Benvenuti nel northern soul! Scherzi a parte, questo è l'unico concept album della band britannica ABC che parte proprio da basi tipicamente soul, ispirate al sound Motown, che fece la fortuna del R&B americano negli anni sessanta/settanta.

In questo album, "Alphabet City" (a dopo la spiegazione del titolo) la formula veniva coniugata secondo caratteri più moderni e tipicamente "British", da qui la mia non-del-tutto-azzardata definizione di "Modern Northern Soul" al genere di questo disco, per i comuni mortali senza peli sulla lingua semplicemente pop d'annata. Ripartendo dalle origini, degli originari cinque membri che componevano la band Inglese nel 1982 (l'esordio con "The lexicon of love", aprendo la corrente, assieme ai Duran Duran e ai Culture Club, del "New romantic") ne sono rimasti solo due: il leader e vocalist Martin Fry e Mark White alla chitarra. Grazie alla tecnologia che avanza e un nutrito numero di session men alla Mercury, loro etichetta, due componenti al gruppo sono sufficienti ad arrangiarsi con synth e drum machine. Si tenga presente che il loro quarto disco viene dopo una schiera di grandi successi, che li ha fatti conoscere anche fuori dalla terra di Margaret Thatcher, tra cui "Poison Arrow", "The look of love" e "How to be millionare". Questo album è anche il canto del cigno del tipico sound ABC, fondato su un'intelligente connubio tra elettronico ed acustico, orecchiabile e ballabile, agile e scorrevole, che scomparirà dall'album seguente, "Up", caratterizzato dal sound "House music" allora nascente.

Tornando a "Alphabet city", datato in dettaglio al 1987, bisogna dire che una parte, precisamente i primi due brani, è stata prodotta sotto supervisione di una grande della musica, Nile Rodgers, che ne caratterizzò immediatamente i tratti somatici influendo una carica soul tipica del ex leader degli "Chic", produttore, tra gli altri, di Madonna e David Bowie. Quindi si parte verso una città nuova. All'uscita dell'album venne chiesto a Martin Fry di descrivere Alphabet city in cinque aggettivi; lui disse: soave, cosmopolita, affluente, animata, lucente. In effetti è tutto ciò che si può dedurre dall'album: pulizia negli arrangiamenti, melodie accattivanti, battiti ricchi di vita, timbri particolari, precisione, lucentezza. Un ottimo modo per portare il Motown soul nel futuro. L'opera parte con un intro di un minuto, "Avenue A", che con i suoi rumori e suoni introduce l'ascoltatore nella dimensione urbana. Si segue col primo vero brano, "When Smokey sings", tributo alla carismatica figura di Smokey Robinson, grande interprete di alcuni dei più grandi successi della Motown, affiancatore di gente del calibro di James Brown e Marvin Gaye. Segue poi il singolo di maggiore successo dell'album, la coinvolgente quanto misteriosa "The night you murdered love" , ultimo grande successo della band d'oltre Manica. L'album prosegue con dei pezzi di gran classe: la veloce "Think again" (sempre impostata sulle atmosfere del brano che la precede), la melodica "Rage and the regret" e "Ark-angel", non molto dissimile da "Think again". A seguire viene il terzo singolo dell'album, di discreto successo in Inghilterra, "King without a crown".

L'album conclude con il mid-tempo "Bad blood", la veloce e sofisticata "Jealous lover" e la romantica "One day". In chiusura poi con un outro di un minuto "Avenue Z", che conclude nel silenzio l'opera. Quaranta minuti d'atmosfera, mistero e charme passano veloci come proiettili e rendono piuttosto bene l'idea di "Alphabet city" così come intesa dai creatori, Martin Fry in primis. Siccome recensisco la ristampa in CD aggiungo anche le bonus track. Dopo "Avenue Z" vengono proposti due B-side dei singoli a 45 giri usciti all'epoca per la promozione dell'album. Non si tratta di brani veri e propri quanto di "vetrine": essi cioè descrivono le atmosfere e i suoni cui la band si è confrontata durante il suo viaggio in America. Così per prima troviamo "Minneapolis", una esposizione di tre minuti del sound più tipico della coppia di produttori Terry Lewis e Jimmy Jam, operante appunto a Minneapolis, fatta di drum machine Roland e synth DX-7, tanto popolari nelle loro produzioni (Janet Jackson, SOS band, The Human League, Ralph Tresvant non vi dicono niente?). Poi si passa a una ossessione di Martin Fry, il cantante, il sound house-music (all'epoca molto innovativo) di Chicago, trovato per l'appunto nel pezzo successivo, chiamato senza molta fantasia "Chicago", che presenta quel sound acido e martellante che avrebbe fatto la fortuna della scena dei rave inglesi di lì a poco (Martin Fry fu uno dei partecipanti più importanti del primo rave acid-house nel Regno Unito, presto resi fuorilegge). Finite le "vetrine" si passa a un cut-off dell'album originale, la innocua "24 carat plastic". Chiusura (stavolta definitiva) del disco sono un remix hip-hop di "The night you murdered love", un solo strumentale di "One day" e un remix acid-house di "King without a crown" (Monarchy mix), sicuramente anticipatore della già citata era dei rave britannici che era alle porte (e presto repressa dal governo Thatcher).

