Their biggest commercial and critical success came with 1990's Jordan: The Comeback (one of two albums produced by Thomas Dolby), which was a hit in the UK and nominated for a BRIT award. The band also had a UK Top 10 hit with their 1988 song The King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Perhaps their finest album, Steve McQueen (originally released in June 1985) was re-released in August 2007 as a 2-CD deluxe edition, with a bonus disc of eight acoustic reinterpretations of some of the original tracks. Of the release, the record company said: "Digitally remastered by original producer Thomas Dolby, the album is sounding even better than ever. As if that weren't enough it is complemented here with a second disc containing eight sublime acoustic versions, which have been specially re-recorded for this release by Paddy McAloon."
Steve McQueen was released in the US under the title Two Wheels Good following pressure from the late actor's estate.
Prefab Sprout released Let's Change the World With Music - The Blueprint in 2009 on the Kitchenware Records label (website). See also Sprout Trivia below.
Discography:
Lions In My Own Garden (Exit Someone) / Radio Love - Feb 25, 1982 (their first record, released on their own label Candle)
The Devil Has All the Best Tunes / Walk On - Oct 1983 (Kitchenware) (feat. Wendy Smith and Fiona Attwood)
Swoon - Mar 1984
Steve McQueen aka Two Wheels Good (US) - Jun 1985
From Langley Park to Memphis - Mar 1988
Protest Songs - Jun 1989
Jordan: The Comeback - Aug 1990
The Best of Prefab Sprout: A Life of Surprises - Jul 1992 (compilation; exit Conti hereafter)
Andromeda Heights - May 1997
38 Carat Collection (disc 1) - Oct 1999 (compilation)
38 Carat Collection (disc 2) - Oct 1999 (compilation)
The Gunman And Other Stories - Jun 18, 2001 (sans Smith)
Chronology of Bandmembers:
Paddy McAloon (born Patrick Joseph McAloon, Jun 7, 1957, Durham); vocals / guitars / keyboards
Martin McAloon (born Jan 4, 1962, Durham); bass guitar
Michael Salmon; drums / percussion
Wendy Smith (born May 31, 1963, Middlesbrough); vocals / guitars / keyboards
Neil Conti (born Feb 12, 1959, Luton); drums / percussion
Fiona Attwood (Chester-le-Street); backing vocals
Sprout Trivia:
Paddy conceived the name "Prefab Sprout" when he was just 14 back in 1972, he revealed in an interview with French magazine BEST. It was his attempt at creating an unusual name like groups that were popular at the time (eg Tyrannosaurus Rex, Moby Grape, Grand Funk Railroad, etc.).
The band has had as many as 11 drummers (including Paddy McAloon himself on programmed percussion!) in its lineup. Of these, Conti was the most closely identified with the group. (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sproutfacts.html)
Paddy had apparently conceived of an album named Let's Change The World With Music (the working title of the band's forthcoming album, due February 2009) as far back as the early 1990's:
"I actually wrote a Gulf War album called Let's Change The World With Music, and I've got a couple of beauties, but there are right and wrong times to do things, and it came after another album I wrote which is much lighter... it's called Billy Midnight, very romantic. So the Gulf War album was a more serious response to that. I keep junking things all the time." - NME June 20, 1992 (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sprout_misc.html)
"And I have an album called Let's Change The World With Music; lots of songs about music, playing on that horrible thing where you listen to a song like "We Are The World" and the sentiment is great but it's such a cliché that it sticks in your throat. It plays on that edge between that kind of thing and real sincerity." - NME April 15, 1995 (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sprout_misc.html)
"Look, since 1990 I've written what I think of as my best music. You can hear some of it on Andromeda Heights. But I have also - in detailed demo form - an album called Let's Change The World With Music. It was written as the follow up to Jordan." - BEST magazine (France) July 1997 (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sprout_misc.html)
King of Rock 'n' Roll
Prefab Sprout Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And they're coming round the track to haunt me.
When she looks at me and laughs I remind her of the facts
I'm the king of rock 'n' roll completely
Up from suede shoes to my baby blues
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
The dream helps you forget you ain't never danced a step
All the pathos you can keep for the children in the street
For the vision I have had is sweeping
New broom, this room, sweep it clean
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
High kickin' dandy, fine figure fine cut a fine figure fine oh yeah ;
Long legged candy, fine figure fine cut a fine figure fine oh yeah ;
Now my rhythm ain't so hot, but it's the only friend I've got
I'm the king of rock 'n' roll completely
All the pretty birds have flown now I'm dancing on my own
I'm the king of rock 'n' roll completely
Up from, suede shoes to my baby blues
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
High kickin' dandy, fine figure fine cut a fine figure fine oh yeah ;
Long legged candy, fine figure fine cut a fine figure fine oh yeah ;
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
The lyrics of Prefab Sprout's "The King of Rock 'n Roll" describe the singer's coming-of-age experiences and their search for identity through music and dance. The song begins with the singer reflecting on their teenage years and how their previous claims of greatness ("lazy teenage boasts") have now become nothing more than distant memories. However, these memories come back to "haunt" the singer, reminding them of their past aspirations and youth.
