The Devil Has All the Best Tunes/Walk On
 
I have this one, and both tracks are excellent - so much so that, as they are not availiable anywhere nowadays, I've put them up for download on the media page.
 
'Walk On' was written in '76, and apparently the early version included bits of Arabic.  Paddy says it's about 'the consolation of pop music when you're young, doing exams, listening to pop music, and ending up in your own little world.'
 
This was Wendy's first Prefab Sprout record, appearing on backing vocals with her friend Feona Atwood.
 
 
This page attempts to list all of Prefab Sprout's UK releases, with a few comments and insights from yours truly.  I have no idea about other countries, but I know the US releases (with the exception of 'Two Wheels Good') were either the same or nonexistant.

For hardcore collectors, Bedford McIntosh has a frighteningly complete discography over on his site, with listings for all singles, and information on versions and catalogue numbers.
Lions in My Own Garden (Exit Someone)/Radio Love

'Lions' is a true classic, and an excellent remastered version can be found on the 38 Carat Collection.  'Radio Love' is a very interesting number as well, if a bit odd.

The story behind the title goes that one of Paddy's girlfriends left to live in Limoges, in France.  When he saw the word written down on an envelope, he tried to make a phrase/acronym that described the situation, and came up with that.

It was released originally on the Sprouts own label 'Candle Records' in a plain paper sleeve.  The cover on the right is from the '83 Kitchenware re-release, which features Edie Sedgwick, a star of Andy Warhol's underground films.
(7/82)

(10/83)

1. Lions In My Own Garden
2. Radio Love

1. The Devil Has All The Best Tunes
2. Walk On

i trawl the MEGAHERTZ

1. i trawl the MEGAHERTZ   2. esprit de corps   3. fall from grace   4. we were poor…   5. orchid 7   6. i’m 49   7. sleeping rough   8. ineffable   9. …but we were happy

The same people that noticed the placing of 'Protest Songs' earlier are now saying, 'but this isn't a Prefab Sprout album!'  You see, continuing the frightening tradition of one Sprout going missing on each album, we are now left with just Paddy on his own.

The production team of 'Andromeda' (Paddy and Calum Malcom) also did this record and my god, it shows!  The whole thing is in danger of being Andromeda Heights without words, right down to the little 'space noises,' but really it's a lot more interesting.

It's stuff like this that seperates Paddy from so many of his peers.  They started off in the 80's as the frontmen in alternative pop groups, now they're all dads and getting on a bit, settling into the same routine.  Paddy, on the other hand, is making a mostly instrumental album where the title track is twenty-two minutes long (!) and comprised entirely of a woman speaking.

Having read the previous sentence, you can decide if this interests you...because it's definitely not for everyone.  Paddy wrote this one during his eye problems of 1999, entirely on the computer, then got the orchestra in (two violins, a viola, a cello, and a double bass) to play it all.

The title track, with actress Yvonne Connors reading snippets of conversation Paddy heard when listening to several radios at once, is superb, as is 'Sleeping Rough' where we see that Paddy still has his incredible voice.  I also like 'i'm 49' which is literally made of radio snippets.  Not only do these tracks have the little extra ingredients, they also seem to have the best instrumental backing - the others pass by pretty quietly.

However, for me, this is the best McAloon work since 'Jordan.'  Let's hope for more great stuff in the future!
From Langley Park To Memphis

1. The King of Rock 'n' Roll   2. Cars and Girls   3. I Remember That  4. Enchanted 5. Nightingales   6. Hey Manhattan!   7. Knock on Wood   8. The Golden Calf  
9. Nancy (Let Your Hair Down For Me)   10. The Venus of the Soup Kitchen

You can tell a lot about the album covers of Prefab Sprout's releases, just check out the odd but arty 'Swoon,' the low key and ghostly 'Protest Songs,' and the colourful splash of 'Jordan.'  And I think the same applies here - very bright, very eighties.  That said, unlike a lot of 80's stuff the production is excellent, particularly the harmonies on the opening track - real spine-tingling stuff.

With this album, Paddy wanted to make songs that were 'simpler,' and 'musically and lyrically more accessible,' and he clearly succeeded as it produced their first top-ten hit, 'The King of Rock 'n' Roll,' which was written in twenty minutes after getting off a bus, and came with the notorious 'dancing hot dogs' video.

