Entomology

Josef K | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 21, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Domino
• ASIN: B000I2IRLY
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #114,971 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The latest Domino reissue of obscure Scottish indie-pop is a 22-track look at the work of a group that was part of the exceptional, early '80s Postcard label scene. Booksmart enough to name themselves after an ill-fated Kafka protagonist, there's nothing pretentious about their music, a propulsive mixture of funk bass and angular guitars. It might remind the listener of the Bodines, Franz Ferdinand, Wedding Present, Big Flame, the June Brides, and of course label mates Orange Juice. The lyrics might lean toward the downer side, but this makes for a splendid contrast with the delightfully taut punk-pop the band made to the utter delight of almost no one (at the time). Even if you're lucky, smart, and/or old enough to own the group's original releases, you'll want this for its judicious inclusion of previously unreleased material. Make up for lost time and embrace these wonderful smartypants-es today. --Mike McGonigal

Product Description

There needed to be a gloomy, remotely intimate glam pop group named after a character created by Franz Kafka who detuned their pained, pining guitars like the Velvet Underground, who screwed up dance beats with as much nimble knowingness and/or amateurish exuberance as Devo, who faced up to long lasting reality with as much sad, mad grace as Magazine, who got stuck into logic as defiantly as Pere Ubu, who had spent a lot of time watching Television and listening to the first six or seven songs written by the Buzzcocks. This is the third release in a series of Domino re-issues Past releases include: Orange Juice's "The Glasgow School" and Fire Enginess "Codex Teenage Premonition". Deluxe hardbound packaging.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Post-Punk at its Best, November 22, 2006

By 

Ted Saad (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Entomology (Audio CD)

If you're a fan of today's indie music scene, somewhere along the line you have to give kudos to a band like Josef K. I'll admit that I knew little about them until I read Simon Reynold's "Rip it Up and Start Again" (fantastic read on its own part). All in all, Josef K, along with label mates, Orange Juice, were some of the first post punk bands to influence the scene from their native Scotland. On top of it, they were idealists - so much so they sabotaged their careers by releasing a less "poppy" sounding record as they were building momentum. This CD represents their short, yet influencial career well. "Sorry for Laughing" and "Chance Meeting" are outstanding tracks, displaying their knack for clever lyrics and jangley rhythms. I'm glad to see a respectful release has been given to the US, since their records have always been difficult to find. These guys were smart, talented, and so ahead of their time, yet they remain relatively obscure despite the mark they left on a music genre.

5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic !, December 31, 2007

By 

Jerry Caffarello (NEW YORK, NEW YORK United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Entomology (Audio CD)

gee, something that actually lives up to the hype . also check out JOSEF K 's other cd "young and stupid " which has songs that are not on this collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!, May 7, 2007

By 

Persephone "PPP" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Entomology (Audio CD)

This record is a must have for any post-punk Josef K/Aztec Camera/Orange Juice lover...!