488. Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret - Soft Cell

So I know the cover version that made Soft Cell famous, but was surprised to discover that one of their albums had allegedly made sufficient impact on the world to be in the list. Still, the last early electronica album that focussed on the clubbing scene in London impressed me greatly, so I was intrigued.

Released in 1981 by English duo Dave Ball and Marc Almond, the album was written to capture the reality of the clubbing scene in London as told by two naive suburbanites, or that is how it came across. The single Tainted Love became a global smash hit, selling over 1.2 million copies in the UK, and spending 43 weeks in the US top 100. The album was successful in the UK reaching number 5, but limited elsewhere, with its sexual connotations proving too much for the more uptight US market.  

Frustration opens with some exceptionally crisp synths, and an impassioned vocal performance about the struggle of a normal, mundane existence. Tainted Love is one of the few songs where the cover surpasses the original to the extent that it is barely considered a cover. The sleazy, squelchy bassline is overlaid with a razor sharp synth, and a chorus that has been sung at too many nights out in Reflex is still hard to resist. Seedy Films is a stripped back track, with great use of toe-tapping snare and a filthy couple of sax lines. Youth sees the group attempting something a bit more grandiose, and almost pulling it off. Sex Dwarf is frankly bizarre, but also bizarrely good. The biting vocals and icey production make it compelling, although it is hard to stomach some of the lyrics, especially given the controversies surrounding the music video. Entertain Me makes innovative use of the call and spoken response in the verses, and adds some energy, which is taken up a notch by Chips on my Shoulder, with its rapid synths that foreshadow much of the 80s. Bedsitter has a Joy Division-esque bassline, and a catchy chorus that in my head always ended up swapping the word Bedsit for Brexit. The song is wonderfully evocative in its presentation of the loneliness of the hedonistic clubbing scene. Secret Life is a dark tale of hidden lives, and Say Goodbye, Wave Goodbye is an emotional lament to the end of a relationship, both of which are enjoyable whilst being slightly forgettable to me. Memorabilia is a very intriguing track that would not be out of place on an early Nine Inch Nails record, with a commentary on the fetishisation of collections. Fun City is somewhat ponderous, and the last few tracks lack as much identity, despite the more varied instrumentation, including steel drums and a horn section.

This album had a lot more depth and meaning to it than I'd anticipated, and shows Soft Cell to be much more than a disposable single band. The music is always the safe side of edgy, although undeniably catchy, but the lyrics demonstrate an acute awareness of the early 80s London scene. There is significantly more variety than I'd expected, with a high standard pretty much throughout; indeed, I really struggled to pick a standout song. Whilst it is not seminal in the way some albums are, it is also significantly more enjoyable than many, with a cutting, knowing humour alongside some razor sharp tunes.

Chloe's album rating: 6
Chloe's favourite track: 7. Chips on My Shoulder
Olly's album rating: 7
Olly's favourite track: 10. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye

Next in line is 452. Tusk by Fleetwood Mac. Epic, epic album that.