Wednesday, December 10, 2008

REVIEW: Scritti Politti - Cupid And Psyche '85


5 out of 10


Scritti Politti started off as a bunch of politically radical weirdos with instruments. They took tons of speed and would rant and improvise entire shows, opening up for Gang of Four and the Pop Group. They were signed to Rough Trade for their first album "Songs to Remember", and are remembered mostly for this album, Cupid and Psyche '85. At the time it was a landmark album for it's use of samples, over glossed production and midi synths. For these reasons it has more or less has that definitive 80's sound.

For all it's accomplishments, I feel like it's a failure. It's aged horribly. The 80's are my favorite decade for music, but this album epitomizes what people (and VH1) remember about the 80's. Cheesy hair, clothes, and silly synth pop. If you're wondering exactly what their sound is watch a dance scene on a brat pack movie. Watch Footloose, or Can't Buy Me Love. It's dance in your underwear with shades music. I read all these great reviews about this album, five stars the lot of them. After listening to this album three times, I'm glad my copy is only a cassette. I'm not saying it's not without merit. The song writing is strong, but 23 years later it will only make you laugh. You have to be over thirty to enjoy this.

Bottom Line - Album of cheesy CHEESY 80's synthpop with Ska influences in some places. Strong songwriting, aged like a bad prom photo, it'll only make you laugh.

Standout Tracks: The Word Girl, A Little Knowledge, Perfect Way

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