Prefab Sprout: Crimson/Red

Apparently reclusive, definitely a genius, and justifiably regarded as the best self-exiled songwriter Britain has produced in 30 years, Paddy McAloon uses the Prefab Sprout moniker as a ruse for a solo album. Not to worry: the sense of indivisibility rings true. McAloon has little need for other musicians; he performs the album's mostly affecting and often stunning pop songs on his own, with a DIY recording budget. Although forged in the 1980s as a tunesmith somewhat out of time with prevailing trends, McAloon has maintained, without strategy or slyness, whatever myths there are about reclusive, genius songwriters with health issues (impairments of the ear and eye). That he has sculptured pop songs of such tensile beauty as The Best Jewel Thief in the World, Adolescence, Devil Came a Calling and Billy is proof that we need mavericks like McAloon as much as ever. prefabsprout.net
Download: Billy, The Best Jewel Thief in the World, Adolescence