Welsh trio McLusky released what would be their final album in 2004. With their off kilter, but nonetheless hilarious sense of humour, their silly lyrics and song titles and their unique brand of indie punk rock, McLusky fans knew what they were getting and "The Difference Between Me and You Is That I'm Not On Fire" is almost Mclusky's best album yet, coming in close to "McLusky Do Dallas".
McLusky:
Andy Falkous - Vocals, Guitar
Jonathon Chapelle - Bass
Jack Eggleston - Drums
Working in the studio with Steve Albini, McLusky have created an extremely well done, yet rough album. It is the album's roughness that makes it so great in fact. Kicking off with arguably the album's best song (and arguably the best song title), "Without MSG I am Nothing", the album kicks arse right from the start. The music on the album recalls bands such as Pavement, the Pixies, Wire and Jesus Lizard. The most enjoyable thing about the album is the distorted and grungy, yet catchy basslines being played over Andy Falkous' half screaming half singing voice. No one ever expected McLusky to make a serious album, but this one is definitely more serious than the pervious releases of "My Pain and Sadness Is More Sad and Painful Than Yours" and "McLusky Do Dallas". But when the listener plays "The Difference..." and sees song titles such as "Your Children Are Waiting For You To Die" and "Icarus Smicarus", they realise that there is little in the way of seriousness to be found in this band. McLusky write some of the most hilarious and clever lyrics out there. With an already great reputation for this talent (with such sidesplitting lyrics as "your mother is a ballpoint pen thief" and "fu*k this band cos' they swear too much"), McLusky keep this talent in regular use ("you aren't the only one who has no trousers on", not the best example, but there are great one liners throughout).
The musicianship of this band is nothing to write home about, but then again, they record with Steve Albini and sound much like a punk band. The guitar parts, while not at all complex are extremely cool with songs such as the opener, where the tone is a mix of an Arab instrument and a telephone. The bass parts are, musically the highlight of the album with their distorted tone and chugging but lazy sounds. The vocals are also great, especially when they are lightly distorted. Overall, this album is a great piece of fun, though not as good as it's predecessor, has a much better title and is almost as funny. It is a step up in the band's maturity, although maturity is not what the average listener would buy a McLusky album for. Coming in as McLusky's second best album, "The Difference Between Me and You Is That I'm Not On Fire" is a great album and maybe one of the best off 2004. The production is possibly the best part of the album and more than sounding like a recorded piece of work, this record sounds like McLusky destroying a studio.
Pros
- Comedy
- Fun and cool sounds
- Great vocals
Cons
- The listener may find themselves wishing that the whole album was just fun and silly punk rock
- A bit too 'mature'
- Not as funny as the last album
Reccomended Tracks
Without MSG I Am Nothing
She Will Only Bring You Happiness
Lucky Jim
FINAL RATING: 3.5/5
