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

Tubeway Army - "Replicas" (1979)

The debut album from a London act fronted by the legendary Gary Numan who would release his first solo album later the same year. I would describe the sound of "Replicas" as new wave-infused synthpop with Numan dominating through a charismatic performance behind the microphone. The influences of David Bowie, Kraftwerk & the "Blade Runner" soundtrack are all obvious. The highlights are absolutely sublime (see "Are 'Friends' Electric?" & "Down in the Park" in particular) but the tracklisting is very inconsistent & fades noticeably at the end. Despite that, I do feel that the best material is strong enough to carry this record.

For fans of Gary Numan, Ultravox & The Human League.

3.5/5