What does it sound like?:
A bit Psych, a bit Synth Pop with spoken word from Maxine Peake. The story of an obsessive fan in pursuit of Johnny Rocket lead singer of The Moonlandingz (Lias Saoudi & Saul Adamczewski of Fat White Family with the ERC). Set in the fictional Valhalla Dale in South Yorkshire, a world of piss filled canals, bricks and kittens, where Thursday is always chippy tea night. The story turns dark and violent and the legacy of Thatcher and her attempted destruction of the north looms large over this valley.
Discordant and beautiful with brilliant Pop songs from The Moonlandingz it is the best of the year so far
What does it all *mean*?
The only thing worse than an obnoxious Pop star is a mad Pop fan(atic)
Goes well with…
Black Pudding, Chips, Scraps, Mild and Bitter.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Ghostbox artists, Motorik, late 70s early 80s electronica (Cabs, Human League etc) Play Misty For Me. Gritty Northern drama. Concept Albums and Rock Operas
I say, that sounds good. Is it a Ghost Box album? I was all completist with them a while back but they started to get a bit samey, plus I thought the packaging was a bit lame, so I stopped.
This looks like I might want to dip back in
It isn’t a Ghost Box album but IMO it sounds a bit like one.
I was like that with Ghost Box as well but I’ve backed off as well.
But late responding to this but better late than never.
It’s pretty damn aces. Not many albums can make you laugh and dance at the same time. This one can.
I’ve enjoyed all their previous output but this latest one is where it all comes together most satisfyingly.
May well end up as my favourite of 2015.
So. This is were you put your tail feather, pencil!
I am multi- faceted. Hear me roar. ?
Lovely to hear from you PS and thanks for you comments, however late you think you are! I’m pleased to get any comments as I find it really difficult to write reviews. The words are all there but getting them down on paper (as it were) is a nightmare. I envy you and Tigger and Poppy and all the other posters on here, you all make seem so easy!
Lovely of you to say so @ip33. If only it was true in my case. I struggle with the written word believe me.
It’s a grand album. I’ve played little else this week. Very entertaining stuff, packed full of dark northern humour.
As I mentioned above I’ve enjoyed all their previous output but this one is easily their best yet.
It’s a great review @ip33. It has got me itching to buy it, which is the point, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to more of your reviews.
I’m really enjoying this album (thanks to pencil for gaining me access). I love Maxine Peake’s narration, which is beautifully written, and the music is top tip.
My only caveat is that albums like this, effectively a spoken-word short story, can only be listened to a few times. It is rare that I would reread a short story or rewatch a TV programme once I knew the ending. Like The Streets’ A Grand Don’t Come For Free, it is an album I greatly admire but one that I will revisit infrequently.
Apart from Maxine Peake I have not heard of anyone on this album, yet I cant wait to hear it. FWIIW, I thought your review was well written, & articulate.
You are way too hard on yourself.