Gang of Four (Re)Discovered

[hexicon]

I admit it, back in the 80's I'd never heard any Gang of Four beyond "I Love a Man in Uniform." [:I] I just don't remember hearing them on the radio, other than that song (but maybe my KYYX buddies can correct me if I'm wrong), and evidently none of my friends had any GoF albums. (Side note: remember those innocent days when your putative purpose for visiting the home of an opposite-sex friend was "to listen to records," and your parents bought it?)

So recently, after the new tour and all the buzz, I picked up the special edition of "Entertainment." What a revelation! This stuff is amazing. After posting earlier about how I've been disappointing myself lately when I pick up a New Wave album I hadn't heard back in the day, this was the kick I needed. And thank goodness--I had just about convinced myself I was wallowing in nostalgia rather than listening to music that was actually good!

Funny thing, I might not have even liked them back then; I was certainly into the slick synth stuff. But it's amazing to hear how different they were, and what an influence on Next Wave bands.

[cubby]

Yes, "Entertainment" is a great album. I like the job Rhino did on the new version, adding the "Yellow" ep and a couple of live tracks. I really didn't hear them on the radio much either, except for I Love A Man..., To Hell with Poverty and occasionally

[FreeWave]

Yeah I missed out on them until this year. What is really shining the spotlight on them is the influx of new bands which have a similar (yet different) sound. Its easy to see the influence in bands like Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, and Bloc Party.

[KYYX4ever]

Oh! I've totally rediscovered these guys recently. I DIG those angular, choppy guitar and taut melodies. And yes, you can totally hear their influence on many new bands such as Bloc Party, VHS or Beta, the Bravery, Franz Ferdinand, etc. I really love this