Review Summary: Classic's can be hiding in the most unusual places...
In 1980, Billy Mackenzie and Alan Rankine, two Bowie-Heads from Glasgow, embarked on a twisted career together, one that would end in turmoil. But before the problems, they first released one of the best and most complete LP from the Post-Punk era. The music was incredibly complex for a band so young, and lyrics so well developed. Billy Mackenzie was a capable frontman, writing the lyrics and having a hand in the music, but it was Alan Rankine's lush and full arrangements that brought Billy's crooning forward, turning it into something special.
The album is packed full of punches, including the title track 'the Affectionate Punch' and 'A', being two notable favourites, but in the end, the whole album seems to be a favourite. 'A Matter of Gender' is an ode to Billy's 'shag anything with a pulse' attitude, including a pulsing guitar line, 'Even Dogs in the Wild' follows in the same vein, as well as 'Would I Bounce Back'. in the end, if asked what my favourite track is, I just wouldn't be able to answer, with each track having their merits.
The defining track on the album is 'Paper House', an art rock masterpiece, which is led powerfully along with a pulsing guitar hook with plenty of piano hooks. "I built a house, high on a hill". It means so little, yet to me it means so much. 'Amused as Always' is another great track, which contains a strong bassline fronting a very simple post punk song with great effect. And a chorus. Oh, the chorus. It is one of those things which knocks you down first time, and keeps you down. It makes me wonder why this band never really made it big at this time, even though they did have a top 20 album, with 'Sulk' a few years later, but I'll come onto that once I've bought it.
The bonus material, thankfully, is all good. 'You Were Young' is a Josef K-esque sound, with a simple guitar hook that draws in the listener. Janice, on the other hand, is a pointless mix of 'Deeply Concerned', which just sounds so much to the original it seems pointless. The other two bonus tracks 'Boys Keep Swinging' and 'Mona Property Girl', two early singles that didn't make it onto the album in the end, but as they aren't available elsewhere, it is interesting to hear how their sound has developed, as well as them being, actually, very good.
