BAD OMENS vs FAITH

8/31/2013

We’re on the verge of the release of Paddy McAloon’s 13th album, with the first of what may be several blogger/fan ‘listening experiences’ taking place on September 11th, which could be looked at as 9-11. But I don’t sway to superstition that easy. That said, I can’t help but look at the rocky road that the album release appears to have trodden.In March, the songs from the latest offering, ‘Crimson/Red’, were leaked onto the Internet via Soundcloud. Once discovered by Paddy and his manager Keith Armstrong, a swift program of action was undertaken to remove these files, and other similar links on YouTube, Sproutnet and other sites. Then the album’s distribution deal through Warner fell through, just seven weeks before the album launch. Then I spotted that the name chosen by Icebreaker for their newly-formed record label will be Icebreaker Records – the same name as these guys: http://icebreakerrecords.bigcartel.com/ …bad omens? I don’t think so… read on. The feedback that I am receiving coming from all quarters (fans, journalists, musicians etc.), who have all heard the ‘leaked’ songs (who hasn’t heard them?), is of being gushingly impressed. Irrelevant of these hiccoughs, I resolutely believe that given the right press exposure and radio presence this album could become Paddy’s biggest hit to date… I really do. OK, the recording and mixing could be better – but it truly represents Paddy’s ‘sound vision’ of the songs – and that’s good enough to me. On listening to the leaked songs, some fans dared to question their authenticity… how could they? Those exquisitely wonderful vocals, playful arrangements and humorous, emotive, insightful lyrics – always – are classic trademark Paddy McAloon. I literally experienced a ‘high’ as I listened to them. I think others will, too. As it happens, this album will be Paddy’s 10th album full of original material offering (excluding the two ‘best of’ albums and the 25th Anniversary Steve McQueen album). In his recent promotional photos, taken by Kevin Westerberg (who also did the shoot for Let’s Change the World with Music), he is still sporting the silvering beard and dons a white suit and hat… very stylish and so suited to his taste and age. He is 56 years old now, yet still able to capture the emotions and turmoil of adolescence… “Adolescence, what’s it like? A psychedelic motorbike… smash it up ten times a day, then walk away.” These words could be applied to describe Paddy’s survival post-CBS/Sony. EMI happily sponsored the following two albums, but Let’s Change the World with Music and Crimson/Red have had to rely upon selling license deals via Icebreaker. It’s been a turbulent period, like adolescence itself… I am hoping that despite those new album ‘omens’, Paddy can simply, “walk away”.

18 Comments

Bedford

8/31/2013 06:56:22 am

I think the early release of the tracks is less a concern than the reality of the modern music business. To put it simply, when Prefab Sprout was in their prime, bands toured to support album sales. Things have now inverted: tracks are released to support tours -- that's where the money is. What are the odds Paddy is willing to tour in any meaningful way? Slim. His biggest hope is probably that a track gets picked up for a TV show theme song.

John Birch

8/31/2013 08:27:26 am

Hi Bedford. I can't necessarily disagree with you in respect of the leaking of the material; I just know that it upset Paddy. In your opinion, who needs to do what? I have been offered several suggestions as to how Paddy should make a living in the modern music world - including several ideas from senior executives within the music industry - with a surprising diversity of suggestions indeed. Surely he has more to offer than TV show themes, however much I enjoy 'Home is Where the Heart is'?

Bedford

8/31/2013 02:18:43 pm

I can certainly appreciate how annoyed he must have been, though I suspect the diehard fans who knew enough to find the music will still buy it, and hardly anyone else cares. Absent some film/TV/advertising connections, I think the only solution is to tour, tour, tour -- probably the most unappetizing scenario Paddy can imagine. Maybe he is better off just writing songs for other people who are willing to undertake that kind of grind.

Rozonda link

9/1/2013 02:24:21 am

John, I have been quite worried too with so much stuff happening- everything seemed to become troublesome on the way to the album release. But I share your faith because the album is so clearly good, so direct and so appealing that it cannot go unnoticed. Let's hope for the best.

Miranda link

9/1/2013 02:57:17 am

I too have a good feeling about Crimson/Red. However, if he's not going to tour then he can't just rely on word of mouth to get the album 'out there'. If I were Icebreaker I'd be lining up lots of media appearances and press interviews so you can't open a paper of turn on your telly without Paddy and his songs in your face.

I sometimes wonder if it would not hurt for Paddy to do a very low key tour, playing small venues that would sell out fast, create a buzz and get people talking. I can dream!

Scott McPherson

9/1/2013 03:20:51 am

"I sometimes wonder if it would not hurt for Paddy to do a very low key tour, playing small venues that would sell out fast, create a buzz and get people talking." - Now, that is a good idea. And potentially something he might be talked into doing (I would think). I quite like that dream, Miranda.

