Crocodiles

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Wed Sep 01 2021

5

This is a seminal album for me. In 1980 I was 18 years old and and was deepening a musical rebirth. Shedding the shackles of classic rock and discovering the joys of alternative rock. Melody Maker and NME were the bibles of my religious awakening. That's where I read about Echo and the Bunnymen and how I was lead to their first album. From the moment the rumbling bass and drum that introduces Going Up, I was hooked. I have the original Canadian release which does NOT include Do It Clean as the second track which is fine by me; I think the ne two punch of those two songs back to back as my introduction to Bunnymen may have caused my head to explode. I won't go into a track by track lovefest, just suffice to say that the album gets stronger and stronger and kick started my now decades long love of British alternative/ post punk music as well as indie/alternative music in general. 5 🌟

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Wed May 12 2021

4

I never really listened to Echo and the Bunnymen much because their name and fans were off putting, but this record is really fantastic. Cue regret for not tuning in earlier, as this would go splendidly alongside the cure, new order, joy division, the smiths. Really great, moodly rhythmic rock record. 4*

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Wed Apr 19 2023

3

This album lands squarely in the “I feel like I should like this” camp. However, for reasons I can’t articulate, I just don’t find it that compelling

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Wed Aug 09 2023

3

File under: Bands that i think are talented and make fine music, whose influence I recognize and appreciate, yet have absolutely zero interest in listening to.

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Mon Feb 21 2022

1

Crocodiles by Echo & the Bunnymen (1980) If you’re looking for meaningful lyrics, disciplined poetic cadence, creative melodies, elaborate chord structures, skillful performances, and fine vocals, you should look elsewhere. This Liverpudlian group’s debut release has a steady and competent sound, but it lacks variety on almost every level. I’m looking for artistry here and not finding it. Ian McCulloch’s lead vocals are too often stuck on one note, with easy intervals begging to get back to the home tone. It’s what a non-singer does when forced to write a song he has to sing. While the themes are dark, they neither shock nor provoke empathy. All we get is assorted amateur adolescent angst that could be assisted by amphetamines. It’s a sad album that provides its only musical variation on the final track “Happy Death Men”. If this record has a highlight, this is it, but it’s more of a lowlight. The lone lead solo guitar work is found on this track, and listening to it goes a long way toward explaining why there isn’t more of it. Guitarist Will Sergeant has a very narrow comfort zone, and he has the good sense to stay within it. It seems to me that in a title track about “Crocodiles”, it seems that one could find some actual crocodilian images that might give some meaning. But nope. The listener is pretty much on his/her own. In the song “Rescue”, they ask: “Is this the blues I’m singin’?” No, I don’t think so. More like the blahs. 1/5

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Sun Apr 03 2022

5

A truly miserable album which is what makes it so perfect.

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Sun Jan 31 2021

4

Turns out, I like this band

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Fri Jan 14 2022

4

This album has the feel of a high energy anti-establishment punk album of the 70's, heard through the haze of heavy sedatives. The tempo is slower, the gritty effects are traded for rich and mellow reverbs, but the bite is everywhere and just beneath the surface. Check out the track "All That Jazz" to hear what I mean. This is a great album and pair perfectly with works from groups like the Clash. I'm surprised that I never really listened to this group, but I know I will be now!

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Wed Mar 29 2023

1

Post-punk is one of the worst genres of music I've ever heard. A scourge upon mankind, a plague upon good taste, an offense to good taste.

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Sun May 02 2021

5

I remember listening to some of this band's later work when I was in college, and I'll never forget their video for 'Bring On The Dancing Horses' (a song from a later album) that always reminded me of Equus, a great play (no idea if the band intended that). This album, their debut (I think), is great. Nice mash-up of rock, post-punk, new wave -- this is all my best guess; I often mess up all these subgenres -- and I like the strong bass lines.

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Thu Oct 21 2021

4

Good album. Really build momentum. I think the sweet spot is Monkeys, Crocodiles, and Rescue. Band sounds good. Good harmonies, crisp vocals, and cohesive new wave sound.

