The Pale Fountains stylishly delivered hopeful romanticism and pop classicism from Liverpool in the '80s. Their first single, “(There's Always) Something On My Mind”, echoed Burt Bacharach not just in that title but in the bossa nova beat, slinky pop feel and creamy backing vocals. Twinkling strings and parping woodwinds festoon the lovely “Thank You”, while “Jean's Not Happening” matches a bruised heart with gently tugging orchestration, sharing DNA with Lloyd Cole and Belle and Sebastian. Leader Michael Head later got lippier with Shack, using more forceful vocals on chiming gems such as “Comedy” and “Natalie's Party”.