The Best Jewel Thief in the World - Prefab Sprout.

From the forthcoming album Crimson/Red, released 7th October 2013. Visit www.prefabsproutalbum.com or follow @prefabsproutnew

[@TomWardleMusic]

The fact that someone knew the official video was crap and then went and had the genius idea to cut this so tastefully and perfectly makes me very happy indeed. This is just wonderful. Watch your legend grow!

[@TheJonathanNewton]

NOBODY writes songs like Paddy McAloon. He's a genius, period. As for the video - I honestly thought it was the official one since it was so perfect; let's just say it IS the official one, it is absolutely brilliant!

[@nitedreamer23]

I'm near tears watching this. Honestly. It's so good to have Paddy back. A bit of light in these darkest of times. God bless you, Paddy.

[@HippoYnYGlaw]

He knows. ThomasDolby does too.

[@scottwelch987]

Good songwriting is a craft. Some songs sell one million copies and belong in Wal*Mart. Some songs sell 10,000 copies and belong in the Louvre. With this in mind...

[@SuzLa1]

Shows how dumbed down people are. They spend money on whatever promoters force in their face. Does anybody even remember the Mikey Cyrus song that was hard to avoid not long ago, where she was naked in video? Like those Beckhams too. She suddenly decided to be fashion designer for attn despite never spending day working or studying industry, and now selling their ugly kids into celeb industry.

[@philipshaw9485]

hear hear

[@neilcarlson661]

Be a Catholic boy & Let It Go ! X

[@tednorton5150]

Totally agree

[@bernardbaker6803]

this song is too bland - even for Walmart!!

[@sechannell]

One of the best songs of the past 10 years

[@derekchisler7096]

Oh my goodness....... I hear this and suddenly I'm whisked back to 1985, as a teenager listening to Steve McQueen on my tinny little stereo. What a wonderful return to form - right up there with the very best songs the Sprout have ever done. Paddy McAloon - you are a National Treasure.

[@markcopeland4448]

Paddy is a pop master. He made us wait so long and then releases something this brilliant. We want more, Paddy. This American wishes he could have seen them live at least once.

[@colinoreilly7292]

I had the chance....one chance....my 30th birthday in Dublin....the wife had a bad back and I missed it...had to give my tickets away. biggest regret of my life.

[@WDH59510]

I had that privilege (Ghent, Belgium, 1990) and even met Paddy and the Sprouts after the show !

[@claudirpereiracunha1867]

🇧🇷Verdade inclusive aqui no Brasil nunca vieram, gostaria muito de ter visto o show deles ao vivo,Paddy é um gênio 🇧🇷

[@raphaelcharroux8798]

Masterpiece by one of the best songwriter ever

[@bernardbaker6803]

come off it!

[@jackiehankin3170]

He's the best songwriter in the world

[@tidmouthshed]

On holiday in oludinez in southern Turkey. On the beach listening to "The best jewel thief in the world" over and over again while watching out to sea. This is so fucking awesome.

[@nitedreamer23]

Released one year ago today. Thanks for your gift(s) to the world, Paddy. We are all blessed by your contributions.

[@richardphillips6392]

Hear, hear.

[@jeffthepoet7]

Watch Paddy's legend grow. He's the best jewel thief in the world.

[@drzazgi666]

I find Prefab Sprout to sound best between 2 and 4 a.m, preferably weekends.

[@eamonnquigley2125]

oh yes and there bsides are just brilliant as well. in fact if there was a cd off b sides from prefab sprout wouldnt that be something

[@manushareghi4462]

Bang on.

[@paultompkins9373]

can't stop listening to this.

[@thegooch7812]

Brilliant synchronisation - fabulous new Prefab Sprout (Paddy McAloon) song and a classic Hitchcock movie, well done. And what a surprise - a new album from a song-writing maestro! Hope the new album does well, can't stop playing the title song . .

[@TheShotterfan]

Superb song, with a bit of a sad undertone in it. A song that brings me back to the good old days. One of P.S.'s best!