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Fri Sep 09 2022

2

An album I just don’t care about, it’s been weeks since I’ve had an enjoyable listening experience with an album. Somebody please help me

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Sun Jul 11 2021

5

No está a la altura de Ocean Rain, pero bueno, qué puede estarlo. Sin embargo, bastante bueno.

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Thu Jul 08 2021

5

Very cool

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Wed Jul 14 2021

5

5/5 - New wave? The Smiths? This hit the spot :D

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Wed Dec 29 2021

5

very cool

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Mon Feb 21 2022

5

9/10, really fun 80s rock while I really liked their first album, the stuff that came after was undeniably better still a damn good start for a band tho

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Sat Jul 16 2022

5

What a belter and a soundtrack to my youth!

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Fri Aug 05 2022

5

"Crocodiles" is the debut album from Echo and the Bunnymen with two songs, "Pictures on My Wall" and "Rescue," on the album previously released as singles. This is quite an album. The music is described as post-punk and neo-psychdelic with imagery of darkness and sorrowfullness. Yes, that's all there. To me, the sound is sort of similar to Joy Division's "Closer" and Gang of Four. The band includes Ian McCulloch (singer), Will Sergeant (guitars), Les Pattinson (bass) and drummer Pete de Freitas whom they added after they signed to a label and were encouraged to add a drummer. One of the first things you notice is how prominent each of the band members are. They all make major to contributions to the songs and album as a whole. McCulloch's lyrics are dark and appear very personal. Given the imagery and personal nature leaves a lot of these songs open for interpretation. The lyrics and music match perfectly creating a great dark and somewhat haunting mood. "Going up" starts the album with Pink Floyd type echoes. Check neo-pyschedelic. It builds with a solid rhythm section and sort of a slash-like guitar. "Do It Clean" has great drumming and absolutely great guitar in the middle. I have no idea what this is about, cleaning your room, doing cocaine??? My favorite song on the album is "Monkeys" with just a great guitar intro and chorus. The bass and drums create a great atmosphere. It sounds like the bass is carrying the melody. My guess it's about a change needed in a relationship. The second side starts with their second single "Rescue" and probably their most recognized song on this album. Another great guitar intro going into the melody. Tremendous catchy vocal chorus. Definitely one of their best pop-type songs. The first single was "The Pictures on My Wall" and appears to have a more keyboard-focused chorus. More echoes. Neo-pyschedelia checked twice. The music is a great match for the lyrics which express a state of despair and paranoia. Joy Division and Roxy Music typically get a lot accolades for the best-ever debut albums and rightfully so. But, this is also just a great debut, worthy of a listen and being on this list. They would also have a few other outstanding albums later on in the decade.

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Fri Dec 02 2022

5

Already one of my all time favourites!

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Mon Jan 23 2023

5

Plagued with sadness and misery, this is a standout album of the Post-Punk era

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Fri Mar 17 2023

5

Again another superclassic 5-star album, just like their second, third and fourth album, which presumably are included on the list as well.

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Thu May 18 2023

5

It's an interesting album and band.

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Thu Jun 29 2023

5

What a fantastic album. Loved Rescue. This is the sound of my youth, being played at parties by countless cover bands, along with Oingo Boingo, B-52s, REM, U2

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Sat Aug 26 2023

5

I was surprised to see I rated the other Echo album (which I rated 725 albums ago) 3 stars, even though I'm sure Spotify has put a few of their songs on random playlists for me and I enjoyed them then. Just the same, I really enjoyed the Crocodiles album as well. So maybe that's evolving taste, maybe it's evolving rating standards and maybe Echo And The Bunnymen need the listener to be in an appropriate mood to hit just right. Because this album really did hit just right. More of a 4.5 rounded up, rather than a clean 5, but a very good album just the same. I particularly enjoyed the textural depth of the instrumentation.

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Wed Sep 13 2023

5

I really like this, I’ve never heard of this band before but it feels similar to The Talking Heads.

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Sun Oct 29 2023

5

This sounds like all those unidentified 80s songs people find on old cassettes, but if they were actually good. Cozy and romantic but also futuristic and ominous.

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Fri Nov 17 2023

5

early 80's new wave fan girl here

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Tue May 25 2021

4

A perfect debut and post-punk album. They turned a bit more artsy and mellow after this one. I love the rawness on here Best: Crocodiles, Villiers Terrace

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Wed Jan 20 2021

4

A band just about finding their sound. This record is superb for it!!

