Prefab Sprout was an English sophisti-pop band that released five albums between 1984 and 1990 on Kitchenware Records.

Members: Paddy McAloon (vocals, guitar, keyboards, programming, bass), Martin McAloon (bass, 1978-2010), Michael Salmon (drums, percussion, 1977-83), Wendy Smith (vocals, keyboards, guitar, 1982-2000), Neil Conti (drums, percussion, 1984-92)

Background

Prefab Sprout evolved from The Dick Diver Band, formed in 1977 in Witton Gilbert, Durham, by singer–guitarist Paddy McAloon and his bassist brother Martin McAloon. In 1978, they changed their name to Prefab Sprout and welcomed drummer Michael Salmon.

1982–1983

On February 25, 1982, Prefab Sprout recorded their debut single “Lions in My Own Garden (Exit Someone)” backed with “Radio Love,” both Paddy originals. It first appeared on self-press Candle Records, which also issued a single by one Gerry Welsh: a cover of the Ralph McTell composition “Streets of London” (recently popularized by The Anti-Nowhere League).

A. “Lions In My Own Garden (Exit Someone)” (2:37) Paddy conceived the title as a backronym for Limoges, a French city where his girlfriend attended college.
B. “Radio Love” (4:04)

Prefab Sprout welcomed keyboardist–singer Wendy Smith and cut a second single that appeared after the May 1983 reissue of “Lions” on Kitchenware Records, a newly established Newcastle independent label that also signed Hurrah!, The Daintees, and The Kane Gang.

The reissued “Lions” appeared as the fourth Kitchenware release (SK 4), followed in October 1983 by the second Prefab Sprout single (SK 7).

A. “The Devil Has All the Best Tunes” (4:39)
B. “Walk On” (2:45)

Prefab Sprout recorded “Devil” and “Walk On” with soundman Hal Remington, who also produced an early version of their song “Diane,” which surfaced as a subsequent b-side. The two singles reached No. 16 and No. 14 (respectively) on the UK Independent Chart. Salmon quite the band as they prepared their debut album.

1984–1987

Swoon

Prefab Sprout released their debut album, Swoon, in March 1984 on Kitchenware.

Steve McQueen

Prefab Sprout released their second album, Steve McQueen, in June 1985 on Kitchenware.

1988–1990

From Langley Park to Memphis

Prefab Sprout released their third album, From Langley Park to Memphis, on March 14, 1988, on Kitchenware.

Protest Songs

On June 19, 1989, Prefab Sprout released Protest Songs, a self-produced set recorded in September 1985 between Steve McQueen and Langley Park.

Jordan: The Comeback

Prefab Sprout released their fifth album, Jordan: The Comeback, on August 28, 1990, on Kitchenware and CBS.

Discography:

• Swoon (1984)
• Steve McQueen (1985)
• From Langley Park to Memphis (1988)
• Protest Songs (1989)
• Jordan: The Comeback (2LP, 1990)

Sources:

• Discogs: Prefab Sprout
• 45worlds: Prefab Sprout
• 45cat: Prefab Sprout