Au Pairs – Sense And Sensuality (1982)

On their second album, the Au Pairs were very much in tune with the growth pangs of the punk/new wave scene as a whole in the early '80s. In stripping their music to a funkier, more rhythmic essence, and shifting the focus of their lyrics to the personal rather than the political, they lost some of the direct impact (and critical acclaim) of their debut. Musically, however, things were actually more interesting. The addition of horns and imaginative synthesizers allowed for more satisfying sonic diversity. 

The words were still confrontational, but more obscure in their intent. Although occasionally political (as in the blunt anti-Reagan screed "America"), they were far more concerned with questioning sex/relationship roles (as in "Sex Without Stress," "Intact," and "Instant Touch"). The record didn't get as much attention as their first LP, but it's just as much a touchstone of post-punk.


Tracklist:

1 Instant Touch 2:43
2 America 5:27
3 Sex Without Stress 4:15
4 Intact 3:04
5 Stepping Out Of Line 5:34
6 Shakedown 4:04
7 Don't Lie Back 4:31
8 (That's When) It's Worth It 3:36
9 Tongue In Cheek 2:50
10 Fiasco 3:29
11 She Runs With Honey 6:22
12 No More Secret Lives 5:16
13 Beat Of A Machine 3:42
14 Lion Love 4:17
15 Hokka He Ha 5:33
16 Taking Care Of Him 5:15

1 to 10 are the original album tracks recorded between April - June 1982 at Jacobs Studio.
Additional tracks written for the third Au Pairs album:
11 to 14 performed at a Janice Long Show, 1983, licensed from BBC Enterprises Ltd.
15 and 16 are studio demos.
New sleeve and running order of the tracks on demand of the Au Pairs.

Au Pairs – Sense And Sensuality (1982)

(320 kbps, cover art included)