Paddy may have lived to regret that however, saying at one point: 'I'm not sure that record did us any good, because it's taken as a kiddie record.'  Paul McCartney, no less, described it as Paddy's 'My Ding-a-Ling' (referring to the rather silly record by Chuck Berry that was his only number 1 in the UK.)

iTunes says, rather harshly I feel, that the title of worst Prefab Sprout album "will forever belong to 1988's too-slick-by-half 'From Langley Park To Memphis.'"  But whatever might have been said over the years, this is still a great album with songs as good as any in the Prefab Sprout back catalogue.
Steve McQueen

1. Faron Young   2. Bonny   3. Appetite   4. When Love Breaks Down   5. Goodbye Lucille #1  6. Hallelujah   7. Moving the River   8. Horsin' Around   9. Desire As   10. Blueberry Pies   11. When the Angels

This is the big one - on the short list of the greatest albums ever, according to SPIN magazine.  So much for the 'difficult second album!'

A fair share of the success of Steve must be attributed to Thomas Dolby, who Paddy enlisted as someone with 'experience.'  He then gave Dolby a huge collection of old songs, and asked him to choose the tracks for the album - to which Dolby added a lot of the magic that makes this album so endearing.

The title, as with a disturbing number of Prefab Sprout ideas, came to Paddy in 'a vision,' and stuck because he 'liked the sound of his name.'  But the estate of Steve McQueen (the man) objected to the title and it was retitled 'Two Wheels Good' for the US release.  That version also comes with a couple of bonus tracks - however the sound quality is slightly inferior, and the cool guitar 'thunk' at the end of the British version is missing.

The fact remains however, if you ask anyone which is the definitive Prefab Sprout album, they will say this one.  So there's no need for me to endorse it futher - you'll just have to listen for yourself!
Swoon

1. Don't Sing   2. Cue Fanfare   3. Green Isaac   4. Here on the Eerie   5. Cruel 
6. Couldn't Bear to Be Special   7. I Never Play Basketball Now   8. Ghost Town Blues   9. Elegance   10. Technique   11. Green Isaac, Pt. 2

Paddy doesn't have a lot of time for Swoon - in fact, in 1988 he said he was 'desperately unhappy' with it, and expressed a desire to go round all the record stores with a hat pulled down low over his face, buying up the remaining copies.

Swoon has also been known as 'Songs Worshiped Out Of Neccesity' or 'Songs Written Out Of Necessity,' and was the band's first LP.  It's a bit rough around the edges in places, but Paddy said that this was because everyone who worked on it was at the very start of their respective careers.

The melodies are a little pointy and angular, if you know what I mean - however, there are some all-time classic Sprout tunes here.  'Cruel' especially has appeared on every greatest hits, and there's my personal favourite 'Ghost Town Blues.'  In fact, every track has it's moments - 'Technique' for a start has a brilliant first 50 seconds, and when 'Green Issaac' gets going it's quite breathtaking.  So in conclusion, an album well worth your time.

Oh, and if you're wondering exactly what that is on the front cover, Douglas Merk has sent in this helpful guide.
(3/84)

(6/85)

Protest Songs

1. The World Awake   2. Life of Surprises   3. Horsechimes   4. Wicked Things  
5. Dublin   6. Tiffanys   7. Diana   8. Talkin' Scarlet   9. Till the Cows Come Home  10. Pearly Gates

Existing fans will already have flagged something suspicious about this listing - for a start, the art to the side is from the original vinyl, because frankly I prefer it to the CD version.  Secondly, I've listed it before 'Langley Park,' while it was actually released the year after that one.

The actual fact is that this was recorded just a few months after Steve McQueen, and intended to be released in December '85 to support the tour.  However around that time 'When Love Breaks Down' finally became a hit, and the label was worried that people would be confused if they brought another album out.  So it was shelved for four years.

That's the sad story of Protest Songs, the unloved black sheep of the Prefab Sprout family tree.  However, as this was the first Sprout album I bought, it holds a special place in my heart, and really has quite a lot going for it.  I particularly love the final two tracks, the atmospheric and haunting 'Pearly Gates' and the industrial soundscape of 'Til The Cows Come Home,' which builds up and bursts (with considerable energy) into the main song.  I'm pleased to report that both of these were included on the 1999 compilation.

'Dublin' and 'Pearly Gates' were remixed by famed producer Michael H. Brauer for the '89 release.  Lee Redfern wrote in to inform me that he mixed a lot of Prefab Sprout material from '86 to '90, and that he has an offical site here.
(6/89)

(3/88)

Jordan: The Comeback

1. Looking for Atlantis   2. Wild Horses   3. Machine Gun Ibiza   4. We Let the Stars Go   5. Carnival 2000   6. Jordan: The Comeback   7. Jesse James Symphony 8. Jesse James Bolero  9. Moon Dog   10. All the World Loves Lovers   11. All Boys Believe Anything   12. The Ice Maiden   13. Paris Smith   14. The Wedding March  15. One of the Broken   16. Michael   17. Mercy   18. Scarlet Nights   19. Doo Wop In Harlem

This Brit-nominated effort is an almost unspeakably good album - which is not to say that it's another Steve McQueen, this one is an entirely different creature.  Once again though, Thomas Dolby must take a lot of the credit for it's success.  The production is incredible from start to finish, which cemented his title as 'the fifth sprout.'

