Album Club 12.08.2014 The Cult - Electric

[Album Club]

Album Club 12.08.2014 The Cult – Electric

Following a “cabinet re-shuffle” behind the scenes, the Album Club is running a week behind schedule. Apologies for the delay. This, final, submission completes the Round and is by courtesy of Andy (Tarzan).




The Cult – ‘Electric’

Here is my second choice for album club. I love music from the late sixties and early seventies rock in all its forms and this LP, although from 1987, lends a nod to this era - with a twist.



My choice this time is The Cult's 1987 classic 'Electric' which for Ian Astbury and the boys was a bit of a departure. Being a heavy rock album, this LP has more guitar riffs than you could shake an air guitar at, the standout tracks are; 'Love Removal Machine' 'King Contrary Man' and everything in between. There is not a bad track on the LP. What I would like to mention is the production of this album: it is loud, proud and in yer face, yet is so clean and clear, you can smell the dirty denim, leathers and engine oil; guitars are nasty and the drums are big boned, with echo around them. So have listen, turn the volume right the way up and break out the air guitar!


'Love Removal Machine'!!!!

Did I say play this album loud!!!!!?



Spotify link: spotify:album:6b36dzEUgqlYQ27RN3DdqE

Love Removal Machine


King Contrary Man


Electric Ocean


Bad Fun



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_(The_Cult_album)

[Barry]

Well as heavy metal goes they're OK. The trouble is I don't like heavy metal and after 38 minutes listening on headphones (and yes I did play it loud), I was both bored and tired.

Even track 9: "Born to Be Wild" was, in my opinion, done better by Steppenwolf.

Sorry, only 4/10 from me.

[Tarzan]

Thanks for putting up with my faffing Barry- 4/10 that is outrageous!

They are a bit of a Marmite group l would agree.

[Audio Al]

I cant get the Spotify link to work

[Macca]

Not popular with Cult fans when released since the previous album 'Love' had attracted a huge Goth following who did not really appreciate the band going in a new direction. 'Born To Be Wild' is not as good as the Steppenwolf original, but it is still performed with conviction and I quite like it. 'Love Removal Machine' is a classic rock track. Try and spot the rip off of Cream's 'White Room' too. It's not hard Rick Rubin produced I believe. It's a good rock and roll album, not pretentious, it gets the adrenaline going and the sap rising. And you can't appreciate this sort of music through headphones so don't even try.

[Tarzan]

Not popular with Cult fans when released since the previous album 'Love' had attracted a huge Goth following who did not really appreciate the band going in a new direction. 'Born To Be Wild' is not as good as the Steppenwolf original, but it is still performed with conviction and I quite like it. 'Love Removal Machine' is a classic rock track. Try and spot the rip off of Cream's 'White Room' too. It's not hard Rick Rubin produced I believe. It's a good rock and roll album, not pretentious, it gets the adrenaline going and the sap rising. And you can't appreciate this sort of music through headphones so don't even try.

How many out of ten Martin?

[Macca]

It's a six from me. Now if you had stuck up 'Love' that would have been an eight. She Sells Sanctuary is worth 5 points all on its own

[Pete The Cat]

I confess that I'm a long term fan of The Cult. I think that they've made the most of their opportunities - with respect to them I don't think they're the most naturally gifted but they've been prepared to throw themselves into different styles and more often than not they've stayed relevant. It's a very long time since Southern Death Cult.

I recall that they revisited this album after early sessions with Steve Brown which have since been released and are worth a listen, but Rick Rubin's subsequent production made them so close and upfront that they're practically in your trousers.

Sure, some of it is clichéd and lumpen - I reckon BTBW is a homage and not intended to be definitive - but overall it rocks a damned sight more than most 80's rock does. "Lil Devil" is great pop, "Wild Flower" shakes its thing and "Peace Dog" is as heavy as AC/DC.

Not quite a 9 (I'd give that to "Sonic Temple") but a very strong 8 from me.

Thanks for reminding me, I've been spinning it as I write.

Pete

[RichB]

This was the album that got me into them given it was timed just right for me discovering rock music in a big way so very nostalgic.

A few years later I would see these at the Whitley Bay ice rink and had to lifted out of the moshpit and handed to the St Johns Ambulance at the side of the stage after passing out with too much vodka on an empty stomach. The medics gave me some coca cola and I pulled round and made it into the wings where i got to watch the rest of the show and got a handshake from Ian.

A 9 from me.

[johnB]

I always thought this lot seemed to take themselves a bit seriously, but without much substance (similar to my view on early Manics...although I like their later stuff). My unfair preconceptions aside, it's a decent loud guitar LP which I do play and enjoy when I'm in the right mood . I Really like their run of 12" singles from around this time also

8/10 from me

John