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Orla's avatar

The amazing Prefab Sprout/Paddy McAloon album snuck out under the radar a good few years ago, but I missed it until just before the pandemic.

Agree also with Ken about PSB - they are always a treat to see live.

A few other suggestions for spoken word songs: " What It Is" and "Jacket Hangs" by the Blue Aeroplanes , "The Copper Top" by Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat, and "Taxi" by Arborist.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

I have the CD single of 'Jacket Hangs' and STILL I didn't think of it! Excellent suggestion. I shall go in search of the others...thank you

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Ken Noakes's avatar

I totally empathise with your wormholery, Mark. When that eyebrow moment happens, it's pretty hard to resist and is one reason why I have enjoyed Spotify from the very beginning. That ability to let go and follow the swirling currents of music from across the globe has procured many a musical treasure.

Spoken word songs are interesting. They have a special way of drawing you in. Demanding your attention rather than being background entertainment. Did you find any more of note?

I've already saved the Prefab Sprout album and wonder if, by way of returning the favour, you have come across 'Public Service Broadcasting'?

If you haven't, 'The Race For Space' is a good place to start. Think OMD sampling but ramped up to another level entirely. It's a different take on the spoken word theme but, with JFK setting the tone, I think that you'll enjoy the journey.

Their latest album is a little off-track but follows their own wormhole with an electronic trip to Berlin.

Have a good one!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

I included the spoken word songs I love that came to mind, but I did exclude anything even bordering on rap - eg The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, Mork n Mindy - as I wanted to keep it pure 'talking'...there will be more but my sluggish brain hasn't brought them to the front of itself yet. I do know and like PSB - a friend saw them a few years ago and said they were amazing live - and you have reminded me to play them after not for too long, so thank you. Hope you have a great one too

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Andrea Norrington's avatar

Fabulous playlist - that Cassandra Jenkins track is sublime and perfect for my slow start to a Friday morning. Thank you so for compiling and sharing.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Hi Andrea, thank you - really pleased you like it. Something about spoken word songs draws part of my brain in that others don’t

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Andrea Norrington's avatar

Reminds me of a comment a friend said last week that Radio 4 always sounds better when it plays in the room next to you!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

YES!

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Dan Masoliver's avatar

Talky songs - an interesting style! As soon as I read that, Kae Tempest came to mind, and also The Streets. Look forward to perusing lots of unfamiliar songs on your playlist.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Both might’ve made it…though I guess I unconsciously excluded anything either with rapping or almost so like The Streets and Sleaford Mods who I also love

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Maggie's avatar

Spooky! It is weird though, how once something new catches your attention it proceeds to pop up all over the place - and then suddenly it's gone again, to be replaced by something else. The wonderful brain!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Isn't it. It's so often the case

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