ABC "The Lexicon Of Love" 1982***

Last time I was at Zoetermeer's Boerderij for a concert, I was surprised by a (very stylish indeed) poster advertising a concert by ABC on the 9th of December. "Whoever knew those guys still existed?" I thought. Well, not only they do, but they have a new album out, the very well-received "Lexicon Of Love II", sequel to their 1982 classic (guessed the title?) "the Lexicon Of Love".

Which reminded me I already own this on CD, and made me take it out for a re-appraisal. I had only bought it because it is an artifact of the 80's that invariably shows up on all-time best albums lists. I guess people just want to be thorough by including some synth pop - it was a very popular genre at the time. Well, they could have done much worse than this. "The Lexicon Of Love" certainly is a sleek affair: it even opens with some lush strings ("Show Me") and the singer often sounds like Brian Ferry - it doesn't get any classier than him! Mix that cool with some drama a la Marc Almond, rich orchestrations and funky Chic basslines, and you've got a winner! I'd add the theatrical album cover and smart lyrics to the album's virtues. My only objection is this: based on the beats, this is basically a disco album, no? Shouldn't it sound jovial and celebratory? Who would want to dance to a tune called "Tears Are Not Enough", no matter how danceable the beat is?  The two disco singles "Poison Arrow," and "The Look of Love" were the album's hits, but my favourites from this album are the ones reminding me of Brian Ferry ("Show Me", "Many Happy Returns" and the ballad "All Of My Heart") or Marc Almond ("Valentine's Day"). The album closes with a short orchestral number called "The Look of Love (Part 4)", while the rest is a peculiarly English take on dance music (a precursor to Pet Shop Boys?), which isn't really my thing. If it sounds good to you, or if you're a retro-80's fan, you should check out ABC live, while you still can...

*** for Show Me, Poison Arrow, Many Happy Returns, Valentine's Day, The Look Of Love (Part One), All Of My Heart, The Look Of Love (Part Four)

** for Tears Are Not Enough, Date Stamp,  4 Ever 2 Gether