ABC Packs a Punch

The Lexicon of Love played in its entirety with a full orchestra packed with plenty off brass led by original singer Martin Fry and conductor Anne Dudley who was instrumental in the album’s production in 1982. Anne went on to be key creator of the Art of Noise.

ABC is consummate kitsch with multiple rhyming couplets and sumptuously over the top lyrics. Amazingly good still after 40 years – of course lifted up and beyond by a heavy dose of Trevor Horn stardust.

All was delivered with marvellous showmanship and aplomb to a full house at the Palladium. It was very much a Mr Fry show: he still has a voice, can develop the phrase and has superb vocal projection.

First half was OK but a little lack lustre, old ABC numbers but nothing from the Beauty Stab album which was disappointing. This was the follow up album and was critically panned but had a couple of lesser hits – That Was Then This Is Now and SOS and I think the album was worthy of better press – it holds up well as a seminal piece from the Romantic new wave era. Unzip is still a favourite!

ACT 1
Overture
When Smokey Sings
Viva Love
Play Video
The Night You Murdered Love
The Love Inside the Love
The Flames of Desire
Never Get to be the King
(How to Be a) Millionaire
Ten Below Zero
King Without a Crown
Ocean Blue
Be Near Me

ACT 2 The Lexicon Of Love

Show Me
Poison Arrow
Many Happy Returns
Tears Are Not Enough
Valentine’s Day
The Look of Love (Part One)
Date Stamp
4 Ever 2 Gether
All of My Heart

ENCORE

The Look of Love (Part Four)
The Look of Love (Part One)

London Palladium Sunday 9th November
Fawkes & S

Posted by: Fawkes