The POISON GIRLS, easily one of Britain’s finest post-punk ensembles, have translated a sense of rawness and snarling intensity onto this live LP which hasn’t yet been heard on their studio efforts. Commanding songs like “Persons Unknown” and “State Control” stand on their own, but familiarity with their material helps in appreciating this album. Elegantly packaged.
This record represents a dramatic change of direction for POISON GIRLS, Britain’s preeminent post-punk band. Their highly produced, sometimes disco-fied instrumental backdrops provide an unexpected contrast to their scathing commentaries on sex, politics, and power. Where’s the Pleasure? may lack the standout compositions which accompany their other albums, but the open-minded will find good music in a variety of styles here.
This two-album set rates as good value for those who enjoy the socially conscious and unusual pop stylings of the POISON GIRLS. Album 1 combines unreleased and classic P.G. material, some of it out of print for years, while the other disc contains live tracks from a number of vintage concerts. As a retrospective, Seven Year Scratch shows the POISON GIRLS’ original music-making off superbly, and I’m sure that fans of both punk and pop will find much of value in this document.
I’ve been a POISON GIRLS fan from the beginning, but even I have to admit that this album is their first really poor one. The song structures are funk/new wavish and unfortunately lack the melodic or rhythmic punch of past efforts; there’s no real heart on this LP, either. Ultimately, nearly all of this album is uninvolving, despite some subtly written lyrics.
This intriguing four-track EP contains music reminiscent of early KLEENEX, with an added sophistication of production values. “The Ballet Dance” and “Unemployed” are recommendable kinetic rockers, but the catchy “Something to Give” gets added points for interesting lyrics and a strong melodic sense.
