GANG OF FOUR
Entertainment! (Rhino)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Apparently there was a time when Brit Pop didn't suck. But we have to go all the way back to 1978 for evidence of this theory. Gang of Four may have sprung out of the U.K. punk scene, but their terse political art rock had a definite experimental feel that translated well to the dance floor. An anomaly for sure, but as time has proven, quite something special. The sheer thrill of "Damaged Goods" and "Anthrax" hasn't decayed with time, in fact those numbers sound damn contemporary. As is their bread and butter, Rhino dusts off a neglected classic, presents it in swanky packaging, adds a lovely historical booklet, tacks on some extra tracks, and rekindles a smoky fire. It's time you updated the well worn vinyl copy anyway, isn't it?

© 2005 - John Sekerka