Excellent stuff -- especially for a 26 year old band!
09/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is the best album that SLF has made since "Now & Then." There are 14 cuts, 9 are by Jake Burns. His songs are easily the best. Also the 2 (?) songs he doesn't sing are far weaker than his tunes. The fact is that this album shows that SLF is a very credible band that continues to write and grow and experiment. They are in the same league with the Damned and the Buzzcocks in that regard, while the Sex Pistols have become caricatures of themselves, a bloated nostalgia act.I highly recommend the album and would actually rate it 4.3. Live this band really comes to life, even after all these years. I never liked most of the stuff that SLF recorded in the 90s but this truly is a return to form. The music is punk/hard rock/pop. That is probably the best way to put it. There is one killer, floaty 60s-sounding song called "Dead Man Walking" that sounds like Teenage Fan Club! The title track is superb and "Strummerville" is an exciting and stomach-warming tribute to the late and great punk legend."
Who Would've Thought!
ken helwig | San Jose, CA Thank you very much! | 12/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ok lads, lets get this straight from the start! SLF have had a few good moments since they have reformed. Most notably Flags and Emblems were there shining moment after reforming. Guitar and Drum is a dream come true. After hearing "Strummerville" and hearing Jake scream, yes scream the refrain at the end you know they're back with a vengeance! Many, many standout track are on this album. I have been a SLF fan now for 23 years and I think this album ranks up there with their old stuff '78-'83. Do yourself a favor and buy this cd. Check them out on tour in the states because they are touring with The Dropkick Murphys."
Back on form
don macvicar | here | 09/03/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Guitar and drum is easily the best slf album i ve heard since the original line-up released 'now then' way back in 1982, with 14 tracks there is plenty of good stuff to choose from, my favorite tracks include the catchy 'dead man walking' a slower part of the album and also punky tunes like 'empty sky' and 'high and low' are brillant tracks. slf fans old and new are gonna love this."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1