Only Ned Raggett should review the Bunnymen

[black francis]

He knows his shit except no way is Vini Reilly or Johnny Marr better than Will.

Inspired by psychedelia, sure. Bit of Jim Morrison in the vocals? Okay, it's there. But for all the references and connections that can be drawn (and they can), one listen to Echo's brilliant, often harrowing debut album and it's clear when a unique, special band presents itself. Beginning with the dramatic, building climb of "Going Up," Crocodiles at once showcases four individual players sure of their own gifts and their ability to bring it all together to make things more than the sum of their parts. Will Sergeant in particular is a revelation -- arguably only Johnny Marr and Vini Reilly were better English guitarists from the '80s, eschewing typical guitar-wank overload showboating in favor of delicacy, shades, and inventive, unexpected melodies. More than many before or since, he plays the electric guitar as just that, electric not acoustic, dedicated to finding out what can be done with it while never using it as an excuse to bend frets. His highlights are legion, whether it's the hooky opening chime of "Rescue" or the exchanges of sound and silence in "Happy Death Men." Meanwhile, the Pattinson/De Freitas rhythm section stakes its own claim for greatness, the former's bass driving yet almost seductive, the latter's percussion constantly shifting rhythms and styles while never leaving the central beat the song to die. "Pride" is one standout moment of many, Pattinson's high notes and De Freitas' interjections on what sound like chimes or blocks inspired touches. Then there's McCulloch himself, and while the imagery can be cryptic, the delivery soars, even while his semi-wail conjures up, as on the nervy, edgy picture of addiction "Villiers Terrace," "People rolling round on the carpet/Mixing up the medicine." Brisk, wasting not a note and burning with barely controlled energy, Crocodiles remains a deserved classic. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide

[JackT]

God what a great frickin' album.

[withahip]

Is this new?

[zabird]

He knows his shit except no way is Vini Reilly or Johnny Marr better than Will.

Inspired by psychedelia, sure. Bit of Jim Morrison in the vocals? Okay, it's there. But for all the references and connections that can be drawn (and they can), one listen to Echo's brilliant, often harrowing debut album and it's clear when a unique, special band presents itself. Beginning with the dramatic, building climb of "Going Up," Crocodiles at once showcases four individual players sure of their own gifts and their ability to bring it all together to make things more than the sum of their parts. Will Sergeant in particular is a revelation -- arguably only Johnny Marr and Vini Reilly were better English guitarists from the '80s, eschewing typical guitar-wank overload showboating in favor of delicacy, shades, and inventive, unexpected melodies. More than many before or since, he plays the electric guitar as just that, electric not acoustic, dedicated to finding out what can be done with it while never using it as an excuse to bend frets. His highlights are legion, whether it's the hooky opening chime of "Rescue" or the exchanges of sound and silence in "Happy Death Men." Meanwhile, the Pattinson/De Freitas rhythm section stakes its own claim for greatness, the former's bass driving yet almost seductive, the latter's percussion constantly shifting rhythms and styles while never leaving the central beat the song to die. "Pride" is one standout moment of many, Pattinson's high notes and De Freitas' interjections on what sound like chimes or blocks inspired touches. Then there's McCulloch himself, and while the imagery can be cryptic, the delivery soars, even while his semi-wail conjures up, as on the nervy, edgy picture of addiction "Villiers Terrace," "People rolling round on the carpet/Mixing up the medicine." Brisk, wasting not a note and burning with barely controlled energy, Crocodiles remains a deserved classic. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide

Ah, such a good, good album. A brilliant debut, it definitely is. I love Will's guitar playing. Period. All those crystal shards. Excellent stuff.

[black francis]

http://thequietus.com/articles/15246-ec ... tes-review

[in_bluer_skyz]

Ned is awesome. He used to write for the All Music Guide thing aside from loads of other things. He used to run the 'Oasis list' early on when it was in DOS! He's a great guy and knows his music.

[Joe-eatb]

I think that review was spot on, and I feel that is the Bunnymen and there situation. I like some of the stuff they put out very much and some of the new tunes I’m not crazy about. But I will always support them and not say everything they put out after the first four albums is shit, because I do love a lot of the music they put out after the first four albums.

[black francis]

Ned is awesome. He used to write for the All Music Guide thing aside from loads of other things. He used to run the 'Oasis list' early on when it was in DOS! He's a great guy and knows his music.

That's where I discovered Ned (All Music). After so many bland Bunnymen reviews I saw the Crocodiles review and new this dude knows his sheeeiiit! Little did I know you were friends with him and I'd embarrass myself on your fb page.