A welcome return to the pop arena from Green Garside and friends, AKA Scritti Politti. With their sharp interviews and sharper singles, Scritti were one of the 80's most intriguing acts, with Garside gaining a cult fanbase with his continuing quest for the perfect pop song. After some time away, they have returned. Hurrah!
Awful title aside, The The Boom Boom Bap is an achingly sublime, superbly-crafted pop song. Its beat has the slightest hint of the slower end of contemporary R&B, filled out by touches of electronica and a gentle, almost lullaby-esque melody that holds until the song picks up pace (quite suddenly) in the third minute. And of course, it is all typically held together by a delectable, gorgeous vocal from Garside.
While it isn't immediate with its delights, repeated listens reveal this as a delightful record, crafted almost to perfection by one of pop's true pioneers. Now do yourself a favour: run down to HMV or alternate stockist of musical recordings, ask for a copy of Cupid And Psyche, and cry and stamp your feet until you get it.