The Apostles / The Mob Live at the LMC split LP
Poor sound quality, not-so-hot performances, no liner notes, lyrics or info. Recorded in ’83, junked in ’87.
MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL
Poor sound quality, not-so-hot performances, no liner notes, lyrics or info. Recorded in ’83, junked in ’87.
A re-release of a great punk record for those who missed the first time around. This matches their early 1980 7″ release with some noisy but spirited live tracks from their last show.
The A-side reminds me a lot of something the SOFT BOYS might have put out. It’s almost the punk equivalent of folk rock, which is not to say it’s no good because it’s actually very catchy. The flip is sort of a poor man’s WIRE—stripped down post-punk with a bit of tension, but lacking enough build-up.
After two serviceable singles, the MOB must be congratulated for compiling a subtle yet affecting album’s worth of political pop ditties. This record may be inconsistent melodically, but the fourteen songs here have strong lyrics component and a simple instrumental approach reminiscent of the early MEKONS. This may not be thrash, but it is the kind of material that definitely grows on you. Good stuff.
The anti-war sentiments of this single are related with a good feeling for concise, compelling verbal imagery; too bad this effort veers into non-descript pop, especially on the flipside. While a song like “No Doves Fly Here” would have been right at home on the Wargasm compilation, its subject matter has been done more powerfully, lyrically, and eloquently elsewhere. Disappointing.
