One record a ta time: 369. Scritti Politti - Provision

Although this album achieved commercial success in the UK, it fell short of the remarkable sales figures attained by its predecessor in the American market. From my perspective, this relatively underwhelming performance can be attributed to two key factors.

The most apparent distinction between the two albums is their release dates. What was considered fresh and thrilling in 1985 had become outdated three years later. This does not imply that "Provision" is an inferior album; rather, shifting musical preferences resulted in limited radio exposure for its tracks. Additionally, the well-being of frontman Green Gartside played a significant role. Regrettably, Green faced several challenges during the production of this album, which hindered his ability to promote it as vigorously as he had with "Cupid and Psyche '85."

If this album did not achieve commercial success, can it still be considered artistically successful? The answer is both yes and no. Many aspects from the debut album are revisited here, as David Gamson's unique arrangements provide a rich and fulfilling backdrop for Green's ethereal vocals. Additionally, Marcus Miller's signature slap bass adds an extra layer of excitement, and even the iconic Miles Davis contributes a trumpet solo on the second single, "Oh Patti (Don't Feel Sorry for Loverboy)." At times, "Provision" nearly reaches perfection, particularly with the opening track "Boom! There She Was," which stands on par with anything from "Cupid."

Nevertheless, the ponderous nature of tracks like "Overnite" diminish the album's overall vitality. Similarly, "Bam Salute," while skilfully crafted, feels sluggish and lacking in zest. What I find most disappointing about this album is its insufficient melodic content. Although "Philosophy Now" shares a similar sound with successful songs like "Perfect Way," it falls short in delivering the catchy hooks that could elevate it further. In conclusion, I would characterise this album as exceptionally well-produced, yet it does not possess the enchanting quality of its celebrated predecessor. 2.5/5

One record at a time: 395. Scritti Politti - Cupid & Psyche 85

Here we will be listening to one of the cornerstones of eighties electronic pop in Scritti Politti's masterpiece "Cupid & Psyche 85". This album is so good I own three copes: an original with gold embossed scrpit, a second original with gold and blue text and a 2021 reissue which just looks like a dog's dinner. 

The only constant member of Scritti Politti is Green Gartside. The band's first album "Songs to Remember" features compositions that seem to display Gartside's natural propensity for reggae, Ska and soul music.

Whilst recording his debut, Gartside met programmer and musician David Gamson and the two decided to work together and develop a more polished pop sound for the next Scritti Politti album. Legendary producer Arif Mardin was the band's first choice as producer and he was sufficiently interested in their demos to come on board. 

In a 2023 episode of Maryn Ware's podcast "Electronically Yours", David Gamson give some fascinating detail around the creation of this album. The music was largely sequenced on a Roland MSQ-700 with elements flown in from the Fairlight and Synclavier. This is such a distinguished album that even the Fairlight programmers were illustrious musicians such as Simon Climie, Ned Liben and J.J. Jeczalik. 

Personally I'm not too enamoured with the reggae riffs of opening track "The Word Girl (Flesh & Blood)" but the chorus is so catchy I find it hard to resist. As the second track "Small Talk" begins it becomes clear that the arrangements on this record are going to be complex and intricate. David Gamson seems to have the ability to generate endless motifs and embellishments that are nothing short of genius.

Things move to a completely new level of pop brilliance on the third track "Absolute" which is a masterpiece of composition and production. This songs sees the producers pushing the technology of the time to the limits with Gary Langan and J. J. Jeczalik from the Art of Noise operating the mixing desk and Fairlight respectively. "A Little Knowledge" slows things down and isn't one of my favourites on the album. The jazz-funk bassline of Marcus Miller carries "Don't Work That Hard" and David Gamson plays a complex brass arrangement on his Roland Jupiter 8.

Another wonderful single "Perfect Way" sees the ubiquitous Yamaha DX7 pumping out a bassline to underpin the layers of guitar and syncopated rhythms. Yet, like everything here the bassline is no simple root note played on octaves as we heard so often in the eighties - everything is satisfyingly complex and funky. "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)" wraps some Fairlight drums, Roland Jupiter brass stabs and jangly guitars around an eccentric yet satisfying composition. Before we know it the final song "Hypnotize" has been and gone leaving us wanting more.

David Gamson created such a dynamic and futuristic sound palette for this record that I sometimes think I can hear presets from synthesizers that didn't even exist when it was recorded. Unfortunately Gamson and Gartside's musical partnership was relatively short lived and Gartside would eventually revert back to the sound of reggae for future releases. "Cupid and Psyche 85" definitely caught lightning in a bottle. 4/5