Public Image Ltd - Disappointed

So, before I start, today I went record shopping in Camden and got me eight LPs(including David Bowie's 'Low' which I hesitate to review because it's just read like me sucking him off. Amazing album) and two CDs, a productive day. And when I arrived home, I had a nice little single for me...

Now, we all know who PIL are, so let's just get the quick rundown... after The Sex Pistols, John Lydon decided to take inspiration from his prog/psyche heroes and delved into a more experimental approach to music, snatching various styles techniques and textures from electronica to jazz to dub. We call this kind of music Post-Punk. Where Sex Pistols were overly simplistic, crass and confrontational, Public Image Ltd (or PIL for short) made interesting music, more introverted and deeper. Lydon's trademark vocals took on a new identity and power, with THE Miles Davis even likening them to his horn playing (perhaps the best compliment anybody could ever give?).

Track number A is Disappointed, and it is very of it's period, 1989. Imagine Lydon doing Stone Roses, and you get the picture. It's a straight forward pop rock song structure with simplistic verses and a chorus asking 'What are friends for?'. We have melodic yet bland guitar breaks, and a jangly backing rhythm. Lydon's Voice is reaching a nearly operatic style here, and wouldn't be out of place in a heavy metal situation. After the second chorus, it reaches a small instrumental break, keeping the ironic feel good rocker vibe going, man, this track really does predict all the trends to emerge in 90's pop rock. Lyrically it's very negative and spiteful, yet it combines this with upbeat backing music, making it an odd listen.

For our second side, we get Same Old Story, which kicks off with a metal guitar groove, and is much more musically menacing. It needs to be louder though, y'know. Lydon's vocals do break through the mix, but when we get to the chorus, it becomes your kinda usual rocky fare. For some reason, I am reminded of The Residents, in how the music is played with and arranged. Ultimately, it's quite a good song, and I think you have to take it's standard chorus as part of the point. We're treated to a menacing guitar solo, but like on the previous track, it's nothing special. It's a good song but nothing special, nothing like their earlier eighties work.

If you like PIL, then you'll like this. It's nothing special, just two good songs. If you're a more pop-y person, this might be a good way to introduce you to them. That's all really.