I don’t know if you’ll all know Prefab Sprout. They are an English band, who shone brightest in the 1980s, led by singer and all-round musician Paddy McAloon. They were indie I guess, but with a touch of Steely Dan about them, and an appreciation of the history of pop music. Best known for songs like “When Love Breaks Down”, “King of Rock’n’roll” and “Cars and Girls”, which had an appreciative dig at Brice Springsteen’s staple themes. They were clearly fans.

I was listening them today, as I put together what I hope are the final touches to my music book. Prompted by listening to Blue House, whose song, “Ear to the Door”, I wrote about the other day. I chose the Greatest Hits, a compilation which deserves that epithet. They are all top quality tunes. And one song was “The Sound of Crying”. It’s from the mid-80s, but sadly its themes about a world gone mad, refugees at their wits end, are as relevant today as they were then. Especially after the week we’ve just experienced, which leaves us in a greater state of uncertainty than for a very long time.

It’s a lovely song too. I hope you enjoy.