How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Good
Value for Money
Advantages:
Good songs
Disadvantages:
Caught between punk and r&b
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
If the Boomtown Rats’ self titled debut album broke them through to the nation’s consciousness, it was their second album, A Tonic For The Troops, that really consolidated their position as one of the premier standard bearers for the disaffected, deeply bored youth of the nation. They were always the acceptable face of punk rock and quickly seemed to become the court jesters of punk rock, mainly due to the pyjama clad keyboardist Johnny Fingers and the diminutive bassist Pete Briquette.
The album remained in the UK charts for 44 weeks and peaked at number 8. During the same period, they had their first number one single in Rat Trap. The set saw them distance themselves from the worst excesses of orthodox hard core punk and establish themselves as gifted purveyors of an exciting mix of rock, pop and r&b.
In many ways, that was both their strongest and weakest factors: they managed to crossover and enjoy popularity with a wide range of fans, but were never fully accepted by any of the different factions.
I’ve always found the Rats acceptable without being something I had to have around. A Tonic For The Troops is a good, rauncy set of songs, showcasing their style well, but is easily forgettable.
More details
How does it rate alongside the competition
Good
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Satisfactory
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