Prefab Sprout is an English pop band originating in Newcastle-upon-Tyne which rose to moderate fame during the 1980s. Though critically acclaimed, and by many considered to have released some of the best pop albums of the decade, the band never broke through to the mainstream and had only moderate commercial success.

They debuted in 1982 with their self-released single "Lions in my own garden: Exit someone" - songwriter Paddy McAloon wanted a song title where the first letters of the words spelled out 'LIMOGES'. Their first album was Swoon, a collection of quirky pop songs in the same vein as "Lions...", released on the Kitchenware label.

Their sophomore album effort was the Thomas Dolby-produced Steve McQueen (released in the USA as Two wheels good when McQueen's estate expressed their displeasure with the title), often cited as the band's best album.

Personnel

Core members:

• Paddy McAloon (b. Patrick Joseph McAloon), vocals, guitars, keyboards
• Martin McAloon, bass
• Wendy Smith, backing vocals
• Neil Conti, drums

Albums

1. Swoon (1984)
2. Steve McQueen (album) (1985)
3. From Langley Park to Memphis (1988)
4. Protest songs (released in 1989, but recorded in 1985)
5. (1990)
6. (1992)
7. Andromeda heights (1997)
8. 38 Carat collection (1999, previously released material)
9. The gunman and other stories (2001)
10. I trawl the megahertz (Paddy McAloon solo project released June 2003)

External links

• Official band site (suspended since autumn of 2004)