Album of the day - Gang Of Four (Entertainment!)

[BlueHammer85]

Entertainment! is the debut album by English post-punk band Gang of Four, released in September 1979. This album was released on EMI in the UK and on Warner Bros. in the US. Stylistically, the album draws on punk but also incorporates the influence of funk, dance music, reggae and dub. Its lyrics and artwork reflected the band's left-wing political concerns. It would be an influential release in the burgeoning post-punk movement.

The album was ranked at No. 5 among the top "Albums of the Year" for 1979 by NME. In 2003, the album was ranked number 490 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. In March 2005, Q magazine placed the track "At Home He's a Tourist" at number 52 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. As of 2009, Entertainment! has sold more than 100,000 copies in the UK.In 2004, Pitchfork listed Entertainment! as eighth best album of the 1970s.


1. Ether
2. Natural's Not In It
3. Not Great Men
4. Damaged Goods
5. Return the Gift
6. Guns Before Butter
7. I Found that Essence Rare
8. Glass
9. Contract
10. At Home He's A Tourist
11. 5-45
12. Anthrax


Review 210

Never heard of this when i picked it out, Gang Of Four fused funk and punk with its lyrics centered around the anti-establishment and capitalist society - much to its credit the whole album sounds new and modern with hints of bloc party, Chilli Peppers and the arctic monkeys on here , Andy Gill the guitarist standing out throughout.
Many tracks are fast paced and catchy, 'Ether' is a lively opener - great riffs and rhythm. 'Damaged Goods' is the stand out song, a great pop punk track, some others on here seem to blend into each other which is the only criticism, nevertheless it's a enjoyable post-punk record which retains a legendary status.

8.0/10

 

[The perfect fumble]

Entertainment! is the debut album by English post-punk band Gang of Four, released in September 1979. This album was released on EMI in the UK and on Warner Bros. in the US. Stylistically, the album draws on punk but also incorporates the influence of funk, dance music, reggae and dub. Its lyrics and artwork reflected the band's left-wing political concerns. It would be an influential release in the burgeoning post-punk movement.

The album was ranked at No. 5 among the top "Albums of the Year" for 1979 by NME. In 2003, the album was ranked number 490 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. In March 2005, Q magazine placed the track "At Home He's a Tourist" at number 52 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. As of 2009, Entertainment! has sold more than 100,000 copies in the UK.In 2004, Pitchfork listed Entertainment! as eighth best album of the 1970s.


1. Ether
2. Natural's Not In It
3. Not Great Men
4. Damaged Goods
5. Return the Gift
6. Guns Before Butter
7. I Found that Essence Rare
8. Glass
9. Contract
10. At Home He's A Tourist
11. 5-45
12. Anthrax


Review 210

Never heard of this when i picked it out, Gang Of Four fused funk and punk with its lyrics centered around the anti-establishment and capitalist society - much to its credit the whole album sounds new and modern with hints of bloc party, Chilli Peppers and the arctic monkeys on here , Andy Gill the guitarist standing out throughout.
Many tracks are fast paced and catchy, 'Ether' is a lively opener - great riffs and rhythm. 'Damaged Goods' is the stand out song, a great pop punk track, some others on here seem to blend into each other which is the only criticism, nevertheless it's a enjoyable post-punk record which retains a legendary status.

8.0/10

'Damaged Goods' is the stand out song?

Not for me it isn't....

 

[PinkFinal]

Absolutely great band live

 

[Stoned Rose]

Belting punk album this.

 

[tonea2003]

tried many times to get into this, just not for me i suppose

 

[7evens]

This is the shit right here.

 

[andy h]

Great album. I wore my vinyl copy out.

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

Here I was, enjoying you get spit-roasted on the "No More Albums" thread, and then you go and post this -- my favo(u)rite record of all time.

I still think no one and nothing has ever sounded like this band, at least on this album and on Solid Gold and the EPs. The only band that came close was Fugazi.

Somehow the ability to make their militant leftism situational makes it all the more powerful.

One of the best rhythm combos ever, and then that guitar -- back and forth from power chord to dissonance. Has anyone combined punk and funk any better?

And a great cover.

10/10.

 

[Aphex]

Thanks for this. Gonna give it a listen.

 

[BlindEyeSeesAll]

Great album. I wore my vinyl copy out.

Me too.

Brilliant live band around the time of this release.