Performer Notes

STEVE McQUEEN (released in the U.S. as TWO WHEELS GOOD) is the crowning achievement for U.K. pop visionaries Prefab Sprout, their second full-length album. It combines acoustic strum-and-jangle balladry with blue-eyed soul, bossa nova, and pristine pop approach to create a lush sonic landscape. The unique stylistic paradigm sported a shimmer and sheen on par with the most ambitious work of '70s popsters like 10cc and Steely Dan, but the lyrical/conceptual sensibility is strongly informed by the alt-rock era in which the band emerged. Produced by synth-pop pioneer Thomas Dolby, STEVE McQUEEN perfectly merges Prefab Sprout's organic roots with a gently glowing layer of tasteful electronic gilding.

Professional Reviews

Rolling Stone (p.71) - "[The songs] were, like McQueen's acting, cool and nuanced yet tough and quietly tortured at the center."

Spin (p.124) - 4.5 stars out of 5 -- "It wraps gossamer synths and ghostly background vocals around posh melodies that nod as much to Sondheim and Gershwin as to the rock canon."

Q (p.134) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]heir work still stands up, especially STEVE MCQUEEN, the most succinct expression of McAloon's skills."

Mojo (Publisher) (p.126) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]hese songs are sweet postcards from the crepuscular fringes of romance, and sound as vibrant and as out of kilter as ever."