[@keithachrist]

Masked and dressed in black You scramble over rooftops Carrying a bag - bag marked swag You're the best jewel thief in the world Vigilance is lax Security complacent Adjacent to the gem, a diadem of pearl Is the best jewel thief in the world Watch your legend grow The rooftops are for dreamers You strike and then return Lucerne-Heathrow The best jewel thief in the world Down below, down below What do any of those losers know? Down below, down below What do any of those assholes know? Even so, even so, Be a Buddhist boy and let it go Even so, even so, Be a Catholic boy and let it go You're the best jewel thief in the world Sirens moan and drone and groan But Interpol can't catch you The cameras always show a screen of snow Ergo, you're the best jewel thief in the world Down below, down below What do any of those losers know? Down below, down below What do any of those assholes know? Even so, even so, Be a Buddhist boy and let it go Even so, even so, Be a Catholic boy and let it go You're the best jewel thief in the world Nimble as a cat They hope your luck deserts you They're sharpening their knives, but you've nine lives You're the best jewel thief in the world Watch your legend grow Watch your legend grow Watch your legend grow You're the best jewel thief in the world Source: Musixmatch ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lucpiuze]

Thanks a lot from a French Canadian , Montréal

[@bjartenerland7319]

Well, this made me smile for four minutes straight! Excellent video editing! And the song, of course, is a gem.

[@tommycoopersmagiccarpetwea817]

This has got nothing to do with summer, but this is perfect summer daze driving music.(probably 'cos of watching this video so many times) Another Paddy classic!

[@ranjitb68]

Agreed ...I remember driving through France during a glorious Summer in the 90s and listening to cars and girls pure bliss

[@RoofLight00]

Is this fella for real? I mean, how can someone be such a genius songsmith? And more to the point, why the bloody hell isn't his music available on NHS prescription.....

[@markdawson-smith1950]

An(other) unexpected gem from Paddy and Prefab Sprout.

[@esberto11]

Long life Paddy & Prefab....mmm marvelous, very good song for great album....comeback Paddy the magician songwriter.....🤗🤗🤗

[@DavidCKendall]

excellent! well done,prefab fan. 'Jordan: The Comeback' changed my life and my heart's destiny forever and for the better. I stand by that statement. There's an album worth exploring at length.

[@wrincht1]

Agreed! Jordan was one of my favourite albums of last century! Paddy is a profound exponent of the spirit of our time.

[@terrynoonan6616]

Ted Wrinch yep.......'.all those nights ive drempt of you,i wonder where they've gone.....'

[@garyfowkes8794]

JTC a brilliant masterpiece

[@eamonnquigley2125]

yes i love jordan the comeback so much i think paddy mc aloon himself said if he never made a other album he was proud of the work he done on jordan voted the best album 1990 by the music press

[@eamonnkeogh]

Ohh, this is so good. I have listened to it a dozen times in the last two days, it never stales. Watch your legend grow indeed. Thank you Paddy!

[@basemann42]

This is better then the ' Official' video. Very well done!

[@lucpiuze]

April 2024 i just discover that Gem . Brillant as a Diamond . Amazing Paddy play all instruments and produced it , 2013 . Still a superd nice🎤🎵 voice , Acoustic Guitars🎸🎸🎵 are greats (👂12 strings ? ) ànd the video with a bit better sound🎵🎸🎼🎶 then others match the story. I am big fans since 1985 , Steve McQueen Album. Long life to you and your musics Mr. Paddy 🎶🎼😍🎼🎶

[@Schlatman]

Great song from an even better album. Great stuff! Get yourself Crimson/Red. It's Beautiful. A winner.

[@ste52s]

Now that really is one hell of a good song. So vibrant and exciting he sounds like he's enjoying himself again.

[@karinsophie1238]

Love this song and love that film ! And what a great combination you have made - thank you !!!

[@sonidosanto]

Better than the official video. Clap clap clap...

[@carlosgomes9168]

It's always wonderful to see Paddy working again. Prefab Sprout, and Paddy McAloon, changed and accompanied my life since I was a kid, I'm very happy to see them (him) return with a new álbum. "From Langley Park to Memphis","Jordan: the Comeback" and "Andromeda Heights" will always be fond memories for me. About "Crimson/Red", it's nice to hear that Prefab sweetness that we are used to, but for me the best theme is this one, "The Best Jewel Thief in the World". It definitely sounds like a Prefab song, simple yet very pleasurable to listen and memorize, and it's so nice to hear harmonica again after "Nightingales" when Stevie Wonder played it. About the videoclip, this one is miles away from the official one. Nice job using footage from Hitchcock's "To Catch a Thief", well done!

[@robs639]

Brilliant and original. The footage couldn't be more perfect; I'm sure Hitchcock would approve.

