That's All Very Well But...: the Best of Mccarthy: McCarthy: Amazon.co.uk: Music

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5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)

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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific compilation of bubbly left-wing indie pop, 6 Dec 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: That's All Very Well But...: the Best of Mccarthy (Audio CD)

Before (sort of) dissolving into Stereolab, McCarthy were a criminally underappreciated mid-late 80's British indie band. Their early material is excellent guitar pop (think of a slightly bubblier Smiths) while their later material starts to incorporate more keyboards. Uncompromisingly left-wing political lyrics are in general a plus, only occasionally being preachy and awkward.

For newcomers, this is an excellent overview of the period before and after their first two LPs "I Am a Wallet" and "The Enraged Shall Inherit the Earth". Fans of the group are also well served, as all but one of the tracks from McCarthy's first two albums appear here as Peel Sessions (leaving "The Well of Loneliness" as the only overlap with Cherry Red's other CD reissues).

In short, a terrfic compilation by a terrific band. With the original vinyl being as collectable/expensive as it is, this is a welcome reissue and highly recommended.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Intelligent, 27 Mar 2007

By

J. Roberts "Jinny" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: That's All Very Well But...: the Best of Mccarthy (Audio CD)

McCarthy are a criminally underrated band from the mid to late 1980's. They were also a very accomplished, thoughtful group of individuals responsible for some beautiful music and intelligent lyrics.

Some people may know McCarthy as one of the bands who contributed a song to the NME compilation called 'C86'. That song was Celestial City, another McCarthy gem, but this album is even better.

As is obvious from the name, McCarthy make frequent allusions to Communism/Socialism. They know their politics and write lyrics to display this, with confidence.

Some of the highlights here include 'Red Sleeping Beauty', easily one of the best songs on the album. The overall sound and guitar work is so attractive it puts a tear in my eye. The loud, prominent drums are also stunning, almost military-esque. This leads into the jaunty, upbeat, though edgy 'Should The Bible Be Banned', another fantastic piece of Indie-pop, with a twist.

'We Are All Bourgeois Now' is evidence that McCarthy were thoughtful, intelligent lyricists, and the music is no less satisfying than anywhere else on the album. Bigger and more well-known bands such as the Manic Street Preachers covered this song. It's obvious why. It is musically, lyrically and vocally impressive, and has also aged rather well. As a snapshot of mid 80's Indie Pop, it is priceless. That McCarthy inspired the Manic Street Preachers, one of the most successful British bands of all time, is an impressive feat indeed.

The likes of 'Kill Kill Kill Kill' also showcase some rather admirable guitar skills, and at only a minute and a half long, McCarthy were obviously smart enough to know which techniques kept the listener's attention.

'I'm not a Patriot But...' is yet another highlight, featuring soft guitars and prominent drums, along with the usual high, almost feminine-sounding vocal, which is charming and alluring. The lead singer was actually male, and had an excellent voice.

Fabulously titled 'Comrade Era' further expands on the Communist theme which was being explored by various other songwriters of that era, including The Redskins and Billy Bragg. 'Comrade Era' contains more deft guitar work and the enthralling, warm sense of 'comradeship' and togetherness which maps out this entire album. Through the variety of intelligent ideas explored on this album, adept musicianship is a hallmark, as well as lyrics which contain thought-provoking, striking visual imagery and themes.

This is a high-quality, original and authentic piece of political pop which should be fiercely snatched out of musical history and brought enthusiastically into the present. Embrace the fire and intelligence of this band.

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Amazon.com: 4.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars post-punk stereolab, 30 Jan 2000

By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com

This review is from: That's All Very Well But...: the Best of Mccarthy (Audio CD)

if you've heard of mccarthy, you're most likely either a post-punk fanatic or a major stereolab fan. when i first picked up this record, i was surprised: while the roots of stereolab's now trademark melodic repetitions and the politics are here, the record is more reminiscent of the smiths or the housemartins.

this is not to say the record is bad: it's actually quite nice. the songs are solid, the lyrics strong, and melodies beautiful. all in all, it's one of those obscure little records that will eventually find its way into your heart and head.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fancy THEY turned into Stereolab!, 26 Jun 2000

By Christopher G. Huttman - Published on Amazon.com

This review is from: That's All Very Well But...: the Best of Mccarthy (Audio CD)

McCarthy WAS best known for being on the famous NME C-86 compilation of jangle bands influenced by the likes of the Smiths and the Go-Betweens. Now they are probably best known as being Tim Gane's day job before he went on to stranger things with Stereolab.

So here you have singles and album tracks from their brief career (mid 80's to 1990) and on a few you have the presence of Mrs. Stereolab as well, she joined the band after meeting Gane at a concert in 1989.

If you're looking for more music in the same vein as Stereolab, you should probably check elsewhere. If however, names like Wedding Present and Close Lobsters make your blood rush and you remember when Primal Scream was still a hippy band (and these are all fond memories, of course) you'll feel right at home with this pleasant late 80's jangle pop.

It isn't the Stone Roses, granted, but it isn't half bad either.

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