Despite this, the singer finds solace in their love for music and their perceived status as the "king of rock 'n' roll." They express this through a series of cultural references, such as "suede shoes," "hot dog," and "jumping frog." These references represent the iconic images of rock 'n' roll and suggest that the singer has internalized these images and made them a part of their identity.
The song also explores themes of loneliness and the need for validation, as the singer says that "all the pretty birds have flown" and they are dancing alone. However, they still hold onto their status as the "king of rock 'n' roll," suggesting that this title provides some comfort and self-assurance.
Overall, "The King of Rock 'n Roll" is a nostalgic look at youth and the search for identity, expressed through the cultural touchstones of rock 'n' roll.
Line by Line Meaning
All my lazy teenage boasts are now high precision ghosts
My former arrogant claims as a teenager now haunt me with sharp accuracy.
And they're coming round the track to haunt me.
The consequences of my past actions are catching up to me.
When she looks at me and laughs I remind her of the facts
When she mocks me, her laughter reminds me of the painful reality.
I'm the king of rock 'n' roll completely
Despite my flaws, I still view myself as the greatest of all in the rock 'n' roll genre.
Up from suede shoes to my baby blues
From my shoes made of suede to my blue eyes, everything about me is impressive.
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
These nonsensical phrases represent my spontaneity and tendency to live in the moment.
The dream helps you forget you ain't never danced a step
Dreams allow us to forget our lack of experience and abilities.
You were never fleet of foot, hippy.
You were never quick on your feet, you free-spirited person.
All the pathos you can keep for the children in the street
Emotional distress should be reserved for those who truly need it, like the less fortunate children.
For the vision I have had is sweeping
My grand vision is all-encompassing and profound.
New broom, this room, sweep it clean
I will clean up this space or situation with a new fresh approach.
High kickin' dandy, fine figure fine cut a fine figure fine oh yeah ;
I have a fashionable, stylish appearance and a confident demeanor.
Long legged candy, fine figure fine cut a fine figure fine oh yeah ;
My physical attributes are desirable and attractive.
Now my rhythm ain't so hot, but it's the only friend I've got
I may not be the best at something, but it's still the only thing that brings me joy.
All the pretty birds have flown now I'm dancing on my own
All the people I used to associate with are gone, and now I'm alone but still dancing.
Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque
Repeating the same lines represents my monotonous but happy-go-lucky attitude.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PADDY MCALOON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@butternutcrunch
Some observations after coming across this for my first time moments ago:
1. Where has this been my whole life?
2. This is just the right amount of kooky.
3. I want to live inside this music video.
4. I think this song just saved my life.
5. There is the exact right amount of Albuquerque in this video.
6. I freaking LOVE everything about all of this.
7. I seriously thought I was hallucinating when I first watched it.
8. I am so glad these wonderful people had the audacity to make this fine art.
9. This song/video is sheer genius.
10. A novelty song about a fictional novelty song performer that doesn't sound like a novelty song. Brilliant.
11. This seems like someones fever dream that magically got caught on camera.
12. I really wish I'd seen this back in the day so I could have gone years without knowing anything further and just enjoyed the mystery because I'm about to go down the rabbit hole deep on this.
@sharononeil3354
Who in 2024 is listening to this classic ?😉😉
@stoneymcmechan3210
Saul Goodman does
@Pureblood32
❤❤
@erikleinonen3501
me for sure. classic shit
sshit meaning good stuff...I had a few drinks
@somersetflower
Me x
@markdkberry
aye. could have sworn it was out in 1987 though, not 88, it reminds of that year in Bristol and the summer I had there.
@iseeolly9959
Best pop song ever made...when I was 20 I worked in a petrol station in Suffolk, UK.....I had a Prefab Sprout album playing in the back-office......in walks Martin.....I asked him for his autograph and he said "Nobody's ever asked me for that before..."...we both laughed....lovely man....I've kept it in my bedside draw , tucked in the CD case, all my life...right by me now.
@Eduardo-pc6gq
That’s so cool. He seems a down to earth fella. I’ve loved this song since it came out in 88 I was a kid and loved singing Hot dog jumping frog Albuquerque again and again.
Still do tbh
@pdizzle8646
What petrol station dude ?
@thetommonator2991
Thetford lad here, well I live in Bangkok. Hi t the enemy.