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Thu Sep 03 2020

4

Not my style, I can tell it's a good post punk debut, just not my cup of tea.

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Tue Sep 15 2020

4

🔥

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Fri Oct 23 2020

4

Good stuff. Not just the new-wave synthpop I expected, but a bit more like post-punk.

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Fri Jan 22 2021

4

I liked it. First complete Echo and the Bunnymen album I have listened to

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Fri May 21 2021

4

Not what I expected, knowing their big hit, but pleasantly surprised

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Fri Mar 19 2021

4

Another bunnyboys alBum ?

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Sat Apr 10 2021

4

false

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Thu Apr 08 2021

4

Nice and chill.

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Sun Jul 11 2021

4

Pues sí era como lo esperaba (?), a partir de canciones aislados que les había escuchado. Hay algo de sombrío en el ambiente que algunas canciones construyen y también en las letras. Quizá me gustó más la primera mitad del disco en general. Mis favoritas: "Going Up", "Stars are Stars", "Crocodiles" y "Rescue". 9/10

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Sun Jul 11 2021

4

Bien, darketón, (postpunk?), tiene sus buenos momentos donde dan ganas de mandar a la verga todo y bailar y patear y dar golpes al aire, pero sí tuve algunos skips, no creo volverlo a escuchar. Aunque, en el radio, cuando acabó el disco, me salieron unas de ellos que sí me prendieron, así que quizás y explorando otros de sus discos me entusiasmen más, no lo sé. Favs: All that Jazz, Crocodiles, y el final de do it clean. Mood: bailando de noche en el cementerio en los 80

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Sat Jul 17 2021

4

I really dug this, cool atmosphere, a hint of danger, good songs

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Fri Mar 05 2021

4

This was pretty good. Sounded a lot like college rock/ Talking heads.

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Mon May 10 2021

4

Onto Jesus and Mary Chain next, right Barry?

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Sat Jun 19 2021

4

Didn’t know this band, what a pleasant surprise!

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Thu May 13 2021

4

Great album!

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Mon May 10 2021

4

An intricate album, melodic and rewarding. Will definitely listen again.

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Wed Jun 16 2021

4

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Do it clean, Monkeys, Crocodiles, Happy death man

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Fri May 28 2021

4

Favourite songs: Villier's Terrace, Crocodiles, Stars Are Stars, Monkeys, Pictures on my Wall. The only low point was Happy Dead Man.

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Sat Jul 31 2021

4

I don't have a super in-depth review of this one. I'd never heard of these guys before. But this is a pretty solid sound overall. It's an interesting mix of New wave and post-punk and I really like it actually. Definitely worth the listen and will probably get a few other listens too.

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Thu Sep 09 2021

4

A nice surprise

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Wed Sep 22 2021

4

they're always good fun. plus, you know, soft spot for liverpool. humorously enough, of the maybe four humans i know in liverpool, one's cousin dated les pattinson back in the day. also, down by the liverpool docks, there's an echo & the bunnymen superlambanana, which is awesome in every way. anyway, i like this album plenty. great sound for 1980, and definitely a taste of what was coming from them.

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Thu Sep 23 2021

4

Totally enjoyable listen, did some interesting things too. Favorite tracks are probably Going Up and Pride

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Mon Sep 27 2021

4

Un dels grans discos del postpunk, que destaca per la seva originalitat. Clarament del gènere, però sense l'ostentació fosca d'altres grans figures. Més orientats a les melodies crepusculars, amb uns treballs de guitarres increïbles i la veu inconfusible de McCulloch. Els seus quatre primers discos són per anar recuperant i disfrutant

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Thu Oct 28 2021

4

Ongedwongen pop-muziek. Niks mis mee. ****

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Thu Nov 11 2021

4

Oscuro melódico. 4.

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Thu Dec 02 2021

4

It's ok. Very 90's and drones on, but ok.

