeback".
The first four songs on Prefab Sprout’s album titled Steve McQueen are absolutely incredible. A must!
SO glad you've got to this album! Two of my all-time favorite tracks are Enchanted and Nancy (Let Your Hair Down For Me).
Enchanted is one of my favorites.
The irony of course being that many people only know the band for this one song. There's a story that when Paul McCartney heard it he got in touch with Paddy and said words to the effect of 'you realise this is your My Ding-A-Ling, don't you?' referring to Chuck Berry's biggest hit.
They sounded nostalgic even back in the 80s. You have probably reacted to When Love Breaks Down before, so I'll recommend 3 other songs by them: Cars and Girls, We Let the Stars Go, and Life of Surprises.
Check out Cars & Girls from this album as well. Great song. Paddy McAloon is a great songwriter. And their fourth album, a double album, Jordan: The Comeback is amaziong.
Thanks for this one JP! I got so excited to see what you were reacting to this morning. I love this album. It's their perfect album to me. Prefab Sprout was an 80s highlight in my life. Please please please continue with this fantastic album. It's full of joy and beauty!
For many years, I always thought they were singing "I want cookie" instead of "Albuquerque" :D
Love love love me some Sprouts! This song has gotta have some of the most bizarre chorus lyrics ever: Hot dog / Jumpin frog / Albuquerque!
If anyone mentions the name "Prefab Sprout" this is the tune I automatically think of.
Was it their most famous, in terms of radio play? I was just a little kid back then but I still know it from somewhere.
A song that you can appreciate more once you know what the song is about. It's definitely catchy.
Paddy McAloon's novelty pop song about a faded rock and roll star's novelty pop song! No wonder Paul McCartney said to Paddy when this came out: "I suppose that song’s your “My Ding-a-ling" (after the 1971 novelty Chuck Berry hit that charted much higher than many of Chuck's greatest works). Fun, bouncy, irresistible and while this track isn't particularly deep, it guarantees a great time! Some nice observational stuff as well about former stars reflecting on their faded fortunes. Ironically, this album was Prefab Sprout's attempt to break America, but instead gave them their highest chart places in both the UK singles and album charts. Thomas Dolby was back behind the mixing desk on this one after producing all bar one track on 'Steve McQueen'.
I didn't know this was produced by Dolby, I can hear the influence now.
Very catchy, it'll be a while before that chorus stops circulating round my brain 😄
Agreed. Dolby produced some of this album and his fingerprints are all over this track.
@@marybloomfield2646 there is nuttin new under the sun - he semi-covered it on Map Of a Floating City - do u concur?
@@HippoYnYrEira Defo similar.
JP you must review the whole album. It's excellent & such a departure from Steve Mc Queen. Showing the depth of the band & Paddy's talent as a song writer.
Finally more PS! Been asking for Jordan the comeback album a long time ago. But If you continue this album I wouldn't mind as it is their most popish album but still the sophisticated style of the master Paddy 🎶
I love this sublime pop song by the wonderful Prefabs but when it came out i was convinced it was about a chap called Albert Kirkey...
Great song and great band!
finally starting the next album! you're gonna have SO MUCH FUN, Justin :)
This was/is one of those "pop" songs that really are better than pop! Very clever and one that stays in your head long after its finished 👏👏.......here's a little footnote...there are still "prefabs" in Chelmsford, Essex,England. Prefabs were homes built immediately after WW2 as temporary accommodation for people who's houses were demolished by German bombers!!! They are now a protected historical house and people STILL live in them.
A little bit of trivia for ya!!!.....prefabs is short for "prefabricated"
You will love this album. 😃
A gem ! Justin, U'll love this album ! My spot is "Manhattan" !
Was a very popular tune in the gym to work out to
first albums are great
nice one JP...Prefab Sprout were in my top 3 silly band names...along with Half Man Half Biscuit and the lesser-known Crispy Ambulance.(.I'm sure there are others just as good that I'm not aware of!) :)
Paddy is a god! try Golden Calf a rare Sprout rocker
For some reason I always get Prefab Sprout and Aztec Camera mixed up.
This track and 'Somewhere in my Heart' have a lot of similarities, without melodically sounding anything like each other at all😂
Catchy tune, dark, somewhat cynical lyrics! Classic, Love it!
It's quite a bizarre lyric for a mainstream pop single: "Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque!".
Excuse me, what??
At the time, I could've sworn they were singing "Hot dog, jumping for, I want cookie!"...
Brilliant pop song ❤
Ah!! The novelty one!....Bloody great ain't it?!
Genius if you can hear it.
This album and Steve McQueen are my faves … Desire As is worth a listen.
He's done Steve. It took him yonks though coz the viewing figures were down. Are they a Marmite Band because of this song I wonder?
Try going back and listening to Technique off SWOON
Very catchy
The obligatory 'Ear Worm'.
@@Owlstretchingtime78 it is an ear worm, trouble is that it's the one from The Wrath of Khan.
@@pentagrammaton6793 It works for me 'bro! ✌️
@@pentagrammaton6793 It works for me 'bro! 👂
@@Owlstretchingtime78 and that's all that matters 😁
Strictly it's their 4th LP, JP.
Protest Songs followed Steve McQueen originally but was withdrawn and then released later.
Overplayed on Radio this one. Classic though. The LP's A trifle too sweet even 4 me. But the songs will one day hit me whack between the eyes and ears and make me wonder what on earth was wrong wiv me.
Paddy 's classic LP has yet to be released. In similar vein to Protest Songs in fact. Crimson Red was a Contract fulfilment Classic in 2012. Oh Boy. So fine. Jordan: the Comeback. Marvellous Album. Elvis Biography mixed with Catholic Theology. Swoon, the debut is Just as Revolutionary Beautiful as JB's Grace in hindsight. Martin the Bass McAloon funks out on that one.
So, in a word, impossible to describe. A Sound? Mnwaaaarh.
Homage to Elvis ...very clever song
Please react to their song ‘Bonny’ . One of their best.
Not XTC, but thanks for sprouts
Please give a listen to UK band after the fire.tracks like. Lazer love,the commosar and one rule for you
From their 2nd LP. For me it was less romantic & broody as the 1st.
If you like this check out XTC
Compare what they say about Elvis to yr own routines - if you care.
By far their worst song. Anything off "Swoon" or "Steve McQueen" is infinitely better.
@@RC-mk5bi yeah, this song was my introduction to prefab sprout, and I wasn't immediately hooked, fair to say. Then I heard Swoon and my mind was blown. One of the most unique albums of the 80s. The only other album that I know of that comes close to that sound and that sort of songwriting is the man on your street by the Momus / Josef K-band The happy family.