Category: Albums

Album starts strong, with 4 killer tracks although I must say, I expected something else from the second track as The Beach is just a giant build up and Delicious Thing is such a low-key track, they’re both excellent though. This album does not really have any skip, there are definitely weaker songs like Safe From Heartbreak but they’re not offensive, they just don’t stand out as the rest of the track listing. Love the shoegaze aesthetic they were going for with this one, and I can’t not mention The Last Man On Earth which is one of the best tracks of this entire decade, period.

Favourites :

• The Last Man On Earth
• Lipstick on the Glass

Least favourites :

• Safe From Heartbreak
• Play the Greatest Hits

I really like the idea of punk music being protest music but I can’t say I’ve ever been a big fan. It’s always been so raw, and I’ve always associated rawness with emotions, which doesn’t fit the standard “fuck the police” discourse. But this, this might be the best punk album I have listened to. Now why am I only giving it 8 stars then? Well first up, 8 stars is a lot better than the average. Second, given that I don’t usually enjoy punk music very much, I don’t listen to a lot of it. This might be a stretch to the usual listener because there’s also a lot of alternative rock mixed in there but you can’t deny the punk energy this brings. Angsty teenagers hid themselves due to the controversial nature of Violent Femme back in the 80’s, but they sure did not know what was there to come as this is much worse. Richey Edwards was a genius, and the band was never this bold after his disappearance.

Favourites :

• Ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit’sworldwouldfallapart
• Die in the Summertime

Least favourite :

• The Intense Humming of Evil

Pure post-punk bliss. Absolutely flawless, probably the best album I have ever heard. It is an absolute shame that Paul Banks smokes 73 packs of cigarettes and can’t sing anymore. They’re never going to make another one like this.