I Own That CD! - Fairground Attraction

Come back in time with me to 1988 - when a London-based folk-rock band released their debut album. They would blend folk, jazz, country and even Cajun elements. Lead guitarist and main songwriter Mark Nevin (who later played with Morrissey and Kirsty McColl) found his muse in former busker and background singer for Gang of Four, Eddi Reader. They formed in 1987 with RCA Records signing them, and on the strength of their debut single “Perfect”, released The First of a Million Kisses in May of 1988. It’s today’s feature on I Own That CD!

Let’s start with one of the catchiest songs of the 1980s. “Perfect” is a jazzy, up-beat number that allows Reader’s voice to soar. I’d equate it to “There She Goes” or “Lovefool” by The Cardigans as an irresistible song that charted well and lived way beyond the year it was released. It’s a love song at its purest, longing for love without silly games. It’s also a sing-along that will have you swinging and swirling in the kitchen.

“Moon on the Rain” is a waltzing folk song with a beautiful duet of acoustic guitar and accordion. It’s the kind of song that Reader could have been singing while busking on the streets of London. It crescendos gorgeously from a whisper with Reader’s voice matching the instruments.

What has always struck me about Kisses is the storytelling with each song having a clear beginning, middle and end. What is also striking is that Reader is basically the only vocals you’ll hear. That’s a bold choice for a band, but her voice is so strong, it carries the songs on every word.

Incorporating a bit of Latin influence, “Find My Love” was the second single released. It’s a playful song that’s perfect for a glass of wine while watching fireflies. “Fairground Attraction” is the one song that strays from the other tracks. It reminds me of an odd carnival full of wonder. Reader plays the part of barker. It’s eerie and pretty cool.

This criminally underrated album went on to win the award for British Album of the Year at the 1989 Brit Awards (beating out artists like Aztec Camera and Pet Shop Boys), but alas, the band fizzled in the years to come. Reader went on to a successful solo career (I highly recommend her second album Eddi Reader) and despite some tries at reunions, the band never achieved the success they had from their debut. So take a listen on your favorite streaming service or if you’d like, you can borrow my CD.