Associates

After years of being either out of print or only available in its heavily revamped American running order, the Associates' undisputed high point finally resurfaced in 2000, spearheading a new series of releases and reissues of Mackenzie's work. With appreciative liner notes from Mackenzie biographer Tom Doyle, excellent sound, and a slew of bonus tracks, this edition of Sulk is without question the one to seek out. Even the legendary cover shot of the slightly winsome Mackenzie and sensuous Rankine in front of tropical plants seems brighter. And the music? It's doubtful much else in the early '80s outside of Soft Cell so effortlessly combined dark moods, pop thrills, a sense of songwriting classicism, and all-out experimentation both, a judgment still 20 twenty years on. Hearing the deep washes of electronics serving as a prelude to "No," then listening to Mackenzie's lyric of anguished emotion beautifully delivered over piano, brooding rhythms and some downright creepy synth fills still sends chills up the spine. "Bap de la Bap" amps up the crazed hysteria over a fractured combination of electronic noise and bizarre melodies. Other amazing numbers include the majestic, dance-touched revamp of the classic "Gloomy Sunday," the spooked, attractive flow of "It's Better This Way," and the on-the-edge yelps and drive of "Nude Spoons." Meanwhile, the fantastic four hit singles -- "Party Fears Two," "Club Country," "Love Hangover" and "18 Carat Love Affair," all in full length versions -- sound as invigorating and enthralling as ever, creativity in overdrive unexpectedly finding a home on the pop charts. The additional cuts are a dog's breakfast of selections, but never lacking a spark. Tracks like "Ulcragyceptimol" and "And Then I Read a Book" have the band back in its murkier mode pre-Sulk, all angst energy, while "Australia" is a gentler, atmospheric number. "The Room We Sat In Before," a guitar and vocal version of "It's Better This Way," closes out this fantastic release. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide