This came up on this weeks Bigmouth Podcast (former Word writer Andrew Harrison’s current ‘vehicle’ – like and subscribe if you haven’t already). I vaguely recall this record coming out at the time and some excitable reviews in the press but I ignored it – to be fair in 1991 the last thing I wanted to hear was a collaboration between a BMX Champion/Model and a former member of Brother Beyond (I wanted to hear Primal Scream, The Orb and Spacemen 3). It tanked at the time and this record is long out of print and has never been re-released, it’s not on Spotify or iTunes. It is that most unusual thing of our time – a genuinely lost record. Someone has uploaded bits of it to YouTube and flipping heck it’s really good – immaculate, elegant Blue Nile/Prefab Sprout/Japan style 80s pop with a dash of Steely Dan. I’ve tracked down a CD from 1991 on Discogs for a reasonable price. I wonder why it’s never been reissued especially when Eg White has gone on to write billions of hit records including tunes for Will Young, Adele, Kylie etc and this offbeat, 80s hinterland music is all the rage with younger groups like Wild Nothing and Everything Everything.
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Paul Wad says
One of my favourite albums, and Indian is one of my very favourite songs. I’ve lost count of the number of people I’ve recommended it to or done copies for, but I don’t recall anybody coming back and telling me they like it, so I can only presume they didn’t listen to it. Their loss!
Gatz says
I remember the press excitement at the time a the subsequent lack of sales being put down to the unappealing name.
The Good Doctor says
Maybe they should have called themselves ‘Eg Friday’ (in-joke for former Word readers there).
I think they were just square pegs. I don’t think Eg’s Boy Band history with ‘ver ‘Yond did his street cred any favours, image-wise they’re an odd pairing as well – sensitive, be-suited songwriter type and Boy George’s androgynous pal. Maybe too poptastic for ‘Q’ Readers and too sophisticated for Pop-crazed youngsters. Prefab and Pet Shop Boys had the monopoly on wistful, articulate pop anyway in 1991 otherwise it was all Grunge, Guns and Roses, Indie-Dance and Crusty Rave music so they probably got lost amid all that excitement. They were certainly lost on me at the time
nickduvet says
Hello chums, I’ve not visited for a while, but popped in today to see this thread.
Eg & Alice is a wonderful record that deserved much more recognition. I first heard it on Bob Harris’s late night Radio 1 show in 1991. I bought it on cassette and subsequently on CD. Q Magazine said “the curious compounds Prefab Prince, Steely Wonder and Sly Sprout have already adhered themselves to Eg White and Alice Temple…”
The legend is that the album was put together in Eg’s kitchen, which is hard to believe given the lush but live nature of much of the album. “There’s quite a bit of Prince in there,” admits Eg. “And Joni,” said Alice.
I think Eg was bound to have found success one way or another; he’s such a great songwriter. I bought the follow-up album (sans Alice) called Turn Me On I’m a Rocket Man, which also has its moments, though it’s not as varied as this. I am perhaps the only person who voted for it in the AW top 500.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Recipients of one of my previous Afterword swap CDs will be familiar with the gloriousness of the album.
Kid Dynamite says
Exactly what I was going to say. That was a cracking track alright.
Lemonhope says
Lovely record. ‘Rockets’ Almost made it onto my ‘Space’ themed CD swap.
[If anyone would like a copy [of 24 years of hunger – not my space cd…] dm me.
Eg also had a second solo record ‘Adventure Man’ which had it’s moments. That one is on Spotify.
Also on Spotify [and other platforms] is the Sodajerker podcast with Eg White. It’s a very interesting listen. Here is the accompanying playlist link.
Lando Cakes says
I like it. Swipe o’ It’s Immaterial there too, which is no bad thing..
Carl says
Talking of The Itsies, the continuing delays on the release of House For Sale is disconcerting.
Freddy Steady says
@carl
It bloomin well is. I’ve pledged my £18 for a compact disc and keep getting emails best described as work in progress. Only been 25 years or so!
Lando Cakes says
I’m pretty relaxed about it. The updates at least show evidence that they’re working on it and taking it seriously. I sprang for the playback in Liverpool – date tab – but it’s unlikely I’ll be able to go, unfortunately.