Customer Reviews

Live at Leeds (the who?)/From Beer to Eternity

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My first exposure to the Macc Lads was back around 1990. I was in a record shop somewhere in London and they were BLASTING the "From Beer To Eternity" album, side 2 (remember vinyl?). I was struck by the fact that despite the often-offensive and sometimes outright vile lyrics, sung/shouted in joyful bellow, most of the songs were as catchy and poppy as, say, the Ramones or the Buzzcocks. "Fluffy Pup" in particular just stuck in my head. The thing was, at that point in my life I was still just a little too sensitive and P.C., despite my love of punk, to take the plunge and buy all album so clearly full of hate.

I never did forget "Fluffy Pup." Fancy that, one listen and I remembered it for almost 20 years. So here I am, about to turn 40, and I finally went ahead and bought this double-cd. I'm mad at myself for not buying it back in the day, because there's a ton of really great pop-flavored punk songs here. Yes, you have to be able to hear past all the mean-spirited ranting (and some of their stuff I'll never be able to stomach), but for all the profanity there's quite a few brilliant lines scattered throughout. Muttley Macclad, bassist/singer/leader, has a surly, growling voice that suits the music perfectly. And his natural sense of melody means the songs stay in your head, no matter how ugly the lyrics are!

The pairing of "From Beer To Eternity" and the live album works well. "Live at Leeds (The Who?)" is a decent compilation from their first two albums, although it's a shame they didn't play "Nagasaki Sauce" or "Maid Of Ale" at this particular gig. "Miss Macclesfield" should have been a top-ten hit, it is so full of hooks; of course the lyrics gauranteed no radio would touch it.

So hide your womenfolk (and your sheep), get out the beer and turn up the volume, because these guys took no prisoners.

These albums sound great remastered. The only problem I have is that Anagram decided to tone down the liner notes and change some of the words. I guess they have to try and appeal to the limpwristed lefty punk crowd who might happen to buy this. If you are an easily offended, PC college opinionated nerd punk, then you might wanna just stick with your Leftover Crack or Anti-Flag or silly Business or Cocksparrer "streetpunk". The Macc Lads are not for you. Go back to your cardboard box in front of your parents mansion with your $2000 laptop and pretend like you are squatting...This music is for people with problems and it is great!!!!!!!!!!