Customer Reviews

A Brief History of the Twentieth Century

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Gang of Four may be the smartest of all the punk and post-punk bands. That they are also very funky (in a sort of abrasive herky-jerky stop-start kind of way) helps too, doesn't it?

This chronological collection shows the band getting progressively more dance-oriented and poppy (or simply getting progressively worse, depending on your perspective), but even when they're using back-up singers and drum machines, there's an irony to it that's subversive and engaging. Some might even say more subversive than the earlier, more rock-oriented stuff.

I'm not sure if a rock and roll band can change how someone thinks, but if anyone can do it, it's probably these guys.

gang of four were THE definitive politico-funk-punk group (was there even another one?!). this music truly sounds like none other created before or since, that i've ever heard, at least. a lot of post-punk bands can be traced back to them, and mission of burma were obviously fans, but nobody *sounds* like gang of four...syncopated minimalism, screamed lyrics, a friggin' tight-ass rhythm section...this is communism you can dance to! this particular cd is a best-of...comprised mostly of their near-flawless first two recordings, with a smattering of highlights from their unfortunate descent into new wave.

Like the reviewer from Penn, bloody GOF got me thru my first year of college. The most original poli-punk band of all time; their influence on music and culture is still being felt today. To see this compilation thrilled me so much I blew off buying groceries, just to once again freely indulge in Andy Gill's feedback driven loping delivery of the classic "Anthrax." One of the tightest, yet most dissonant and disjointed bands ever. I have two of their early albums, Entertainment! and Solid Gold, but they're all worn and scratchy. I wonder why? Anywho, although Solid Gold deserves a bit more recognition here, this is a very welcome, value-heavy compilation from a band that achieved in its own unique way what the Clash wished it could've been--uncompromising Mao-pop with a twist of punkyfunk chops and brazen Brit attitude that refused to sell out. Sad yet glad, ABHOT2C it's all we have. Indeed, we live as we dream, alone.

The other reviews here are better and more informed than I could contribute, so I hope to just bolster them. If you like early British punk, Sex Pistols, Wire, Clash, and you haven't listened to Gang of Four, you're just not done yet. They rank right up there with the best of that genre and they're every bit as original as any other member. This collection is excellent.

Simply put, Gang of Four hits the cords that make up our lives. In that, I mean that if we all look within ourselves there hide ironies and bits of gloom. And what this CD/album brings out is a sort of desperation that lies dormant in us and is all too bitter sweet. I don't know about you but I love it when my demons are released and memories that are not usually pleasant sit next to me as I listen to the lyrics. I love this stuff. It's great therapy.

I was informed by a friend that my review had one glaring mistake and one glaring omission. firstly 'I love a man in a uniform' is on GO4's 3rd album Songs of the Free (which by the way is an amazing album)and second, 'A brief history...' is incomplete due to the omission of Entertainments 'I found that essence rare', arguably (but not in our camp) the bands best song. The rest still applies (see below).

Gang Of Four was a swell band and this is a great collection of some of their finest moments. It is unfortunate that "Entertainment" and "Solid Gold" are not in print as there are a few deserving tracks that didn't make it onto this compilation. As an overall view of their work however it's hard to find too much fault. Gang Of Four were driven by their own unique dialectic; they were funky yet cerebral, dogmatic yet humorous, musically aggressive yet lyrically thoughtful. In my opinion they were one of the finest bands of their era. Also, if you can find it, check out "Playing With A Different Sex" by the Au Pairs which is in a similar vein. Enjoy!

The Gang of Four are one of those wonderful bands that somehow managed to fall betwen the cracks nad not be recognized during their original lifespan for their genius. Their influence is far reaching, and the quality of their own work is impeccable. "We Live As We Dream, Alone" is the band's most important work, combining thems of alienation with a condemnation of consumer culture, fascism and sex. These themes resonane throughout the album in different ways, be it the dissatisfaction of "What We All Want" or the desperate paranoia of "Damaged Goods." As far as compliations go, ABH is superb and offers most of the band's best in a smooth listen (unlike the other G4 compliation, which is a mess). A great introduction to the band.

These guys were combining punk with funk way befor the Chili Peppers and Rage, and Tom Morrello gives their guitar sound props for influencing him. The lyrics are anti-establishment but the music is pro-boogie.

How important are the Gang of Four? They pre-figured the modern funk/rock fusion by a good twenty years and they are one of the major influences of R.E.M., the greatest band of all time. Nearly every track in this collection is brillent beyond belief. "We Live As We Dream, Alone" is the band's most important work, combining thems of alienation with a condemnation of consumer culture, fascism and sex. These themes resonane throughout the album in different ways, be it the dissatisfaction of "What We All Want" or the desperate paranoia of "Damaged Goods." With the general difficulty of finding G4 albums, buying a compilation is about the only way to hear any of their stuff, and 20th C. is a smoother listen, though less comprehensive than 100 Flowers.