“Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust” is a funny lyric considering how clearly inspired many tracks are from The Beatles. (Eg the transformation of classic blues progression into vivid, sharp rock.) But it’s perfect in the context of the punk rebellious nature of the album. I love how this album feels like it was recorded in one take in a smoky, dirty joint. I feel like they’re right there. I love the sharp guitar licks in ‘Hateful’ and the call and response BVs The Spanish in the chorus of “Spanish Bombs” is really fun- I just wanna sing along Oh my god ‘Lost in the Supermarket” intro is so New Order- (my fave band), hence ‘post punk’. So simple yet so nice. ‘Clampdown’ is so Bruce Springsteen- I love the way so many tracks seem to have paved the way for the best artists of the 80s (though of course Bruce came before this album). Same with “The Guns of Brixton”- the reggae/dub bassline brings yet another genre inspiring element to the album. “Wrong em Boyo” has a brilliant intro that blends seamlessly into another blues banger. I love the unexpected piano in “The Card Cheat.” Sonically different from the rest of the album but so so fitting- also the ‘Penny Lane’ esque trumpet runs. Overall a brilliant and honest slice of life album from 1979. I’d rate it 82% (brilliant vibes, amazing songwriting) some misses but overall hits very hard.
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