Steve McQueen

STEVE McQUEEN (released in the U.S. as TWO WHEELS GOOD) is the crowning achievement for U.K. pop visionaries Prefab Sprout, their second full-length album. It combines acoustic strum-and-jangle balladry with blue-eyed soul, bossa nova, and pristine pop approach to create a lush sonic landscape. The unique stylistic paradigm sported a shimmer and sheen on par with the most ambitious work of '70s popsters like 10cc and Steely Dan, but the lyrical/conceptual sensibility is strongly informed by the alt-rock era in which the band emerged. Produced by synth-pop pioneer Thomas Dolby, STEVE McQUEEN perfectly merges Prefab Sprout's organic roots with a gently glowing layer of tasteful electronic gilding.