Customer Reviews

Y Records Years

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There are more Shriekback compilations floating around than original albums, but here's one actually makes sense. For starters it collects Shriekback's first EP, "Tench" and their first LP, "Care" in their entirity, and adds a lot of material from their early singles as well. I was supprised how dated a few of these songs sound, and how similar to other british bands from the early '80's like Cabaret Voltaire and A Certain Ratio. While all these (and many other bands from this era) combined visceral funk rhythms with icy synths, drum machines and other electronic effects, Shriekback had a decidedly perverse sense of humor and strong, yet understated musicianship. The more accessible songs seem to have been placed on disc one (perfect for your next '80's dance party) and the more esoteric, "experimental" tracks are relegated to disc 2; for late night headphone contemplation. Fans of the group will probably deem this essential because it contains much otherwise out of print material. Casual listeners may want to check out another compilation which focus more on the group's hits.

I heard of this band by watching Manhunter, the great 80's film by Michael Mann that is greatly underapreciated. This is the only CD *anywhere* you can find the song Evaporate on. It's on the Manhunter soundtrack, but that's only on tape and record. It's also out of print and it's very hard to find. You can get the soundtrack on EBay, for 30 dollars. Yeah. Hey, i'm desperate. No i didnt buy it.

This Shriekback cd is great, but i'm also reviewing for the Manhunter soundtrack because it is not sold on here. No one even looks at this page though, so yeah.