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Episode 18: Erasure - Wonderland (1986) Part 1

This week's episode is timed to coincide with the brand new release from Erasure, titled World Be Gone. But rather than discussing the new album, Brian and Sarah go back 31 years, to the debut album from the synthpop duo of Vince Clarke and Andy Bell.

Part 1: Background

By 1986, Vince Clarke-- or at least his music-- is familiar to many in the UK, having had chart successes as a founding member of Depeche Mode, Yazoo, and The Assembly. Brian provides a little more information on Vince's musical history, even before the Depeche Mode days. Sarah tells us about newcomer Andy Bell and how he and Vince came to form Erasure. Then the two discuss the making of Wonderland, the singles associated with it, and the rather surprising chart positions of both the album and the singles.

Part 2: Personal History

Did either Brian or Sarah own the actual album or cassette of Wonderland back in the day? The answer may surprise you. Also, Brian provides another reason why it was a good time to discuss this album-- and it has to do with the weather!

Part 3: Track by Track

Both the US and UK versions of Wonderland contain five tracks on the first side, but the track listing is different. Brian and Sarah grew up with the US version, so they review those songs. During that conversation, we learn the hosts have differing opinions on the types of drum sounds they prefer. They both have thoughts on which songs have similarities to Yazoo songs.  They also delve into the more serious topic of sexuality in the 1980s and the different ways it was approached by artists at the time.  And finally, much to Brian's surprise, Sarah reveals she's not always that impressed with Andy Bell's vocals. But both Brian and Sarah agree on the silliness of the two videos they discuss!

Who Needs Love Like That
Reunion
Cry So Easy
Senseless
Heavenly Action



Episode 19: Erasure - Wonderland (1986) Part 2

This episode continues the discussion of Erasure's 1986 debut album, titled Wonderland. In the time since the previous episode, Brian received his copy of Erasure's latest release, World Be Gone, and he reports he's been enjoying it quite a bit so far. But then the hosts return to Wonderland.

Part 3: Track by Track, continued

At the end of the album's first side, we found Brian completely delighted and Sarah somewhat underwhelmed by what they'd heard. Do they feel the same about side two? As the hosts give their thoughts on the five tracks, they also give possible wardrobe suggestions for Andy Bell, and they once again struggle to describe various keyboard sounds. Sarah tells a story from her high school days related to one of the songs, and she later reveals the astonishing original topic for the song "Love is a Loser!"

Say What

Love Is a Loser

March on Down the Line

My Heart...So Blue

Oh L'Amour

Part 4: Extra Credit

Brian and Sarah own the US version of Wonderland, which has a different track listing than the UK release. For extra credit, they discuss the two tracks that were omitted from the US version: Push Me, Shove Me and Pistol. They talk about whether the songs should have been added to the US version, if they should have been used in place of other tracks, or if the album was better without them.

Part 5: Final Review and Rating

It's clear Wonderland holds a special place in Brian's heart. But does he like it well enough to give it a five out of five record-adapter rating? Sarah, on the other hand, has been more critical of the album, so Brian is on pins and needles waiting to hear her review and rating.