In conclusione "Alphabet city" è un bel disco, piuttosto convenzionale per gli standard degli ABC, ma comunque un'opera degna di più ascolti. Le bonus track sono sempre gradite e questa ristampa ne è ricolma, quindi è un motivo in più per acquistare questo CD. Il sound degli ABC cambierà definitivamente (come già detto) dal prossimo album, "Up", ma di questo ve ne parlerò un'altra volta.

Elenco tracce testi samples e video

01   Avenue A (00:56)

We haven't lyrics of this song. Please, add these lyrics for other users. Use "Correct". Thanks to you.

02   When Smokey Sings (04:18)

Debonair lullabies in melodies revealed.
In deep despair on lonely nights.
He knows just how you feel.
The slyest rhymes - the sharpest suits.
In miracles made real.

Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night.
You know you're right just to hold her tight.
He soothes it right - makes it outtasite.
And everything's good in the world tonight!

When Smokey sings - I hear violins.
When Smokey sings - I forget everything.
As she's packing her things.
As she's spreading her wings.
The front door might slam.
But the back door it rings.
And Smokey sings...he sings.

Elegance in eloquence - for sale or rent or hire.
Should I say - Yes I match his best.
Then I would be a liar.
Symphonies that soothe the rage.
When lovers hearts catch fire.

Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night.
You know you're right just to hold her tight.
He soothes it right - makes it outtasite.
And everything's good in the world tonight!.

When Smokey sings - I hear violins.
When Smokey sings - I forget everything.
As she's packing her things.
As she's spreading her wings.
Smashing the hell.
With the heaven she brings.
Then Smokey sings...he sings.

(Would it be true to say.....)

Luther croons.
Sly's the original - originator.
James screams.
Marvin was the only innovator.
But nothing can compare.
Nothing can compare.
When Smokey sings.

When Smokey sings - I hear violins.
When Smokey sings - I forget everything.
As she's packing her things.
As she's spreading her wings.
She threw back the ring.
When Smokey sings...
Smokey sings...
Smokey sings...

03   The Night You Murdered Love (04:53)

04   Think Again (03:40)

Better call and collect
Treat me with respect
If you think our love is pedigree

Push a button... disconnect
Dial again... redirect
You're wrong... you know it isn't me

Totally misguided
Babe you're misadvised
Don't even try to fight it
You're promises are lies

Did you think our love was sacred
Well it's much too over-rated
Think again... you're wrong
And our love's a precious memory
Better look what heaven sent me
Think again you're wrong

Don't need a horoscope
Don't need a telescope
To see the way you cheat on me

Think I'd give up hope
Hanging by a rope
If I thought you'd never set me free

Totally misguided
Think our love is strong
Think I'd get excited?
I think you'd got it wrong

Did you think our love was sacred
Well it's much too over-rated
Think again... you're wrong
And our love's a precious memory
Better look what heaven sent me
Think again you're wrong

I'll admit to being confused
And I'm used to being used
Think again... you're wrong
So wrong... so wrong... so wrong
Think again... think again... think!

Think again...think!
Think again... think!

Love to believe you - love you and leave
You're wrong... so wrong
Hate to deceive you - love you then leave
You're wrong... so wrong
No secret sneak preview - don't need to see
You're wrong... so so wrong

05   Rage and Then Regret (03:33)

Was it rage or regret
Or the love I was feeling
In this age - who's perfect... are you?
Wasn't made to forget
This moment worth stealing
Was it rage or regret or the two
Every morning when I wake up
Wake up dreaming then... wake up dreaming
Build a temple from you fragrance
Build a chapel in your heart
Do you really understand
Do you feel the need to try
Do you even care for me
Do you ever wonder why
Rage and then regret
'Bout as real as real can get
Rage and then regret
Through the violence the angry silence
Does our love grow strong or die
A parachute or a pilot's licence
Do we fall in love or fly
Do you really understand
Do you feel the need to try
Do you even care for me
Do you ever wonder why
Rage and then regret
'Bout as real as real can get
Rage and then regret
The harder we come
The harder we fall
The harder it is to stand tall
The more that we fight
The more that we brawl
The more we're alike - that's all... that's all
Rage and then regret
'Bout as real as real can get
Rage and then regret
Rage and then regret
'Bout as real as real can get
There are things you don't forget
Anger cools to idle threats

06   Ark-Angel (04:55)

Red ribbon rainbow
A garland of gold for your hair
Wherever you go
I see faith crush despair
In chaos find courage
The answer to my prayer

Lipstick... liner... perfume... soap
Won't scrub this city or give it hope
You're the antidote... you're an...

