Yazoo! If any band has aged with dignity while still clearly picturing the retro-feel glory of gone days, it is the legendary constellation of former Depeche Mode-cofounder Vince Clarke and electropop’s first and last diva Allison Moyet. Never ever since they released their second and last album You And Me Both have electropop sounded so clear and natural yet playful and mind-twisting. Ever since I picked up that confusing cover (Two dalmatians fighting in snow? Brilliant!) of said album in my dad’s vinyl collection I’ve been going mad over the duo that in the US was known as simply Yaz but elsewhere as Yazoo.
I’m still searching for that perfect cover of the simplistically beautiful Only You, but have only found half-hearted attempts to wake up that slumbering beauty of a melody. When will someone restore it as one of pop’s very catchiest, heart-felt and universally known melodies and lyrics? Who can challenge Moyet’s fantastic bluesy voice?
I’m still waiting for Walk Away From Love to be recognized as the genius pop gem it really is. If you ask me, it should undeniably be placed in electropop’s hall of fame. The idea of Moyet playing both parts in a couple fighting over a danceable beat and one of the most darling happy/cute synth melodies, next to Just Can’t Get Enough, is fantastic! Every second is just bliss!
So go grab Upstairs At Eric’s and You And Me Both or the stellar box set In Your Room, they are two brilliant albums and a must for any kiddo who needs to learn the background and basics of today’s electronic popular music.
NICE EXAMPLE OF CONTEMPORARY HEIRS BONUS: