Was it rage or regret...or the two?

A couple of days I posted about the experience of hearing "Smalltown Boy" at the supermarket. Hearing Danny Wilson's "Mary's Prayer" (in a shoe store) over the Christmas holidays inspired this essay on sophisti-pop, in which I ruminate on the sons and godsons of Bryan Ferry. This handy guide (co-penned with Thomas) tells you what you need to own, although frankly you won't need it: "Shattered Dreams" is playing at a CVS Pharmacy near you.