'90s musical redux

 We may have first heard of these artists back in the ’80s or ’90s, but these new releases are testimony to the timelessness of their music.

Kylie Minogue’s electronica pop has never sounded brighter and effervescent; while the band I grew up to back in the ’80s, Prefab Sprout, checks in with a previously unreleased CD that highlights the best... and worst...of this band.

Kylie Minogue — Aphrodite. After a turbulent last decade, this is the CD that effectively solidifies the notion that Kylie — the ultimate pin-up for most pop music fans of the ’90s — is truly back in form. The key to this CD is its consistency. All the Lovers, the first single, has already become an instant dance floor anthem, but it’s gratifying to hear how many of the other tracks have been meticulously produced and carry the same shine and shimmer. Calvin Harris, Australian NERVO (has worked with David Guetta), and Nerina Pallot are among the noted collaborators in this album. Pop gems and potential club faves dot the CD, and I’d wager that tracks like Get Outta My Way and Better Than Today will gain as much favor as Lovers.

Prefab Sprout — Let’s Change the World with Music. All throughout the ’80s and early ’90s, Prefab Sprout was one of my fave bands. More popular in the UK and Europe, and hardly making a dent in the US, Prefab was one of those bands you unloaded on unsuspecting friends, to turn them into converts! Lush, orchestral, with choruses and hooks that teetered precariously into being outright romantic, Prefab was there before the likes of Owl City and Sweden’s The Radio Dept. This CD is actually one of those “lost” albums (like Brian Wilson’s Smile). Chronologically, would have been between Jordan and Andromeda Heights, recorded in 1993. Let There Be Music, Ride and Music Is a Princess are the stellar tracks, and while the second half flags, this is still vintage Prefab!