Put that Thing Away - "Good Thing"

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Just two more things, and then we’ll be on to the next big thing. In case you’ve ever wondered what the hell ever happened to Fine Young Cannibals, I’m about to tell you. “Good Thing,” from the band’s second album, 1989’s The Raw and the Cooked, was self-produced by the group. In fact, the trio had produced much of the album already when their indie label, I.R.S. Records, asked them to bring in an outside producer to help finish up. The band wanted Prince. They were informed Prince was not a producer-for-hire, but a member of his inner circle, David Z (brother of Prince and the Revolution drummer Bobby Z) was. And on board he came, and The Raw and the Cooked ended up a very successful record. I.R.S. Records has had three releases certified Platinum. The Raw and the Cooked is one of those. The other two were released by The Go-Go’s, and R.E.M. That’s how well the album did. I.R.S., as record labels are wont to do, informed Fine Young Cannibals that they expected the next album to be even bigger. The band recorded one last song, for a compilation, and disbanded. It’s head-butting that’s stood the test of recorded-musical time. For the bands, it’s about the music. For the label, it’s about units shipped. The band usually loses that battle. By the way, Squeeze pianist Jools Holland plays the piano on “Good Thing.” In his own words it was one of the biggest-selling records he’s ever played on. It particularly did well in North America, where it hit #1 in both the U.S. and Canada. Link is to the official promotional video: