Given that it is one of my all-time favourite 45s, it’s no surprise that Breaking Point by Bourgie Bourgie has featured round these parts on quite a few occasions.
I thought that today, I’d offer up, word-for-word, the review which was printed in Smash Hits in February 1984. It was penned by Neil Tennant.
A new group from Glasgow with a big, hungry sound. Their singer, Paul Quinn, has a deep, powerful voice but definitely doesn’t belong to the ever-popular “foghorn” school of signing. The clever use of a synthesiser and a single cello gives the impression of bold orchestration, and is helped along by someone making rather loud noises on an electric guitar. One of the few records of this batch (possibly the only one) that leaves me wanting more.
mp3: Bourgie Bourgie – Breaking Point
Such a shame that within six months, and just one further 45, it was all over.
The single was produced by a then relatively-unknown Ian Broudie. The b-side was a joint effort involving the band and Stephen Lironi, best-known at that time as a former member of Altered Images.
mp3: Bourgie Bourgie – Aprés Ski
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
Paul Buchanan is widely regarded as a great Scottish vocalist.
Billy Mackenzie also has a deserved reputation for his outstanding vocals.
The guy that sings on these 2 sides here should, in my opinion, be right up there alongside them. I think he would be too, but sadly, I believe Paul Quinn was perhaps badly advised along the way. His vocal performances on each of these tracks are astonishing.
The Mike Hedges produced Bourgie Bourgie LP has never been released, probably never will.
His stuff with The Independent Group should be checked out.
Sadly, ill health prevented that continuing and he remains a lost voice, a thwarted hero.
❤️
Ooft!
Flimflanfan