Psychocandy
Michael Small /
1986
1986
Psychocandy
The Jesus and Mary Chain
Take pretty little pop songs, mix well with a barrage of neo-psychedelic electrical feedback and you have the recipe used by this British quartet to produce Psychocandy. They have already hit the British pop charts. This band's first U.S. release, probably won't dominate our more conservative air waves, but the group will cause controversy. Those who like the Chain's melodies, which sometimes come across with all the power and fun of a Ramones tune, will find that the background noise is a needless gimmick. Those who like the noise may object to the simple melodies. But no matter how hard the band tries to establish an identity by alienating everybody, Psychocandy holds some treats. The 14-song album includes six or so top-notch pop tunes, and the lyrics on all the tracks depict the anger, anguish and loneliness of youth in such an exaggerated way that they are at once funny and effective. Memorable lines include "God spits on my soul" or "Eating up the scum is the hardest thing that I could do for you." Just one warning: The band tends to overdo the feedback. That's especially true in live performances, so keep your fist on the volume control for emergency squelching as you digest this batch of Psychocandy. (Reprise/Warner Bros.)
The Jesus and Mary Chain
Take pretty little pop songs, mix well with a barrage of neo-psychedelic electrical feedback and you have the recipe used by this British quartet to produce Psychocandy. They have already hit the British pop charts. This band's first U.S. release, probably won't dominate our more conservative air waves, but the group will cause controversy. Those who like the Chain's melodies, which sometimes come across with all the power and fun of a Ramones tune, will find that the background noise is a needless gimmick. Those who like the noise may object to the simple melodies. But no matter how hard the band tries to establish an identity by alienating everybody, Psychocandy holds some treats. The 14-song album includes six or so top-notch pop tunes, and the lyrics on all the tracks depict the anger, anguish and loneliness of youth in such an exaggerated way that they are at once funny and effective. Memorable lines include "God spits on my soul" or "Eating up the scum is the hardest thing that I could do for you." Just one warning: The band tends to overdo the feedback. That's especially true in live performances, so keep your fist on the volume control for emergency squelching as you digest this batch of Psychocandy. (Reprise/Warner Bros.)