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Mon Jan 31 2022

4

Nothing as good as the killing moon but still good

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Thu Mar 03 2022

4

Such a strong debut album, very atmospheric and dark. 4.5/5 stars

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Mon Mar 14 2022

4

Drug music for fashionable people and cute, arty girlfriends with better than average taste in music and taste for synthetic buzzes. That’s what comes to mind, anyway. A shade darker and moodier than I remember, with strong vocals and guitar. Some clever touches (the piano on “Villiers Terrace,” the closing “jam” [by new wave standards, anyway] on “Happy Death Man”) but sort of generic and simple-sounding at times, a prototypical new wave record, and in a way. 3.675 – not really a 4 because of being vaguely undistinguished and not really their best work, but better than a 3 and of my generation so … 4

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Mon Mar 21 2022

4

Great bass line - “Crocodiles”

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Thu Mar 24 2022

4

Steengoed rock album, heb er wat van in mn eigen lijst toegevoegd

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Wed Apr 06 2022

4

Didn't know this one, but knew the artist. I like it quite a bit. Listened through twice. Very good post-punk. Would listen again.

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Thu Apr 07 2022

4

Basically they're a weirder version of U2. That's good, because I like weird and I like U2.

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Mon Apr 18 2022

4

An excellent little post punk debut before they evolved their sound to incorporate more new wave influences. Great basslines, love the drumming in All That Jazz. Horns in Happy Death Man are fun.

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Wed Jun 29 2022

4

An great debut post-punk album that sounds so familiar in today's ears. It's exactly what lots of teen punk/rock bands aspire to produce, something that's moody, mysterious, full of angst, horror and despair. Best: Rescue Worst: Happy Death Men

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Fri Jul 01 2022

4

Nice and mopey, but also groovin'.

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Wed Aug 03 2022

4

Almost a 5, but there’s a bit of filler on Side 2. Still an astonishing debut

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Mon Aug 08 2022

4

Warming up for greater things.

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Wed Aug 17 2022

4

I love the rawness of this album. For me it has a dark gritty unpolished feel. The later albums are great but for me this has an anger and urgency that sometimes was produced out of their later, when they became full on Indie heroes. Great stuff...

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Thu Sep 01 2022

4

Dark and brooding, a good listen

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Sun Sep 18 2022

4

Noir-drenched baselines for creatures of the dark.

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Mon Sep 19 2022

4

This is a pretty fantastic debut album from Echo and the Bunnymen. Jagged, yet darkly beautiful vibe. There isn't a flaw to speak of on it except that it lacks the variety and depth of their later works. But wow, what a great start. Fave Songs: Do It Clean, Rescue, Crocodiles, Stars Are Stars, Pictures on My Wall, Happy Death Men

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Thu Sep 29 2022

4

Great post punk album, really enjoyed this more than the later echo albums Iv heard.

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Fri Oct 07 2022

4

Great goth rock vibes, had listened to some Echo and The Bunnymen and this is as quality as the rest I had heard Favorites: Stars are stars, Crocodiles, Rescue

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Fri Nov 04 2022

4

4 I raised an eyebrow when I saw I was about to listen to an Echo and the Bunnymen album without any of the hits on it, but mad props to this list for highlighting it, because this is an absolute hidden gem. For me, this is new wave at its best - gothic, yet danceable. Going Up is a catchy kickoff that sets the tone for the rest of the album nicely (as all great openers should), and despite listening in an office cubicle, I couldn't help but bob along to Do It Clean (yeah, yeah, I know it wasn't on the original release, but it was on the version us Americans got, so I'm counting it). Admittedly, not every song is a standout, but they all do a great job of maintaining the atmosphere and energy of the album, and nothing feels out of place. Will be listening again. Favorite songs: Do It Clean, Going Up, Monkeys, Rescue

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Thu Nov 24 2022

4

Nice. I've always liked E&B. This was a fun easy to listen to album.

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Thu Nov 24 2022

4

Awesome sound. Iconic voice. More please!

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Thu Dec 08 2022

4

Ik hou enorm van deze sound en de bevlogenheid die hier in zit. Een bepaalde gekte en urgentie die mij elke keer als ik het luister weer enorm aanspreekt. Goeie band!

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Thu Dec 08 2022

4

Echo en de konijnenmannen waren voor mij een nieuwe beleving, die goed beviel. Tof plaatje.

