Lloyd Cole and the Commotions - Rattlesnakes

[luckybaer]

Another acquisition as I try to track down memorable albums from my college radio days.

Next up: some Elvis Costello - should be easy to find; perhaps a compilation of the Bluebells; one or two Prefab Sprout.

The Rattlesnakes album is full of catchy tunes and interesting lyrics. It is a good representation of stuff that was popular in the college music scene of the mid-80s.

If you like stuff like early Elvis Costello, The Smiths, REM, etc., you might like this, too.

 

[drlee27]

It is one of the all time best debut albums.

 

[Rambaud]

Played "Rattlesnakes" a few days ago - thought it has stood the test of time quite well.

One of my favourite albums of the '80s.

Came across a Prefab Sprout album the other day while searching for someone else. Did not play it at the time - might give a go.

 

[elrod-tom]

I have the import double-album 20 year commemorative package, and I've enjoyed it very much.

 

[luckybaer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rambaud Played "Rattlesnakes" a few days ago - thought it has stood the test of time quite well.

Yes.

 

[markl]

I've followed Lloyd Cole's career on and off since Rattlesnakes. I would like to recommend an overlooked album of his called Bad Vibes from mid-90s. Here's a write-up I did on it from elsewhere:

Quote:

This seems to be a polarizing album for fans of Lloyd Cole. This is clearly his most cohesive set of songs since "Rattlesnakes". It's simply a question of whether or not you like the left turn he's taking here. "Bad Vibes" is indeed all about mood. Things aren't going so well in Lloyd Cole's world. In a heart-breaking song near the end of the album, he sings softly "I'm a lonseome alcoholic", while trying to screw up the courage to ask someone "for the pleasure of your company". You get the feeling his potential new lover would be better off staying away from him, and that Lloyd knows it, too. Nevertheless, Cole is a top songwriter and in fine form here. This is Lloyd Cole's soundtrack to falling out of love with his significant other, his own life, and his fellow man. His wry observations and insightful, cutting lyrics are still here, along with that pop sheen all his albums seem to have. This still sounds like a Lloyd Cole CD, just a little darker and more self-lacerating. "So you'd like to save the world?" he asks. "I suggest you take one person at a time and start with me". Get the picture?