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Entertainment! is one of those records where germs of influence can be traced through many genres and countless bands, both favorably and unfavorably.
From groups whose awareness of genealogy spreads wide enough to openly acknowledge Gang of Four's influence (Fugazi, Rage Against the Machine), to those not in touch with their ancestry enough to realize it (rap-metal, some indie rock) -- all have appropriated elements of their forefathers' trailblazing contribution. Its vaguely funky rhythmic twitch, its pungent, pointillistic guitar stoccados, and its spoken/shouted vocals have all been picked up by many. Lyrically, the album was apart from many of the day, and it still is.
The band rants at revisionist history in "Not Great Men" ("No weak men in the books at home"), self-serving media and politicians in "I Found That Essence Rare" ("The last thing they'll ever do?/Act in your interest"), and sexual politics in "Damaged Goods" ("You said you're cheap but you're too much"). Though the brilliance of the record thrives on the faster material -- especially the febrile first side -- a true highlight amongst highlights is the closing "Anthrax," full of barely controlled feedback squalls and moans.
It's nearly psychedelic, something post-punk and new wave were never known for. With a slight death rattle and plodding bass rumble, Jon King equates love with disease and admits to feeling "like a beetle on its back." In the background, Andy Gill speaks in monotone of why Gang of Four doesn't do love songs.
Subversive records of any ilk don't get any stronger, influential, or exciting than this. (AMG)
01. Ether [3:51]
02. Natural's Not In It [3:06]
03. Not Great Men [3:05]
04. Damaged Goods [3:27]
05. Return The Gift [3:05]
06. Guns Before Butter [3:47]
07. I Found That Essence Rare [3:13]
08. Glass [2:28]
09. Contract [2:39]
10. At Home He's A Tourist [3:30]
11. 5.45 [3:43]
12. Anthrax [4:24]
Bonus
13. Outside The Trains Don't Run On Time [3:27]
14. He'd Send In The Army [3:40]
15. It's Her Factory [3:08]
Vocals – Jon King
Guitar – Andy Gill
Bass – Dave Allen
Drums – Hugo Burnham
Written-By – Gang Of Four
Producer – Andy Gill (tracks: 1 to 12), Gang Of Four (tracks: 13 to 15), Jon King (tracks: 1 to 12), Rob Warr (tracks: 1 to 12)
Engineer – Rick Walton (tracks: 1 to 12)
Technician [Tape Operators] – Davy Phee (tracks: 1 to 12), Edwin Cross (tracks: 1 to 12)
Design [Art Design] – Andy Gill, Jon King
Remastered By – Andy Gill
"Entertainment" recorded at the Workhouse Old Kent Road, London 1979.
Tracks 13 and 14 recorded March 1980, track 15 recorded March 1979.
Digitally remastered at Abbey Road Studios.
Tracks 1-12 from the "Entertainment" LP released in 1979, Tracks 13-15 from the EP "Gang Of Four" released in 1980.
Label: EMI
Released: 29 Nov 1995
Codec: Flac
Compression Level: 5
Quality: High
CD-rip by alekow (EAC and Flac)
Covers Included (600dpi)
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