The Pop Thread

Sparks - "№ 1 in Heaven" (1979)

The eighth full-length from this Los Angeles pop act sees them championing a sound that combines electro, disco & pop for a result that comes across as very European. In fact, I'd suggest that it possesses a bit of a Eurovision Song Contest vibe which can't be a good thing as a lot of the album is simply too cheesy for my lactose-intolerant ears to cope with. 

For fans of Kraftwerk, Gina X Performance & Explorer.

2.5/5

Pet Shop Boys - "Introspective" (1988)

I struggled with the third & most widely celebrated full-length from these London synthpop legends to be honest as it was simply far too fruity for my taste. I actually think this record is more of a dance-pop release than it is synthpop as it was clearly heavily influenced by the underground house & Hi-NRG music the duo were hearing in the UK gay clubs of the time. "Introspective" served as a major gateway release into dance music for a lot of people for that reason. I have to admit that I have a soft spot for the cover version of "Always On My Mind" but found the rest of the album a little hard to stomach.

For fans of Erasure, Electronic & Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.

3/5