Customer Reviews

Before Hollywood

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This is really a great record. Anyone who likes the Manchester music of late 70's/80's should try it, as well as fans of guitar rock from any era. The drummer from Sleater-Kinney told me its her favorite Go-Betweens record and that just proves that she's an intelligent person :) Its hard to pick favorites of their records, but Cattle and Cane alone puts it up there with 16 Lovers Lane. Try it on and break it in (this release) and I don't think you'll be disapointed.

After the rough-around-the-edges of their debut album "Send Me a Lullaby" in 1981, Robert Forster and Grant McLennan found their feet on this excellent album. "Cattle and Cane" is the standout pop gem. The rest is edgy and still rough, but full of hooks. This album takes a couple of spins to sink in, but when it does it becomes an instant classic.

For some reason when asked to name the best Go-betweens' album, most people promptly come up with "Liberty Belle...". While I won't deny LB's unquestionable charm, I also think that "Before Hollywood" is the true milestone in their discography. The songs (and not only "Cattle and Cane which is generally regarded as the highlight on this album) are so beautiful that one cannot help but wonder why they didn't make it to the charts. Oh, actually it's not THAT hard to see why GB were denied massive success and were forced to settle for cult status: while being a pop band they had a thing for uncanny rhythms and melodies which made their records less accessible than those made by their peers, especially on the first listen. Obviously that's part of their charm as we, their fans, know ;-)

I have a treasured copy of the original Rough Trade LP, and as the years pass this album sounds more and more like a classic. They had a pure pop heart, but were not afraid to try unusual rhythms and melodies. The balance between Grant's ballads and Robert's spikier tunes brings to mind Lennon and McCartney. This is probably still my favourite of all their albums. Stand outs are Cattle and Cane, and That Way. And now they are back together, and a new album is coming - definitely answered prayers. No Lindy Morrison though ? Now there was a great drummer.

Dusty in Here, Cattle and Cand and as long as that among other great songs, make this CD a must have. This is where the song writing and style comes together.