Back catalogue: Pop

Review: This is a deluxe reissue of a real pop classic from back in 1997. ABC is a group that traces its origins back to Vice Versa, a Sheffield band formed in 1977 by Stephen Singleton and Mark White. They released the Music 4 EP after founding Neutron Records and Martin Fry, creator of the fanzine Modern Drugs, interviewed Vice Versa before later joining as synth player. By 1980, the band transformed into ABC, with Fry assuming lead vocals. The lineup included Fry, Glenn Gregory of Heaven 17, and Keith Lowndes. Though their debut album received acclaim from critics, it didn't achieve widespread commercial success. Despite this, ABC's fusion of pop and electronic elements laid the groundwork for their future iconic sound.

Review: To the delight of the 80s synth-pop faithful holding on to the decade prior, Martin Fry revived ABC in 1997 after a five-year hiatus. It's noticeable that Fry wasn't interested in repeating old tricks though, as he took the band in a new direction alongside Heaven 17's Glenn Gregory without losing that keen sense of songwriting magic that made ABC so popular the first time around. Loaded with emotionally charged reflections on life, the universe and everything, this is a welcome pressing on blue and white marble vinyl which is limited to 1000 copies.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


From the first notes of the Talking Heads-esque opening of the title track, which has none other than The Cure's Robert Smith as guest backing vocalist, this album by the great Scottish post-punk legends The Associates has you hooked. It's littered with standout moments, but the wiry bassline which underpins the offbeat guitar on 'Amused As Always' is high up there. It manages to pull off being belligerently repetitive by offsetting any sense of monotony with sheer style. Meanwhile, frontman Billy MacKenzie - who tragically died before his time in 1997 - has a voice to rival that of Robert Smith himself in terms of tone. The Associates may not be as readily cited in the typical indie record collection - but they're probably your favourite band's favourite band. regardless, this album is going to challenge why you've resisted so long in not putting it at the heart of your collection.

Review: From the first notes of the Talking Heads-esque opening of the title track, which has none other than The Cure's Robert Smith as guest backing vocalist, this album by the great Scottish post-punk legends The Associates has you hooked. It's littered with standout moments, but the wiry bassline which underpins the offbeat guitar on 'Amused As Always' is high up there. It manages to pull off being belligerently repetitive by offsetting any sense of monotony with sheer style. Meanwhile, frontman Billy MacKenzie - who tragically died before his time in 1997 - has a voice to rival that of Robert Smith himself in terms of tone. The Associates may not be as readily cited in the typical indie record collection - but they're probably your favourite band's favourite band. regardless, this album is going to challenge why you've resisted so long in not putting it at the heart of your collection.

Review: The Associates' Fourth Drawer Down, originally released in October 1981, is being reissued by Music On Vinyl as a limited edition, numbered 180g audiophile silver vinyl LP in a gatefold sleeve. This compilation album from the Scottish post-punk and new wave band collects the A and B-sides from their six singles released that year. Compared to their debut album, The Affectionate Punch, the tracks on Fourth Drawer Down delve into darker, more experimental territory. Noteworthy tracks include 'Tell Me Easter's on Sunday,'' driven by a sombre, pulsing beat and mournful guitar and 'Q Quarters,' is desolately beautiful. The inventive 'Kitchen Person' uses a rhythm from an electric typewriter and Mackenzie's vocals through a vacuum cleaner, while album's title refers to a drawer in their flat holding herbal relaxants. Inspired pop classiness from one of the most underrated bands of all time.