After the slightly disappointing comeback that was 1997's Andromeda Heights, Prefab Sprout's new album shows Paddy McAloon back on top form. The Newcastle singer-songwriter's great skill is to take songs that appear lightweight and inconsequential, and with just a little flourish turn them into memorably quirky vignettes of modern life. The joy is in the details; McAloon has a knack of painting in every corner with unexpected sounds and adding lyrical twists that mark him out as a consummate craftsman. This fine album probably comes too late to earn him the stardom he deserves, but it's certainly a glowing addition to his already stunning back catalogue.
