This album was a flop when it was released, which is a shame, because it’s great. It's perhaps because it’s either about 12 years too late, or 10 years too early.
It’s kind of psychedelia-based jangle pop that has some of the harmonies of The Byrds but also sounds like a lot of the early Nineties Indie bands, for example The Bluetones. They even go a bit noise-rock at times and edge into Oasis territory.
The opening track I Wanna Destroy You is a glorious explosion of noise and harmony that sets the scene for the rest of the album. Positive Vibrations features a bit of sitar raga to remind you of the late Sixties, while I Got The Hots lays down a gutsy bluesy riff with psychedelia-style spoken and sung lyrics over the top. For the track Old Pervert, vocalist Robyn Hitchcock affects a strange warbling tone to add to the general creepiness of the track. I’m Insanely Jealous Of You has a bit of a Doors feel, starting out with just rhythm and speak-sing vocals “Exactly like a crocodile that’s seeking a mirage across the undulating sand”, before building to a frantic bassline and some jangling noisy guitar.
Had I encountered this as a student I think it would have been a passing obsession for a while, as it is I’m glad it was shown to me, definitely a keeper. Shame they didn’t get the recognition that they deserved.
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