#463

Release Date: 1981
Previously Owned: Yes. On vinyl.

Impressions: Looking back at some of these entries, I’m gonna have to try to be more succinct if I want a shot at finishing all 500. Haven’t listened to this one in a while. Let’s throw it on… The opening bunch of songs “Show Of Strength,” “With a Hip,” and “Over The Wall” meld together and set up a dark, uneasy tone not unlike a John Carpenter film for Goths for the rest of the album. Sounds great… timeless. The best parts of The Doors/Joy Division mixed together. Leaner and meaner than their other hits. Not as many hooks but still a driving, direct approach that builds nice tension throughout the songs and album. Simple, yet surprisingly great sounding drumming for the ’80s. “It was a Pleasure” has a weird uptight funk groove that gives it a paranoid edge and “A Promise” is a catchy single with stinging guitar work. This album is probably their most challenging, and also sounds almost like a small band without any extra bells and whistles added to the songs, unlike the sweeping string-soaked tunes of their 1984 release, Ocean Rain or poppy keyboard of their later hits like “Bring on the Dancing Horses” or “Lips Like Sugar.”

Starred Songs: “Show of Strength,” “A Promise”
Sneaky Track: “No Dark Things”
Should this album be on the list? Yes. It’s great. But if I was forced to go with only one Echo And The Bunnymen album, I’d put Ocean Rain here instead. Maybe I’ll take out another album later for Ocean Rain, because this one has earned its place. (Man, it would be a lot easier if Heaven Up Here sucked, then I could just take it off.)
Will you listen to this again? Yes
Verdict: Enjoyably dark, driving ’80s goth/post-punk that has touches of psychedelica and lots of spooky drama.

Rating:  ★★★★1/4