The cover of this latest release from the allegedly cleaned up Shaun Ryder and friends is as mildly disturbing as the title. The lyrics from the man that Tony Wilson described as our greatest living urban poet confirm that whatever drugs might do to mask dysfunction – the thoughts remain within. The tracks on this album, especially the earlier rants, are proof that The Happy Mondays can still deliver – in the studio at least. They move along with all the baggy swagger of classic ‘Mondays and a ‘what the f***’ attitude that comes from having too much public history to care what people think any more. The lyrics are witty, sleazy, revengeful and occasionally insightful.
The opening track ‘Jellybean’ is a stomper and the next three tracks ‘Angels and Whores’, ‘Deviants’ and ‘Rats with Wings’ all groove along well up to ‘Cuntrydisco’ which is a bit of a turning point before the strength seems to fall off and gives way to what seems like padding. Despite the later tracks, this an album worth getting and you can’t help but smile… or possibly grimace, gurn or wince at some of the mind dumps from the man who is thankfully still with us despite it all.
Reviewed by : Stephen Izatt
More Info : http://www.happymondaysonline.com
