Episode 53: Erasure - The Innocents (1988) Part 1
For the next three episodes, Brian and Sarah are thrilled to welcome a very special guest to the show. Andrew Dineley is an art designer and regular contributor to Classic Pop magazine with the feature "Pop Art." He also hosts his own podcast called "Art On Your Sleeve" which talks about the design work of the albums and singles from 80s artists such as the ones discussed on this very podcast. Andrew was gracious enough to share his time, knowledge, and personal experiences in an in-depth look at Erasure's third album, "The Innocents."
Part 1 - Album History
Vince Clarke and Andy Bell finally found UK chart success with their second album, "The Circus," but Erasure's third album, "The Innocents," was the one that started their 'Imperial Phase' in the UK. It also gave them their breakthrough in America. Sarah fills us in on the release, sales, and chart information for the album, which includes a bit of a surprise in the UK chart history. Moving on, Andrew, Brian, and Sarah discuss the making of the album, and in particular, the presence of producer Stephen Hague. Andrew shares information about the art design of the album cover and the related singles, and then Brian expresses confusion as to why so few singles were released from this record. The discussion also turns to the political and social climate of the time, which most certainly influenced the lyrics Andy Bell wrote for the album. And at one point, the hosts start talking about a very strange combination of artists: AC/DC, Pink Floyd and Christopher Cross!
Part 2 - Personal History
All three of the hosts have fond memories of "The Innocents." Of course, Andrew got his copy before Brian and Sarah could get theirs, since it was released about a month earlier in the UK than in the US. But Brian was no slacker; he picked it up the week of release in the US. Sarah once again got her copy of the album from Brian, and she gives him credit for getting it to her just before the school year ended. They all cited this album as being in their "heavy rotation" during the summer of 1988. Special bonus: what was it about this album that caused Brian to spend a solid week in an ocean-front arcade that summer???
Episode 54: Erasure - The Innocents (1988) Part 2
Brian and Sarah return with Classic Pop contributor and all-around good guy Andrew Dineley to discuss side one of this classic 1988 album! This side may have fewer songs than its flip side, but it is fully packed with hit singles, so along with talk of the music, our intrepid hosts also make time to consider three music videos and three record sleeves. It's a lot to pack into one episode so forgive them if they go a bit long!
Part 3 - Track by Track
The Terrific Trio gets to gab about two huge worldwide hits with "A Little Respect" and "Chains of Love." Andrew reminds Brian and Sarah that in the UK, "Ship of Fools" was also released and did quite well on the singles chart, which causes all sorts of envy and bitterness. However, the mood is set to right by the lovely story of YouTube sensation Neil Francis - because no one can be depressed after watching him sing "A Little Respect" while waiting for the train! Let's see, then Sarah and Andrew team up against Brian because he had the audacity to say that he doesn't think "Hallowed Ground" is as catchy a tune as "Chains of Love." He backtracks on what he said just so they don't turn off his mic. Man, Sarah usually writes these episode descriptions, but she is away this weekend and I thought it would be easier than this! Oh! Did you know that one of the songs on this side of the record was released as a single over twenty years later?? We'll talk about that too so I don't want to give it away here.
Episode 55: Erasure - The Innocents (1988) Part 3
By popular demand (well, by the sincere request of her co-host), Sarah is back to provide the information on the latest episode of the Permanent Record Podcast. Brian and Sarah are once again joined by art designer, Classic Pop Magazine contributor, and 80s music aficionado Andrew Dineley to wrap up the discussion on Erasure's 1988 worldwide hit album, "The Innocents."
A Little Respect
Ship of Fools
Phantom Bride
Chains of Love
Hallowed Ground
Part 3 - Track by Track, Continued
The lack of singles and videos on Side Two of this album doesn't give our three hosts any problems in terms of discussion material. However, at least one of them does have a couple of problems with the track selection and track listing. The three do find common ground with their mutual enjoyment of The Kick Horns' contributions to the album, and they all seem to feel there was at least one more single-worthy track on this side--but is it the same song for each of them? Brian, Andrew, and Sarah cover a rather wide variety of subjects as they talk about Side Two, including waltzes, questionable rhyming, evangelists, 80s politics, Liza Minnelli, and Glen Miller! Oh, and of course lots more talk about Vince and Andy too!
Heart of Stone
Sixty-Five Thousand
Yahoo!
Imagination
Witch in the Ditch
Weight of the World
Part 4 - Extra Credit
Brian decides the presence of the special guest co-host is a good excuse to change up the format of the Extra Credit section. This episode's is now a two-part segment. For part one, do you remember two weeks ago when Andrew mentioned that he had reached out to designer Paul Khera with a few questions? Well, Mr. Khera has written back, and along with answers concerning his experience working with the band and details about his photographs, he also tells us which track was going to be the fourth single before everyone's focus turned to "Crackers International!" We have read numerous theories about this on the internet, but this is the real answer from someone who was there at Mute in 1988! And for part two, Andrew is subjected to a mini Q & A session on various Erasure subjects and then a question about someone Brian has been crushing on for years - someone who used to live in Liverpool with Andrew!
Part 5 - Final Review and Rating
Finally, after many hours of discussion, the time has come for the Thrilling Threesome to give their final reviews and ratings of "The Innocents." There has been no shortage of effusive praise during the course of the three episodes, so it's not likely that anyone will be giving this classic album a low rating. But does it get five stars from all three hosts? There's only one way to know-- listen until the very end!