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PALE FOUNTAINS

Pale Fountains

From Across The Kitchen Table - 2023 Reissue

    The Pale Fountains were formed in Liverpool in 1980 by Mick (as he was then known) Head with Chris McCaffery on bass, Thomas Whelan on drums, trumpeter Andy Diagram and guitarist Ken Moss.

    Signing with Virgin in late 1982, this was the first time the music world became aware of the work of singer-songwriter Michael Head.

    1985's . . . From Across The Kitchen Table was produced by Ian Broudie, soon to form and redefine sugar-pop with The Lightning Seeds. The album is more unified than its predecessor as it was recorded over a shorter period of time. Lead single Jean's Not Happening is one of the great lost indie gems of the 80s, complete with a powerful string arrangement. The closing song, September Sting, is a joyous slice of scouse-a-billy that points the way clearly to later groups such as The Las.

    Near four decades later, Michael Head is adored by his hardcore following and the wider world freshly discovers him as each of his new releases achieves widescale acclaim, whether it be his subsequent band, Shack, or his current outfit, the Red Elastic Band. But The Pale Fountains was where it all began.

    This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1985 Virgin Records UK release with printed inner and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Andy says: Brilliant follow up to Pacific Street, this record had a harder sound than its voluptuous predecessor but in Shelter, These are the Things, It's Only Hard and the title track Mick's songwriting was still right up there. Did I miss one out? Jean's Not Happening: World Number One that never was!!!

    TRACK LISTING

    Shelter
    Stole The Love
    Jean's Not Happening
    Bicycle Thieves
    Limit
    27 Ways To Get Back Home
    Bruised Arcade
    These Are The Things
    It's Only Hard
    ... From Across The Kitchen Table
    Hey
    September Sting

    Pale Fountains

    Pacific Street - 2023 Reissue

      The Pale Fountains were formed in Liverpool in 1980 by Mick (as he was then known) Head with Chris McCaffery on bass, Thomas Whelan on drums, trumpeter Andy Diagram and guitarist Ken Moss - Signing with Virgin in late 1982, this was the first time the music world became aware of the work of singer-songwriter Michael Head.

      At the time of its release in February 1984, Head described Pacific Street as "like a greatest hits LP, except we haven't had any hits!" It not only showcases the ambition of 80s pop in general, but the very specific singularity of the Liverpool scene, that seemed to add love and (Arthur Lee's) Love to everything recorded. It reflects the swing away from the post-punk and funk of the early years of the decade, aiming for a mellower, bossa-nova influenced pop. It is difficult to understand how tracks such as Unless and (Don't Let Your Love) Start A War were not big hits and are not viewed as standards.

      Near four decades later, Michael Head is adored by his hardcore following and the wider world freshly discovers him as each of his new releases achieves widescale acclaim, whether it be his subsequent band, Shack, or his current outfit, the Red Elastic Band. But The Pale Fountains was where it all began.

      This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1984 Virgin Records UK release with printed inner and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Andy says: Just a really beautiful pop record. So youthful ,romantic and impossibly melodic. It felt like Liverpool had produced a new, young genius.

      TRACK LISTING

      Reach
      Something On My Mind
      Unless
      Southbound Excursion
      Natural
      Faithful Pillow Part 1
      (Don't Let Your Love) Start A War
      Beyond Friday's Field
      Abergele Next Time
      Crazier
      Faithful Pillow Part 2


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