Cupid & Psyche 85

About

Cupid & Psyche 85 is the second studio album by the British pop band Scritti Politti, released in June 1985 by Virgin Records in the UK and Warner Bro. Records in the US. The album marks a radical departure from the raw, post-punk and reggae-influenced sounds of their debut, Songs to Remember, signaling a shift toward a highly polished, technologically advanced synth-pop and sophisti-pop aesthetic. Led by singer-songwriter Green Gartside, the album was crafted alongside keyboardist David Gamson and drummer Fred Maher. The production is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and extensive use of state-of-the-art digital technology of the era, including the Fairlight CMI and the Synclavier. This "glossy" sound was further refined by legendary producer Arif Mardin, who produced three of the album's track. The result was a record that deconstructed pop music while simultaneously embracing its commercial appeal. Upon release, the album was a critical and commercial triumph. It spawned several hit single, including "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)," "Absolute," "The Word Girl," and "Perfect Way." The latter became the band's biggest hit in the United State, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album's sophisticated harmonic structures caught the ear of jazz legend Miles Davi, who notably covered "Perfect Way" on his 1986 album, Tutu. .

via Last.fm

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