Named after its first song, a wry, audibly French-tinged celebration of taking care of yourself on those lonely nights, Mother Fist was one of Marc Almond’s strongest moments showing his consistent impulse to do what he wanted rather than what a label did. Songs like “Melancholy Rose” and “Ruby Red” retain sweeping pop glamour, but the vibe is smoky late-night bars and cabarets under red lights, setting the stage for his later album tributes to artists like Jacques Brel.

– Ned Raggett