Pacific Street Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing. The Pale Fountains were formed in Liverpool in 1980 by Mick (as he was then known) Head with Chris McCaffery on bass, Thomas Whelan on drums, trumpeter Andy Diagram, and guitarist Ken Moss. Signing with Virgin in late 1982, this was the first time the music world became aware of the work of singer-songwriter Michael Head. At the time of its release in February 1984, Head described Pacific Street as “like a greatest hits LP, except we haven’t had any hits!” It not only showcases the ambition of 80s pop in general but also the unique singularity of the Liverpool scene, which seemed to infuse love and influences from Arthur Lee’s Love into everything recorded. The album reflects a shift away from the post-punk and funk of the early years of the decade, aiming for a mellower, bossa-nova influenced pop sound. It is puzzling how tracks such as “Unless” and “(Don’t Let Your Love) Start A War” were not big hits and are not considered standards. Nearly four decades later, Michael Head is adored by his hardcore following, and the wider world continues to discover him with each new release achieving widespread acclaim, whether with his subsequent band, Shack, or his current outfit, the Red Elastic Band. The Pale Fountains mark the beginning of his musical journey.
