Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
1980
Album Summary
Crocodiles is the debut album by the English post-punk band Echo & the Bunnymen. It was released on 18 July 1980 in the United Kingdom and on 17 December 1980 in the United States. The album reached number 17 on the UK Albums Chart. "Pictures on My Wall" and "Rescue" had previously been released as singles. Recorded at Eden Studios in London and at Rockfield Studios near Monmouth, Crocodiles was produced by Bill Drummond and David Balfe, while Ian Broudie had already produced the single "Rescue". The music and the cover of the album both reflect imagery of darkness and sorrowfulness. The album received favourable reviews from the music press, receiving four out of five stars by both Rolling Stone and Blender magazines.
WikipediaThis 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 🌟
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*
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!
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.
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.
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
No está a la altura de Ocean Rain, pero bueno, qué puede estarlo. Sin embargo, bastante bueno.
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
"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.
Plagued with sadness and misery, this is a standout album of the Post-Punk era
Again another superclassic 5-star album, just like their second, third and fourth album, which presumably are included on the list as well.
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
Not my style, I can tell it's a good post punk debut, just not my cup of tea.
Good stuff. Not just the new-wave synthpop I expected, but a bit more like post-punk.
I liked it. First complete Echo and the Bunnymen album I have listened to
Pues sĂ era como lo esperaba (?), a partir de canciones aislados que les habĂa escuchado. Hay algo de sombrĂo en el ambiente que algunas canciones construyen y tambiĂ©n en las letras. Quizá me gustĂł más la primera mitad del disco en general. Mis favoritas: "Going Up", "Stars are Stars", "Crocodiles" y "Rescue". 9/10
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 sà tuve algunos skips, no creo volverlo a escuchar. Aunque, en el radio, cuando acabó el disco, me salieron unas de ellos que sà me prendieron, asà 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
An intricate album, melodic and rewarding. Will definitely listen again.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Do it clean, Monkeys, Crocodiles, Happy death man
Favourite songs: Villier's Terrace, Crocodiles, Stars Are Stars, Monkeys, Pictures on my Wall. The only low point was Happy Dead Man.
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.
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.
Totally enjoyable listen, did some interesting things too. Favorite tracks are probably Going Up and Pride
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
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
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.
Basically they're a weirder version of U2. That's good, because I like weird and I like U2.
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.
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
Almost a 5, but there’s a bit of filler on Side 2. Still an astonishing debut
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...
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
Great post punk album, really enjoyed this more than the later echo albums Iv heard.
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
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
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!
Echo en de konijnenmannen waren voor mij een nieuwe beleving, die goed beviel. Tof plaatje.
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).
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
[monkeys] i learned a word: bagsy [crocodiles] has that classic new wave beat, i love it napa-check ako if all of these have animal titles, nope only those two in general, this is not yet the echo and the bunnymen that i know (i say Songs to learn and sing is their peak, 5 years after this). It's getting there, 3 stars for now
3.5/5. Pretty decent, I would have to listen to it again to get a better judgment and thought about this one.
Liked the mysterious and sad atmosphere but the songs fail to make this more than an average album
Good country, love the sound and lyrical theme. Need to revisit the album to get a better understanding of the lyrics, but just the sound is enough for me to like it, 6/8 REVISIT
Great for my ongoing “new wave” education- a selection of music my dad didn’t really expose me to, thus creating a blind spot. Echo & the Bunnymen are pivotal to this scene, and this is their first record. Pretty solid. 3 stars
I really enjoyed this album, but I'm not hype enough on it to put it in 4 star territory. Some of the bigger songs, like "Do It Clean" and "Rescue" are solid entries!
I really wanted to enjoy this more than I did but I just found it a bit boring and samey.
Pretty fun sound, but a bit repetitive and a bit derivative. Good listen but probably won't go back.
not as good as ocean rain. kinda didn’t notice when one song finished and another started. av.