Ash | 1977
This album (and Ash) are often overlooked by many people. If only they'd bought this seminal piece of musical genius they would certainly not have regretted it. '1977' is simply one of the greatest albums to come out of the 90s. It is beautifully constructed, with a diverse range of songs going from simple and heavy to complex, orchestral arrangements. The album begins with the engine roar of a TIE fighter from 'Starwars' (Hence the album being named after the year that the original Starwars film was released - Ash are avid 'Starwars' fans, especially bassist Mark Hamilton), and the first track 'Lose Control' kicks in, possibly the heaviest song on the album. Lots of overdriven, wah-affected guitar later 'Goldfinger' starts, one of the finest songs on the album. This song is so powerful and it has areally great feel to it. After a few listens of the album you begin to wonder why everyone isn't going crazy about Ash - this album is damn hot!

Ash themselves certainly got enough mileage out of the album, with five singles being released from it - three of them before its release ('Kung Fu', 'Girl From Mars' and 'Angel Interceptor') and the remaining two ('Goldfinger' and 'Oh Yeah') afterwards. Whilst the singles are some of the best songs on the album, it wouldn't have really mattered which songs Ash had chosen; they're all great!

After the last song, a heavy track 'Darkside Lightside', a secret bonus track rears its head from the ten minutes or so of silence in between. This is known by most Ash fans as the 'Sick Party' - you can guess what happens. Whilst it is one of the most hilarious bonus tracks I have ever heard, it does tend to degredate the mood which the twelve songs before it have achieved. This minor annoyance isn't nearly enough to hinder anyone's enjoyment of the album, which I recommend heartily. Go forth, and make your purchase!

Sound Clips
Goldfinger - (0:31) | Kung Fu - (0:30)

RATING: 96%