Day 0608 - Actually

Petshop Boys "Actually" (1987) - got it

Another one that my older sister used to thrash back in the 80s (though with this one I remember that I did enjoy it back then).  It's a solid pop album, somehow sounds 'of its time' but without seeming dated.  Probably due to the songs just being really strong, and of many of the synthesizer sounds used currently being back in vogue.

In some ways it's a quite a bleak album, covering ideas from consumerism, Catholic guilt, one-sided relationships, romantic paranoia.  However, these themes are couched in catchy tunes, with minimal but imaginative arrangements, which help increase their appeal.

The track "It couldn't happen here" is co-written with Ennio Morricone and with strings arranged by Angelo Badalamenti who brings in hints of his score-work on Twin Peaks.  Laying in strings that walk the line between schmaltz and darkness.

Day 0443 - Armed Forces

Elvis Costello "Armed Forces" (1979) - got it

I keep expecting to find that the next Elvis Costello album I listen to will be rubbish. He's one of those artists who has been around so long that you'd assume he'd have a few duds in him, but nope, this is another good'un.

Here Costello's keyboardist Steve Nieve was beginning to exert more control and the result is a very poppy, catchy, keyboard-heavy album. Bubbly pop rock with hints of new-wave and just the lightest ska-flavour. Possibly my favourite from Elvis and his band so far.

I picked up a copy sometime after listening to it for the list.