Representing a stylistic left turn for Peter Hammill, this raucous, messy,
rock platter was often cited as an influence by the first wave of punks
in England (the second album was often cited for being David Bowie's influence
for Diamond Dogs). While essentially proving himself incapable of writing
three-minute, three-chord rock & roll numbers, Hammill (taking on
the guise of Rikki Nadir, i.e. dumb garage rocker) lays into his guitar
with a vengeance, screaming out lyrics that are often unintelligible (the
album did not come with a lyric sheet; this was the first Hammill album
ever to make the listener depend upon the recording), while Guy Evans,
Nic Potter, David Jackson, and Hugh Banton thrash along behind him. Among
the treats are the title cut, "Birthday Special," the dolorous
"Pompeii," and a remake of the early Van der Graaf Generator
single "People You Were Going To." Hammill would never let himself
be this wild and hairy again.
(by Steven McDonald, All
Music Guide)
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