Barracuda - Quantum Jump

Advantages: Sterling collection of classic tunes
Disadvantages: A few fillers which don't really justify their inclusion

...; Echo Beach 7. The Cure – Boys Don’t Cry 8. The Members – Sound of the Suburbs 9. Sham 69 – If the Kids are United 10. The Damned – New Rose 11. The Undertones – My Perfect Cousin 12. Generation X – Valley of the Dolls 13. Sex Pistols – Anarchy in the UK (Demo) 14. Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers – Roadrunner 15. X-Ray Spex – Germfree Adolescents 16. The Regents – 7Teen 17. The Lambrettas – Poison Ivy 18. Secret Affair – Time for Action 19. Jo Boxers – Boxerbeat 20. Barracudas – Summer Fun There’s plenty here to get you dancing, or at least jumping up and down like a nutter (advice: draw the curtains first). And in case you think this collection is only likely to be enjoyed by geriatric old fossils for the nostalgia value, let me point out... Read review

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...While the Beatles still largely stuck to love songs on Rubber Soul, the lyrics represented a quantum leap in terms of thoughtfulness, maturity, and complex ambiguities. Musically, too, it was a substantial leap forward, with intricate folk-rock arrangements that reflected the increasing influence of Dylan and the Byrds. The group and George Martin were also beginning to expand the conventional instrumental parameters of the rock group, using a sitar on "Norwegian Wood," and Greek-like guitar lines on "Michelle" and "Girl," fuzz bass on "Think for Yourself," and a piano made to sound like a harpsichord on the instrumental break of "In My Life." While John and Paul were beginning to carve separate songwriting identities at this point, the album is full of great tunes, from "Norwegian Wood" and "Michelle" to "Girl," "I'm Looking Through You... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Soaring, ambitious synth pop.
Disadvantages: Slightly weaker songs than before.

...Almost exactly 12 months after Aha's first album had appeared, the second - Scoundrel Days - arrived on the back of their most adventurous release to date - I've Been Losing You. Another dark and brooding affair, it completely ditched the perky, synthesized feel of their previous work. Mature beyond their recording years, it was an extraordinary single to issue at the time. Perhaps slightly confused and bewildered, the public didn't quite warm to its charms. It made #8 before swiftly dropping down the chart. Ironically perhaps, the single wasn't entirely representative of the accompanying album. Scoundrel Days was far from a quantum leap forwards, yet - as on I've Been Losing You - it hinted at a darker, deeper aesthetic and emotional landscape. Both the title cut and The Weight Of the Wind returned to the style first evidenced... Read review

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