Scritti Politti 'Absolute' (Virgin, 1984)

This record is just sublime. From the harmonies, the layers of sound, the pristine yet soulful feeling. The way the tune slides into the bridge ("Absolute a principle, to make your heart invincible...") is incredible, subtle but wrong-footing nonetheless.

As records made in the 1980s go I wouldn't say it's over-produced (that would suggest they had somehow got it wrong) but it is absolutely, resolutely uber-produced. It is polished and tweaked and tuned and super-charged. Each component part has been honed with care and has its own place in the delicate, silky balance of the track. And if you listen to this "enthusiastic" fan cover, it's clear Absolute is a song, not just a production.

It's like Smokey Robinson produced by Trevor Horn. Beautiful.



Bibbly-O-Tek Scritti fan site