With nineteen tracks and running over an hour, it's a lot to get your teeth into - but I've never found it to be too long, and I struggle to name any weak tracks.  It is possible however to break it down in four sections, as described by Paddy himself:

Tracks 1-5: 'a collection of fairly straightforward pop songs.'
Tracks 6-9: 'the Elvis Songs.'
Tracks 10-14: 'a section where I tried to write a pop medley.'
(I've also heard this referred to as 'Fred and Ginger Break Up.')
Tracks 15-19: 'songs which concern themselves with regret or growing old or the desire for some peace.'

Bedford's site has got great quotes about every single track on this page (if you scroll down a bit), so check those out.

Either way, I have to admit this is my favourite Sprout album, and as the webmaster of this fansite I feel my opinion should carry a certain weight.
(9/90)

Andromeda Heights

1. Electric Guitars   2. A Prisoner Of The Past   3. The Mystery Of Love   4. Life's A Miracle   5. Anne Marie   6. Whoever You Are   7. Steal Your Thunder   8. Avenue Of Stars   9. Swans   10. The Fifth Horseman   11. Weightless   12. Andromeda Heights

Back after a long break, the Sprouts returned with their first true concept album - but with Neil Conti not invited along for the ride, the drumming suffers somewhat.  The concept is a bit dodgy too - it's 'love among the stars,' which means that for the most part it comes off a bit soppy, both musically and lyrically.

What's not soppy is the first single, 'Prisioner of the Past,' which has a certain drive and is generally pretty cool.  Plus, 'Electric Guitars' is catchy and inoffensive, and the title track has a fabulous opening and a certain emotional punch.

My personal favourite track is 'Avenue of Stars' - but no-one else has ever agreed with this opinion, so feel free to disregard it completely.  Other than that, the tracks come and go, the melodies are pretty, it's all generally very good - but there's just something missing.  A certain bite, or punch.  It's very soft, very slow, very classy.

And what's that at the start of 'Weightless?'  Is someone saying that Yuri Gagarin was 'the first man in funky space?'  I hope not.  (The rest of that track is quite good though.)

Paddy reckons these are the best songs he's written, and 'as good as the best parts of Jordan.'  But he says that every time, and for once I'm not so sure he was right.  Either way, it's a Prefab Sprout record, so miles above your average band - plus the packaging is absolutely gorgeous.
(5/97)

The Gunman and Other Stories

1. Cowboy Dreams   2. Wild Card In The Pack   3. I'm A Troubled Man   4. The Streets of Laredo/Not Long For This World   5. Love Will Find Someone For You   6. Cornfield Ablaze   7. When You Get To Know Me Better   8. The Gunman   9. Blue Roses   10. Farmyard Cat

Another concept album, and this time Paddy tackles the American West in an effort to bring together some of the cowboy-themed songs he wrote in the 90's, for the likes of Jimmy Nail and Cher.

This time though, Neil Conti AND Wendy Smith are absent, meaning that there's only two of the original Sprouts left.  With the facts presented so far, you may be thinking this album is headed for certain disaster - but oddly, it seems to work, and I actually think this is brilliant.

Again the production has to be applauded, this time by Tony Visconti, who must be a REALLY famous producer, because I'd actually heard of him before he worked with Paddy.  He slips in all sorts of little quirks, and some incredible flourishes (e.g. 2 minutes into 'Troubled Man.')

The track that causes the most consternation is the last one, 'Farmyard Cat.'  It's kind of an odd square-dance about, well, a cat.  Wherever there are people who hate this track, there are an equal number who love it.  Make up your own mind.

A little note to end on - the photos of the cover available online are, to be frank, awful.  I swear there isn't a single good one.  I actually had to buy one of the tracks off iTunes to get the art you see above, and even then if you look at it from the wrong angle it falls apart!  Must be something to do with all that black.
(6/01)

(6/03)

A Life Of Suprises

1. The King of Rock 'n' Roll   2. When Love Breaks Down   3. The Sound of Crying  4. Faron Young   5. Carnival 2000   6. Goodbye Lucille   7. Cruel   8. I Remember That  9. Cars and Girls   10. We Let the Stars Go   11. Life of Surprises   12. Appetite   13. If You Don't Love Me   14. Wild Horses   15. Hey Manhattan!   16. All the World Loves Lovers

As the band's biggest hit, making it to #3 in the UK album chart, this is the release that most people will be familiar with.  As for me, I don't have it - I started off with the second compilation (see below) which has almost of all these tracks.  (Except 'Wild Horses,' but we'll get to that later.)