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Mon Jan 02 2023

4

Has any record more frequently featured the expression "Do it" more often or had a singer use it more with more conviction, despite the repetition? Likely not though the necessary research to confirm won't be done for reasons of time consumption. Echo are a better band than one remembers, and there are many winning moments on this and a credible arty vibe and solid vocals and guitar work throughout. Not exactly a high-water mark of or post-punk or early alt or New Wave or whatever it's supposed to be called by this time. One doesn't think it sounds as dark today as it likely did then (and not early Cure dark anyway, which was a lot dronier); no these cats were hookier and quirkier, too, which adds up to lighter. Maybe doesn't quite deserve a 4 (and they don't really deserve three records in this list though one's enjoyed listening to the others [as one does in navigating the esteemed compendium] but it gets one anyway because of it's of one's vintage (slightly ahead, actually).

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Sun Jan 08 2023

4

Really enjoyable, loved the sound

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Thu Jan 12 2023

4

Awesome energy. This is definitely up my alley. I’ll have to play it a few more times to pay more attention to the songs but I love the performances and the style. The horns that come in on “Happy Death Men” were a surprise. I wish more songs on the album had stuff like that. Feels like a bonus treat on an overall strong album.

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Thu Jan 12 2023

4

Listened Before? N I love these guys but I've never listened to this old one before. It's very, very good just like their later stuff. Great raw sounding post-punk/new wave stuff. Very.. well... echoey :-D. I'll probably add this one to the library. It gets weaker toward the end, but still solid. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: Do It Clean, Rescue

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Thu Feb 09 2023

4

Enjoyed listening to this again as it has been some time. These first few records were just so great and bring back a ton of memories of junior high as they were coming out. Some nice pop songs that were not hits but rather catchy nonetheless. There are also a few filler songs that make this probably my third favorite E&TBM record but still, a timeless classic.

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Tue Feb 14 2023

4

Some cracking tunes on this album powered by McCulloch's strong voice. Spent a whole summer (1981?) listening to a 1+1 cassette with this backing U2's Boy.

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Wed Feb 15 2023

4

I bought Ocean Rain on vinyl when I was 15 in 1984 but never heard anything from their other albums until I bought the greatest hits album the next year. Rescue quickly became my favorite Bunnymen song!

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Sun Feb 26 2023

4

Never really got around to this group but I like it. I assume the band Crocodiles is named after this album; if you like this you might like Crocodiles' album Sleep Forever.

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Wed Mar 15 2023

4

What a fun little album

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Wed Mar 15 2023

4

Fun listen. Feels like the bridge between ABC and The Pixies

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Fri Mar 17 2023

4

Solid album, I liked it. Probably deserves more listens than the two I gave it, but I can't see my rating go beyond four stars.

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Wed Mar 22 2023

4

liked it

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Mon Apr 03 2023

4

3.5 rounded up. It’s good post-punk in general, but I felt like the overall quality and consistency wasn’t as solid as I’d hoped.

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Wed Apr 05 2023

4

Impressive first album. Nothing I knew but all listenable and ages well.

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Wed Apr 12 2023

4

Cool

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Sun Apr 16 2023

4

Quite good! Classic post-punk is always a treat

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Mon May 01 2023

4

I can already tell I’ll probably like this whole album. I’ll give it a 4 star review and then give it greater consideration later. Funny co-worker story: for whatever reason co-worker thinks I’m a huge fan and he will always work in EATB into the music conversation whenever he can. I guess I should have listened to him then.

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Tue May 16 2023

4

Cool new wave sound.

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Wed May 17 2023

4

Sounded like a Cure album with a little bit less direction. Seems very influential on that whole goth rock scene. 7/10

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Thu May 18 2023

4

I've had very limited exposure to Echo and the Bunnymen, but what I've heard has been great. While the 80's was never a favorite musical era of mine, the post-punk and new wave that came out of that decade holds up better than a lot of the pop and rock. Artists like Siouxsie, Joy Division and Bauhaus were masters of emotion. E&tB are right up there, as far as I can see. The songs on this album go from powerful to fragile to downright spooky. It's a good listen.

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Wed May 24 2023

4

Pretty aight

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