[@paulfunk1530]

Perfect clip for a perfect song. Thanks.

[@robs639]

Totally agree.

[@Roccovr666]

Absolutely fantastic video. So we'll put together. Nearly as good as the song!!

[@SHADOW-rw8cb]

What a song!!!..a masterpiece! Paddy is a genious!

[@jeffk9379]

Perfect! My ears thank you so much, Paddy. I feel happy and free when I am listening to your music. Thank you for posting.

[@robertjohnson1602]

What a discovery! it's 10 years old and I never heard this before! I liked cars and girls from PS in 1988. Sounds like ABC but not as brassy and has a smooth UK late 60's feel to it.

[@arnaudgibersztajn5614]

They have been brilliant for 30 years.

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Arnaud Gibersztajn 👍👍👍👍👍

[@mismis150]

As someone who regularly travels between Lucerne and Heathrow I can confirm that he is indeed the best jewel thief in the world. Resplendent in acres of white hair and beardage, dark glasses and a Scottish accent he's not too difficult to spot. Great song.

[@SpikeWorsley]

North East of England, not Scottish ;) Great songsmith he is too.

[@stevefm]

Spike Worsley A Scots accent is all part of the disguise no doubt.

[@bernardbaker6803]

.......and Mcaloon extremely spineless for a Geordie..............

[@richardfurness7556]

The man's a genius. This is extended imagery at its finest. Consider my cap doffed.

[@scottseguin24]

This is an excellent movie

[@wotizit2937]

I❤💛💚this fine song.

[@laurentvilletelle150]

"Red" dingue des sprouts depuis 25 ans !! Même si on ne retrouve pas la musique des années 80, quelle joie de retrouver Paddy !

[@FitGurl702]

One of the few bands where I literally love every song they do. Great video...nimble as a cat!

[@Paulo2011noRio]

Genuine Prefab Sprout gem. Love this guy forever

[@spurs19571]

Prefab Sprout = PURE CLASS

[@tonyhume100]

revel in these fantastic lyrics; masked and dressed in black, you scramble over rooftops carrying a bag - a bag marked swag - you're the best jewel thief in the world vigilance is lax, security complacent, adjacent to the gem, a diadem the pearl is the best jewel thief in the world. watch your legend grow - the rooftops are for dreamers. you strike and then return, Laucerne, Heathrow. you're the best jewel thief in the world. cant fit any more in. but it is simply gorgeous - all of it

[@nix4pool]

Great video, well done, love the song and The Sprouts.

[@gagaa64]

Prefab Sprout: The Comeback Happy new year 2014 & welcome back best regards from Bosnia & Hercegovina

[@tonyhume100]

what a song best thing I have heard from anyone in years

[@shrew972]

please never stop releasing, I know you're reading this dear Paddy :) or someone near you...

[@49blackboab]

paddy mcaloon is an extraordinary songwriter..long time since i have enjoyed an album as much as crimson/red.

[@fbrevik]

Sincerity is the new irony, and Prefab Sprout deserve to be quoted out of context for decades for this new album... Thanks so much for this post!

[@Gunrun808]

This song deserves more.

[@ronaldvanveen2433]

One of the best PS songs

[@arnaudpainter]

Excellent. Les annees passent et la qualite de leur musique est toujours aussi exceptionnelle... Du tres bon travail. Love you guys since 1982.

[@bisonrav]

Thanks for the things people have mentioned: I should say it's more about live recordings and TV slots than commercially available material. I have everything ever released commercially ;)

[@The_Power_and_the_Glory]

bisonrav brilliant!

[@claudirpereiracunha1867]

🇧🇷amo essa música e essa banda maravilhosa é o máximo

[@bennyjdt6434]

Pourquoi cela sonne si bien? Je ne m'en lasserai jamais , musique, mélodie géniale et la voix de Paddy...❤

[@sproutyDP]

Always think of Walter White when listening to this now! Thanks again bisonrav

[@westernpark70]

cant believe i've never clicked on this !!.. i love prefab sprout, what a great track!!..

[@bulliboyz]

Hitchcock, Grant, McAloon...perfection x

[@georgemagee6550]

How could you not like this?

[@ericsellet8722]

This song makes me want to become a jewel thief

[@Me-Miranda]

My thoughts when hearing the song for the first time! It would make a great Bond intro.