As for this release, it provides a nice overview of the Sprouts career, with all the obvious hits and some interesting choices.  What's not here are the first four singles, or 'Looking for Atlantis' (which was the lead single from Jordan), but I think with only one disc available they made the smart choices.  The running order is quite pleasant too, and should be a good listen for anyone - especially at the time, as it included a couple of brand new tracks, both of which are excellent efforts.
(7/92)

38 Carat Collection

CD1   1. Lions In My Own Garden   2. Don't Sing   3. Couldn't Bear To Be Special 4. When Love Breaks Down   5. Faron Young   6. Appetite   7. Johnny Johnny   8. Cars & Girls   9. The King Of Rock 'n' Roll   10. Hey Manhattan!   11. The Golden Calf   12. Looking For Atlantis   13. We Let The Stars Go   14. Carnival 2000   15. The Sound Of Crying   16. If You Don't Love Me   17. Life Of Surprises   18. A Prisoner Of The Past   19. Electric Guitars

CD2   1. Cue Fanfare   2. Cruel   3. Bonny   4. Movin' The River   5. Desire As   6. Horsin' Around   7. Pearly Gates   8. 'Til The Cows Come Home   9. Enchanted  10. I Remember That   11. Nightingales   12. Jordan: The Comeback   13. All The World Loves Lovers   14. Jesse James Bolero   15. Doo Wop In Harlem   16. Life's A Miracle   17. Swans   18. Andromeda Heights   19. Where The Heart Is

Phew! It took me a while to type out that tracklisting, I can tell you, and perhaps that's the best part of this collection - it's exhaustive.  It offers more than twice as many tracks as 'Life of Suprises,' every single (except 'The Devil Has All The Best Tunes') and an equal representation of album tracks.

The choices of those album tracks are dead-on as well.  The only one conspicuous in it's absence is 'Wild Horses,' which appeared on the '92 compilation and is generally considered very popular.  But I think Jordan has a good representation.

Another point is the superb audio quality throughout.  A lot of work has been done on all the older tracks, making these the definitive versions.  Even 'Lions' has been a greatly restored from the b-side version available previously, and works brilliantly here as an opening track.

This was my first Sprout purchase - I bought it while on holiday, then put on CD1 in my hotel room that night.  The very second 'Lions' kicked in, I knew it was going to be good.  So in conclusion, you'd best get out there and buy it!
(10/99)

Rather than tediously listing every single release of all time, I'm going to give you an overview of the non-album tracks, and where they are found.  If I'm feeling gutsy, some downloads will be found on the media page.  Incidentally, I'm not counting the two new tracks from 'Life of Suprises' as non-album.

Lions In My Own Garden (Exit Someone) - The first, self-released single is still one of the Sprout's best ever tracks.  Worth getting hold of, though I should mention that the version on '38 Carat' has been remixed to sound a bit better.
Found On: 38 Carat Collection, Lions in My Own Garden (SRTS82, SK4, SK8), Nightingales (SKEP39), If You Don't Love Me (SKTCD60)

Radio Love - The original b-side to 'Lions' is quite catchy too, though for some reason reminds me of early Radiohead.
Found On: Lions in My Own Garden (SRTS82, SK4, SK8)

The Devil Has All The Best Tunes - Featuring Wendy's friend Feona Atwood, this (along with 'Walk On') has gone shamefully unreleased on CD to date.  It's a great, bouncy track.
Found On: The Devil Has All the Best Tunes (SK7), Lions in My Own Garden (SK8)

Walk On - The guitar solo halfway through is one of my favourite Sprout moments.
Found On: The Devil Has All the Best Tunes (SK7), Lions in My Own Garden (SK8)

He'll Have To Go - This is one of two cover versions in Prefab Sprout's repetoire, the other being 'The Streets of Laredo' on 'The Gunman.'  The original was done by Jim Reeves - not as good as this though!
Found On: Two Wheels Good, Don't Sing (SK912), When Love Breaks Down (SK2112), The King of Rock 'n' Roll (CDSK37)

Spinning Belinda - It might just be me, but this is one of my favourites.  There's something so endearing about the way Paddy sings it.
Found On: Couldn't Bear to Be Special (SK10, SK1012), When Love Breaks Down (SK2112)

