That Was The Future

 

Heaven 17 - Penthouse And Pavement [V2208 UK 1981 24-Bit 176.4kHz FLAC]

I guess it just had to be this lot next.....

I very much doubt anybody needs a history lesson about Heaven 17 and all that went before, it has been well documented elsewhere (and my blogs) before, however I do believe this abum deserved a brand new rip and a short appraisal.

Topically, Heaven 17 were banned by the beeb for their political slant on the opening single, (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang, which did little to help sales or any of the other singles from this album. It would be another year or so before they actually had a hit single. This album did chart and has achieved gold status - it is easily their best work.

Originally planned as a spin-off from Marsh & Ware's British Electric Foundation, Heaven 17 would eventually become one of the biggest selling singles bands in 1983. The duo had also spent time helping Tina Turner's career get a restart, but it was their association with Glen Gregory which eventually delivered commercial success. Before all the polish of The Luxury Gap, Penthouse And Pavement holds  the same raw edges as those early BEF releases, but it is pushed beyond simplicity by the wonderful bass work of John Wilson.

This record is soulful & funky, edgy & sophisticated, its arrangements are both complex & simple, consequently Penthouse And Pavement easily stands out as one of the finest moments in British synthpop.

A1 (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang

A2 Penthouse And Pavement

A3 Play To Win

A4 Soul Warfare

B1 Geisha Boys And Temple Girls

B2 Let's All Make A Bomb

B3 The Height Of The Fighting

B4 Song With No Name

B5 We're Going To Live For A Very Long Time