Customer Reviews

Return of the Ugly

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If you're a fan of Bad Manners, you more than likely already own this classic CD. For the unititated, or the curious, it is a good introduction to the Britain's silly ska-masters. For over 20 years, Bad Manners has been lead by the legendary, chrome-domed hulking behemoth of a vocalist called Buster Bloodvessel (looks like a giant, fat Mini-Me). In "Return of the Ugly", Buster and his musical accomplices have assembled an energetic and highly entertaining collection of SKA'N'B tunes that will have you (and maybe your neighbors) skanking from start to finish and maybe a few times over again.

Among the album's high points, "Skaville U.K." is a rousing opening number which will get you up on your feet, and you'll be tempted to sing along with the chorus of "Sally Brown". "Bonanza Ska" is wonderfully silly fun, incorporating ska renditions of several well-known Western TV or movie themes - this track displays the tightness of the band, particularly the excellent horn section. "Buffalo Ska" is another terrific song, a bit slower tempo, with a haunting trumpet solo that would be right at home on an Ennio Morricone spaghetti-Western soundtrack. "Rocksteady Breakfast" has more of a reggae/dub flavor to it, and "Baby Elephant Walk" is an infectious frentetic instrumental which sounds like a rev'd up version of a classic big band tune (which it could be!).

Bad Manners never aspired to be the thinking person's ska band, they just like to have fun, and invite you to join them. Although it is impossible to capture the manic energy of Bad Manners' sweaty live performances in a studio recording, this CD comes close, and faithfully displays the talents of the musicians. Put this in your CD player, and try NOT to skank - I DARE YOU!

Maybe a couple of throwaway songs here, but the rest of it more than makes up for the dead weight. This is the remastered and expanded (a few extra tracks) version of the 1989 album. I had bought the original pressing, and got rid of it on Amazon to buy this copy - the sound is greatly improved. Recommended.