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08 January 2013

1983: The Smiths, REM, Billy Bragg, Cocteau Twins, Icicle Works And Prefab Sprout: Music To Listen Out For...


Daily Mirror, 31/12/1983:

The Smiths are my favourite group of the moment. I was delighted to see "This Charming Man" crack the charts.This Manchester four-piece fronted by singer Morrissey, have the neccessary live power and strong material to win through.

The only problem the Smiths may encounter is financial. They refuse to compromise their integrity by signing with a major record company.

The limited budget available to independent company Rough Trade may prevent Morrisey and his group hitting the top. 

David Jenson had also spotted a Sprouting Genius:  

Prefab Sprout - they took the name after mishearing a line in a Nancy Sinatra song - made one of the year's best singles with "Lions In My Own Garden".

Now they have signed to the giant CBS Records, whose whole building is trembling with excitement at the results.

The Sprouts, from Newcastle, are the brainchild of singer-songwriter Paddy McAloon. Stuck in a garage for the past three years with his brother and bassplayer Martin, Paddy claims to have written enough songs for five albums!

The delicate acoustic style, married to weird, wonderful words and the voices of Paddy and Wendy Smith will make listening to their debut album, "Swoon", due out in March, a heady experience. 

And then there was...

 Top American booking agent Ian Copeland - brother of Police drummer Stewart - rates REM from Athens, Georgia, whose mini tour and "Murmur" album got rave notices. 

And amongst David's musicians and singers to watch out for... 

Billy Bragg: Excellent, if odd, solo performer from London.

Cocteau Twins: Liz Frazer and Robin Guthrie from Scotland have topped the indie charts with their "Head Over Heels" LP. They need a commercial single.

Icicle Works: Liverpool band, strongly tipped by Malcolm Gerrie, producer of "The Tube".

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