Search - Barracudas :: Endeavor to Persevere

+1/2 -- Groovies, Stones, Dylan, Everlys, Paisley

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 01/14/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Issued in the shadow of their 1983 breakthrough, "Mean Time," this 1984 release never to gained the recognition of its predecessor. And it's a shame, because in some ways, the band seemed more on top of the sounds and styles they brought to bear than they ever had or would. They add inflections of harmony from their early surf and jangle roots to meatier rock `n' roll sounds of mid-period Stones and the latter-day Flamin' Groovies (the latter, no doubt, due to the addition of Groovie Chris Wilson to the band's lineup). Swirl that with a dollop of Dylan and English folk influences and a jigger of psychedelic revival and you have the band's most diverse album to date.In addition to stirring originals like the electric 12-string opener "Dealing With Today," and the go-go beat of "She Knows," the album picks up on the Paisley Underground sounds of Los Angeles: the harmonica wail and shouted vocal of "Song for Lorraine" are reminiscent of Dan Stuart's work on Green on Red's "Gravity Talks" LP, and "See Her Eyes Again" has the sort of flowing vocal and chiming guitars favored by The Rain Parade. The band's pre-production touring schedule also led them to record a few covers, including a rousing version of Leon Rosselson's politically charged "World Turned Upside Down" (previously covered by Dick Gaughan, and later covered by Billy Bragg), a fine take on The Everly Brothers "Man With Money" and a reading of The Standells' "Barracuda" infused with the sort of energy the band brought to the live stage.Mau Mau's reissue adds two bonus tracks to the original 13, including the single mix of the power pop gem, "Stolen Heart," and the pop-punk "Laughing at You." Both are worthy additions to the original album, making this CD a real find for mid-80s pop/rock fans.4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings."