Oh, Manchester, So Much To Answer For

paddy mcaloon is one of the finest songwriters of the last two decades (plus he has a really great name). if you're somehow unbelieving, pick up a copy of prefab sprout: the collection, which holds 38 tracks, all of which were written by mcaloon, alone. there are two definitions of perfect pop: stuff like "i'm too sexy," and stuff like the smiths. prefab sprout split the difference with aplomb and loveliness. "cars and girls" alone should earn paddy some sort of pulitzer or nobel prize. this is one of those rarities, a perfect hits collection, which means it contains everything you need, and nothing you don't (like bowie's the singles: 1967-1993, or the new aerosmith comp) (and yes, I know I already used that phrase regarding the 'smith. don't email to tell me so).