Customer Reviews

Shrinkwrapped

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

 

 

The Gang of Four's later releases always suffer by comparison to their first classic, Entertainment. This isn't really fair, since Entertainment is in a class by itself, a masterpierce that broke new ground at the time and has influenced umpteen bands since it came out. I gave a copy of Shrinkwrapped to the friend who introduced me to Entertainment, and he wasn't too impressed (though I bet he listened to it once and didn't give it a chance to grow on him, which is what I had to do). So that's your fair warning, and now here's my opinion.

Gang of Four are a serious band with a sense of humor. Their lyrical themes of social alienation are almost painful to listen to sometimes because they can paint such a grim picture. The music that crashes around the themes reflects that alienation and loneliness and/or elevates it to a state of panic. This is all on Shrinkwrapped. I hope I'm not making the album sound unlistenable! It's not, but it is pretty effective at getting across the messages it wants to get across in Gang of Four terms: jagged, dissonant guitar, at times more subdued, lonely melodies (think of that last song on Songs of the Free), King's unique sometimes semi-monotone vocals.

Some more details: Shrinkwrapped manages to build on the pre-existing Gang sound to come up with a different mix (which shouldn't surprise, since all of their albums have a distinct sound compared to one another). Tattoo, a rather disturbing song, actually has a hummable, catchy chorus. Sleepwalker, I Parade Myself, and some of the others, have propulsive rhythms and ragged guitar breaks. Unburden/Unbound and I Absolve You are odd little mood pieces that capture a sense of loneliness and despair, still working in that cool dissonant guitar sound Gill is famous for.

If I were to make a couple criticisms: The sound is sometimes too clean for me, the rhythms occasionally too tidy (and here I can't help but think of previous albums). Also, I sometimes wonder if the two main guys in the band (Gill and King) are listening too closely to their critics and fans, who all seem to want a return to the sound of Entertainment. Does the band occasionally try too hard to capture some of that sound?

I don't know, but ultimately it doesn't matter. Shrinwrapped is a solid Gang of Four album. They still have a creative, intelligent edge that transcends the genre. Don't compare it to Entertainment (or to whatever you think their "best" work is) and you'll probably be pleasantly surprised. I recommend it.

I have been a fan of Gang of Four from the very beginning and, after 8 years or so, this is still the GoF album I listen to most often. It has all of their trademarks - solid rhythms, incredible guitar noises and Jon King's great vocal style, only here they have been refined to a remarkable degree. From the opening bars of Tattoo this album rocks. The stand-out tracks are Tattoo, Better Him Than Me [awesome!] and The Dark Ride but there is not really a bad track on here. Best of all, it is really well produced and should appeal to a much broader audience. It is a much better album than Mall and probably as good as anything they have done. If you like Red Hot Chili Peppers you will find plenty of things to enjoy here.

When this album appeared, judging by the gas cloud of Mall, I thought I was in for another one listen downer that would make me contemplate flaming shots of furniture poilsh. Instead, I spun this thing relentlessly for months. It has dynamism and range beyond any prior Go4 outing, as great as they are. This record is at once more pop than Songs of the Free (which I love), and yet having a darkness that is far darker than anything else they did. Why silence after this fantastic record? If you can find it, you won't be sorry.

this band makes talking heads sound wimpy...if your a low end junkie like me...this and all gang4 albums are a must...so happy to get these recordings again...after not hearing them 20+years

Ive never heard "Entertainment!", but I love this album and consider it one of thier best, although it did take some time for it to grow on me.. now I'm hooked, shrinkwrapped, and turning blue.