[@EnosEverything]

Fantastic Paddy... What a brilliant songwriter with delicious melodies that just drip with invention... From what I've heard of the new album CRIMSON / RED, Paddy has made a minor classic.... May he continue to roll out songs of this quality... And it's great to see a snippet of Hitch's work being utilised so cleverly... Bravo.

[@WednesfieldGirlsFC]

SUPERB!!! Welcome back Prefab Sprout!

[@Me-Miranda]

Bravo Brav!

[@stuarteggleston2526]

What? Is this one of the best sprouts songs this century? 5*'s Paddy... Lots more of this please.

[@tali4569]

Simply Sensational

[@colinforbes8390]

Superb song, welcome back Prefab Sprout

[@ProgSympho]

You made the best video of the new record in the world. :-)

[@guillermoyaguesanso8163]

es un gran dia.Por fin ha vuelto Paddy.Gracias, amigo.Thank you, friend.

[@catharineclaesson1011]

So wonderful ! and this soothing voice! I close my eys and.............

[@waynedexter]

Brilliant video. Thanks!

[@Joeaparis40]

wow ! superbe ! bravo pour le montage vidéo !

[@pitchforkcustom]

what a great song gem diodem.. perfect

[@matthewrichards9658]

not surprised people want to keep hearing this - the chord changes are right up there with anything. the overall effect for me is strongly melancholic & life affirming. if i'd come up with the music for this i'd think: where do I go from here?

[@yarrumnodrog]

Totally agree with your description, Mathew. "Melancholic and life affirming." That's a special songwriting talent to achieve that.

[@nickywilks7928]

Just gorgeous.

[@rharding6655]

Thanks Miranda, I'll be sure to give this film a viewing soon. Looks like something I would enjoy (like the song!)

[@glennringer5475]

What a top drawer tune!!! Sheer brilliance.

[@bisonrav]

It's just in the film - very short so I had to freezeframe the end of it, but the "Jordan" waistcoat was just too good a coincidence to ignore ;)

[@shaneglackin4509]

Please please please Paddy and Co...do a tour...what I would pay to see the Great Man live!!!!!!!!!!

[@DerekLyons]

Brilliant as ever!!

[@alekwlodarz]

who are these people with dislikes ? sad ...that's a gorgeous song !

[@jules031056]

Paddy and Cary in the same post: unbeatable!

[@JerAtoZ]

Sounds as good if not better than he ever did. Wonderful!

[@RoofLight00]

McAloon you really are a fragile genius that can turn night into day and soundtrack our hopes and dreams, play on brother..... This sounds like you just stepped off the Steve McQueen jumbo jet.

[@tommyfalt5328]

Best of the best

[@johnfoster6765]

A great song and an incredible idea for the video... which is unofficially the unofficial, official video!

[@MrKkprince]

Why the hell I had to wait till today for listening this pearl?

[@quiquebuxeda6044]

Pady gracias por habernos hecho mas felices a los que hemos disfrutando escuchando tus maravillosas conposiciones . We love you .te pedimos por favor. No te exigimos nos brindes el placer de que nos des mas te lo rogamos

[@bozzers1968]

Made my weekend. Thank you Paddy. Tomorrow is too long to wait!

[@tidmouthshed]

prefab back. brilliant.

[@svbretwaldadurham7934]

Superb.....great film to go with it too!

[@oliviercasabielhe842]

A classic which is, as many PF songs, not known as it should be.

[@SuperDrenched]

Perfect pop - Paddy is a true artist

[@claudirpereiracunha1867]

🇧🇷amo essa música,pena que nunca vieram aqui no Brasil, que pena 🇧🇷paddy vc é um gênio

[@The5thbeastieboy]

It's a return to form. Prefab at their best.

[@bisonrav]

It's kind of you to say that: in fact the edit was very much thrown together as a rough cut to demonstrate the idea, and there's a lot I'd like to tighten up. But you can't really go wrong when you have music like this as a backdrop.

[@briangray00]

It's lovely. Beautiful mix of visual over a great song. I must have watched it 20 times over 3 or 4 years.

[@WebeloZappBrannigan]

Having watched your video so many times, and having just recently watched To Catch A Thief for the first time, your video seems so well put together that reading that it was basically a proof of concept or a rough cut is rather surprising. Your edit really is fantastic. Thank you for all the enjoyment it has brought me.

[@eamonnquigley9234]

wrote and arranged all the instruments himself, legend lets see a new album soon....paddy