John Birch

9/2/2013 07:06:39 pm

Yes, I agree, but we all understand that we are living in Paddy's world. Tom Dolby had one original idea, which I think is amazing - but it's going to be exclusive for the book!

Bjorn Wahlberg

9/1/2013 03:51:36 am

I guess you're all right in assuming that a tour would solve Paddy's problems in surviving in the modern music business. But since a tour is completely out of the question because of a) Paddy's inherent dislike of touring (becoming a "jukebox") and b) his health issues - how about something completely different? How about a project which would generate lots of interest in the band and Paddy, but with no touring necessary?

I am of course talking about a film documentary about Prefab Sprout and Paddy McAloon, a great film like "Searching for Sugar Man". There is enough fascinating story about Paddy to make an intelligent and emotional film. All it takes, really, is that some brilliant filmmaker - who loves Paddy's music - would pick up on the idea, get the necessary funding and - perhaps most difficult of all - get Paddy's consent to participate. That last bit is a drawback, I know.

But think about it. Wouldn't it be great? An Oscar winning film about the Sprouts? Wouldn't that generate enough interest in the band to sustain several years?

Rozonda link

9/1/2013 03:55:39 am

If Paddy consented, the idea would be perfect,it would generate curiosity and talk and way more audience than a tour. And it wouldn't be so physically emanding for him.

Miranda link

9/2/2013 12:14:15 am

I love the film idea! Maybe another kickstarter project after PSP

John Birch

9/2/2013 04:44:08 am

Thanks for your comments.
There very nearly was a docu-film made a few years ago. I was to be an advisor, but the pitch to Tyne-Tees TV didn't go so well. Perhaps when the album activity (oxymoron) dies down, I'll get in touch with the would-be producer and suggest a Kickstarter project.
Other idea: someone should start a Prefab Sprout tribute band to go around the UK and promote the album? Suggested names for a tribute band, anyone? How about Prefab Drought? How fitting is that?

Scott McPherson

9/2/2013 05:24:16 am

Yes, the film idea is an excellent one as well. John, was Paddy keen on that docu-film? He would have participated then, but potentially not now?

Tribute band name: Prefab Without or Prefab From Here Out

John Birch

9/2/2013 06:54:17 pm

Actually, it was to be a film about Prefab Sprout fans. It was hoped to get some direct involvement by Paddy himself, but that had not been confirmed at that early stage. Subjects to be touched on were:
1) How Sprout fans cope with those 'gaps' between albums
2) The apparent lack of female fans
3) Fan behaviours
4) Paddy's views on fans
Lots there to work on, don't you think?

How about Prefab Doubt?

Rozonda link

9/2/2013 07:59:30 pm

Yep, lots, specially 2 and 4 :))) When I started being a fan in 1988, I felt I was the only girl (I know now there were other girl fans back then, but I only knew you boys- you, John, and Bedford and the posse from back then...) and Paddy's views on fans? I've often wondered.

Ola

9/5/2013 10:57:49 pm

We did not have facebook or twitter during the previous major PS releases. Social media is how you market stuff these days and Icebreaker seems to be trying to take advantage of that. It is sad that Paddy doesn't understand the power of the Internet and the existing long suffering fan base. Instead of trying to fight leaks on Youtube and fan sites thay should encourage it and put out tasters of the music instead. As one of those long suffering fans who probably have almost a complete collection of PS recordings I am really looking forward to the official release and getting to listen to the music on the CD once it arrives.

John Birch link

9/19/2013 06:48:49 am

One thing is for sure... there are a lot of firsts associated with this record. Crimson/Red will be the first Icebreaker Records release, the use of social media for promoting artists is new to Icebreaker and Prefab Sprout collectively, for the first time PS fans have been engaged directly (face-to-face), and fans got to see and hear stuff before the music industry did. Paddy is Paddy and we love him for that, so let's not dwell too much in the negative. That said, I think there has been more learning for Keith Armstrong and Paddy - collectively - to perhaps affect a change in approach to releases in the future. But don't hold your breath - I am sure that Paddy is committed to at least another album with Icebreaker.

Bjorn Wahlberg

9/22/2013 05:58:41 pm

Actually, if my memory serves me right, there WAS use of social media to promote "The Gunman" back in 2001, when Prefab Sprout had a very cool and up-to-date website - run by Martin McAloon himself. It was completely based on Flash animations, and thus difficult to use with the old 56K modem. But I seem to remember there were sweepstakes, competitions, and rare info and video clips only for registered members on that website. And of course, a discussion board. Sadly, the website disapperared into oblivion - and perhaps also Martin's interest in keeping such a site going.

Rozonda link

9/22/2013 06:14:40 pm

Shame I missed that. In 2001 I was on other things...anyway I think that Icebreaker should continue to use social media to promote Prefab and there is a lot to do there. Now there is Facebook and Twitter and things that didn't exist back in 2001, and the capacity for appealing directly to the public and the fans is huge.

BAD OMENS vs FAITH

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