Ark-Angel
Do you dream about me too
Ark-Angel
When I dream I dream of you
Ark-Angel
But could I change this world for you
Ark-Angel
You do... you do

Whisper it softly
Or scream your name out loud
God built an angel
In sun and sky and cloud
Then heaven sent vengeance
To a world that once stood proud

Lipstick... liner... perfume... soap
Won't scrub this city or give it hope
You're the antidote... you're an...

Ark-Angel
Do you dream about me too
Ark-Angel
When I dream I dream of you
Ark-Angel
But could I change this world for you
Ark-Angel
You do... you do... you do

Icarus rising - flies to close to the sun
Icarus falling - a moral for everyone
You're the only one... You're an...

Ark-Angel
Do you dream about me too
Ark-Angel
When I dream I dream of you
Ark-Angel
But could I change this world for you
Ark-Angel
Then fly... then fly... fly...

07   King Without a Crown (04:41)

Welcome to the great republic
Guess I should show you round
Where once I was a King, and now I am a clown

The love that we once shared, made a King of me
But now you're gone, but now you're gone
All I face is poverty

King without a heart, King without a hope
King without a woman baby
Oh, I'm a King without a crown
King without a heart, King without a hope
King without a woman baby
Oh, I'm a King without a crown

Hell hath no fury (Hell hath no fury)
Like a woman scorned (Like a woman scorned)
But heaven don't boast, no heaven don't boast
The jewel, the pretty jewel I just pawned (I just pawned)

Every cloud has a silver lining (Every dog has its day)
Oh, but I guess the sun stopped shining (shining, shining)
On the day you went away

King without a heart, King without a hope
King without a woman baby
Oh, I'm a King without a crown
King without a heart, King without a hope
King without a woman baby
Oh, I'm a King without a crown
King without a heart, King without a hope
King without a woman baby
Yes, I'm a King (King), King without a crown

Bathed in former glory, deposed from my throne
How do I get to tell my story
When all get's your answerphone, but you ain't home

With the love you gave, I felt like royalty
But now you're face to face, face to face
With one ex-member of the aristocracy

King without a heart, King without a hope
King without a woman, baby
Oh, I'm a King without a crown
King without a heart, King without a hope
King without a woman, baby
Oh, I'm a King without a crown
King without a heart, King without a hope
King without a woman, baby
Yes, I'm a King (King), King without a crown

There's no need to feel down
Yeah, just take a look around
You'll see a man who's just a man, nothing more
A King without a crown

08   Bad Blood (03:57)

Somehow... someway... somewhere

Bad blood - When you speak you know I'll listen
Bad blood - all your kisses now I'll miss them
Bad blood - a bulletin on in car system
Bad blood is back

There are those who complain
There are those who cope
there are those who lose all belief
There are those who still hope
There are those who can solve our problems
There are those who live life like a TV...
Life like a TV soap

Gonna bring bad blood
Bad blood - When you speak you know I'll listen
Bad blood - all your kisses now I'll miss them
Bad blood - a bulletin on in car system
Bad blood is back

There are those you should meet
There are those to avoid
There are those who act brave in defeat
There are those who feel destroyed
There are those who just mute the heartache
There are those for whom life ain't over...
Life ain't overjoyed

Gonna bring bad blood
Bad blood - When you speak you know I'll listen
Bad blood - all your kisses now I'll miss them
Bad blood - a bulletin on in car system
Bad blood is back
And bad blood breeds bad

What's good?
What's good?
What's good about goodbye?
Heartache...Heartache...Heartache...

Bad blood - When you speak you know I'll listen
Bad blood - all your kisses now I'll miss them
Bad blood - a bulletin on in car system
Bad blood is back

And bad blood breeds bad
Bad blood... bad blood...

09   Jealous Lover (03:36)

10   One Day (05:35)

11   Avenue Z (00:42)

12   Minneapolis (02:58)

Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis

Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis

Minneapolis Minneapolis Minneapolis

The sound born from the city of Minneapolis

The sound born from the city of Minneapolis



imsite

13   When Smokey Sings (The Miami mix) (07:05)

14   The Night You Murdered Love (The Whole Story) (08:15)

15   Chicago (Abridged) (03:41)

Chicago
Chicago

Chicago
Chicago

Chicago

Chicago
Chicago
Chicago
Chicago

Woohoo whohoo whoohoo
Woohoo whohoo whoohoo
Woohoo whohoo whoohoo

Woohoo whohoo whoohoo
Woohoo whohoo whoohoo

Chica-Chica Chica-Chica
Chica-Chica Chica-Chica
Chica-Chica Chi-Chi-Chicago

Woowoo whoohoo whoohoo
Woowoo whoohoo whoohoo
Woowoo whoohoo whoohoo
Woowoo whoohoo whoohoo

Chica-Chica Chica-Chica
Chica-Chica Chica-Chica
Chica-Chica Chi-Chi-Chicago

Chica-Chica Chica-Chica
Chica-Chica Chica-Chica
Chica-Chica Chi-Chi-Chicago


imsite

Carico i commenti...  con calma