Swing Out Sister - Breakout (Mercury)

Swing, hard funk and be-bop are the order of the day for SOS, a band who like Curiosity Killed The Cat, seem destined to spend their career in a fantasy world of glossy black and white photographs and high class posters. Signed in the afterglow of that rush of blood that accompanied the much vaunted new jazz era, Swing Out Sister will only convince me when they sweat themselves out of a trend and into a real trance. 2/5 (Max Bell, No 1, October 18, 1986)

I'll confess that I'd expected some routine jazz exercise from the Soho/St Martins clique, but I must stand corrected. It's breezy, buoyant, and it's tasteful; this is indeed a good record. (Stuart Bailie, Record Mirror, October 18, 1986)

Fruits Of Passion - Everything (I Ever Wanted) (Siren)

Second time out for this snappy little tune by those swinging Scots, whose vocalist Sharon certainly knows how to belt out those songs with some feeling. Passionate vocals and a light, breezy, summery sound of twinkling guitars make this a catchy single that shows definite signs of promise. 3/5 (Anna Martin, No 1, August 23, 1986)

A re-recorded version of the bond's first single, it shows the Fruits have mastered the mechanics of good pop music. Sharon Dunleavy has a magnificent, belting voice, but it's only now that she's learning to bring out the more subtle shades. They deserve some success with this. (Stuart Bailie, Record Mirror, August 23, 1986)

Foster Pilkington - Listening Land (Arista)

A name to watch, and what a ridiculous name it is too (look who's talking - Ed).
Pilkington, real name Zodiac Lovethrust, is obviously a student of The Housemartins' school of songwriting, featuring a natty line in obscure lyrics and presenting an instantly forgettable end product.
As you'll gather, he's hardly my cup of tea, but somebody out there must like him. 1/5 (Dave Ling, No 1, July 26, 1986)

Poor old Foster, the thinking man's Jilted John. His neurotic live shows make your toes curl with embarrassment, and his constant whinging has all the force of a South African reform bill. This heathen music business is not for you, my man. Stamp collecting would be a much more appropriate vocation. (Stuart Bailie, Record Mirror, July 19, 1986)

Robert Palmer - I Didn't Mean To Turn You On (Island)

Old Bob attempts a cover version of an old song by soul songbird Cherrelle and this is much better than the original.
Bob is having trouble with one of his 'chicks' in this ditty. He just can't get rid of her. 'Hey babe, I didn't mean to turn you on' (what a lad, eh?) he croons over a staccato funk guitar rhythm.
Yes, a funky little number all round and oh, the video to this is exactly the same as the last one. 4/5 (Andrew Panos, No 1, July 19, 1986)

Ah yes, the man who does those sensitive, esoteric videos. Regular Palmer stuff here; clever  clever rhythms, laid-back singing and all that business. You know what I mean, don't you? (Stuart Bailie, Record Mirror, July 19, 1986)