Donna Summer - From Paddy's abandoned album 'Famous Fakes,' where every track was the name of a celebrity.  'Faron Young' was from this as well.  It's good, if a little quiet.
Found On: Couldn't Bear to Be Special (SK1012), When Love Breaks Down (SKX19, SKDP19, SKK19, SK2112), Hey Manhattan! (SKX38, SKGT38, CDSK38)

The Yearning Loins - This is an absolutely manic track, right from the word 'go,' but has a great, catchy chorus.  Of course, Americans know this well, as it appeared on their version of 'Steve McQueen' - as well as innumerable releases of 'When Love Breaks Down.'
Found On: Two Wheels Good, When Love Breaks Down (SKX19, SKDP19, SK21, SKK19, SK2112, SKQ2112)

Silhouettes - This is a great one, and possibly Wendy's only lead vocal.  It is found both as a short version (SK22) and a long version (SKX22), so you might as well go for the long one.
Found On: Faron Young (SK22, SKX22)

Heaven Can Wait - This is actually just an instrumental of 'When The Angels.'
Found On: Appetite (SK23, SKX23, SKDP23)

Oh, The Swiss! - Another instrumental, this time on the piano.
Found On: Appetite (SKX23)

Real Life (Just Around the Corner) - One of the best b-sides, it's clear that a lot of thought and effort has gone in, and great vocals on the chorus.
Found On: When Love Breaks Down (SKQ2112), Cars and Girls (CDSK35, SKQ35, CDDSK35), If You Don't Love Me (SKCD60)

Wigs - This is an incredible effort, and another instant classic.  There's only three lines, repeated over and over again in a number of strange ways.  If you're wondering, the lines are 'he's the man who let the hatbox rule his head,' but never in that order.
Found On: Johnny Johnny (SK24, SKW24, SKX24)

The Guest Who Stayed Forever - Bedford says that this one and the next were 'more promise than delivery.'  I quite like them though - lots of Wendy, on her own, which is always a treat.
Found On: Johnny Johnny (SKX24)

Old Spoonface is Back
Found On:  Johnny Johnny (SKX24)

Vendetta - Considering the overall sound of that album, the 'Langley Park' b-sides are suprisingly rock 'n' roll!  This one is good, but doesn't sound much like regular Sprout fare.
Found On: Cars and Girls (SK35, SKX35, CDSK35, SKQ35, CDDSK35)

Nero the Zero - Possibly the best b-side of all, it's a really atmospheric and has great lyrics.  The title however, is baffling and seemingly unrelated to the content.
Found On: Cars and Girls (SKX35, SKCD60)

Dandy of the Danube - A bit creepy, but I rate this one pretty highly.
Found On: The King of Rock 'n' Roll (SKX37, CDSK37)

Tin Can Pot - Perhaps my least favourite b-side, but it might grow on me.
Found On: The King of Rock 'n' Roll (SKX37)

Tornado - Quite slow, but the 'call you Tornado' bit is sung very nicely.
Found On: Hey Manhattan! (SK38, SKX38, SKGT38, SKB38, CDSK38)

Bearpark - This was only available as a 4-track demo, but still sounds excellent, and is an unspeakably beautiful tune.  Click here for information on the town it's named after.
Found On: Nightingales (SKX39, CDSK39)

Just Because I Can - The next non-album track came an apalling NINE YEARS after Bearpark.  I wish we'd been given some more stuff in that time.  It's really good though, great production, and is thought to have come from Paddy's lost 'Knights in Armour' album.
Found On: A Prisoner Of The Past (SKCD70, SKZD70)

Where The Heart Is - Funnily enough, this b-side (and later, single) is what they are most famous for where I live, as it was the theme tune to a popular Sunday night drama.  In fact, the show is on TV right now, as I write this description!  It's also popular at funerals, making it even more difficult to choose which Sprout track to go out with.
Found On: A Prisoner of the Past (SKC70, SKCD70). 38 Carat Collection (KWCD3, KWMD31), Where The Heart Is (669138 2)

Dragons - It never rains but it pours, eh?  The 'Electric Guitars' singles gave us FOUR brand new tracks, and they're all fantastic - I would even go so far as to say they are better than the 'Andromeda Heights' tracks.  They are supposed be more outtakes from the 'Knights in Armour' project I mentioned earlier, though this one was covered by Jimmy Nail in the early nineties.
Found On: Electric Guitars (SKCD71)

The End of the Affair
Found On: Electric Guitars (SKCD71)

Girl I'm Here
Found On: Electric Guitars (SKZD71)

Never Trust a Spell
Found On: Electric Guitars (SKZD71)