Fashion Music – Product Perfect [vinyl]

Modern Harmonic MH-8238 (coloured vinyl)

Released in 1979, with a band name punctuated as if it were a heavy metal outfit but a sound that exhibits ‘rude boy’ rhythms, punk edge and the synthetic feel of the New Romantics, the debut from Fàshiön Music (later just Fashion) was an eclectic oddity. The inability to force it into a niche is what makes it irresistible to art-school types, or those who want a bit of rough while ensuring that their Loro Piana cashmeres don’t pill. Pretence aside, the music is engaging, filled with pop hooks and continually-disconcerting touches like vocals which could have been lifted from the Buzzcocks. I don’t know if he heard this, but Andy Warhol would have loved it.