With the fifth post-reunion album from these Manchester lads, the 'Cocks continue to enhance their legend and maintain their credibility in 2006. The blueprint drawn by Shelley/Diggle has been examined closely by Oasis, Pete Yorn, Ash, and the Arctic Monkeys. Like several efforts from the recent past, some folks have had a beef with the modern rock-type production. If studio-tweaking's not your bag, then go buy a Mummies or Rip Offs record. Actually, you should do that regardless of the band in question, but I digress. What I'm trying to say is that 1977 was almost thirty years ago. The spiral has been scratched, Reggie Jackson no longer pitches VCRs for Panasonic, Devoto's face is buried in a dirty magazine and only Don Fleming from Gumball still listens to 8-tracks. "Wish I Never Loved You" is a fine, hook-filled choice for a single (released with two non-CD cuts), with its phrasings of longing and regret. "Reconciliation" could very well be the next one picked from the basket. Repeated "Oohs" contained throughout recall "Love You More" from the classic era. The agonizing tone ("The separation's more than I can bear") cuts like a straight razor. Consumerism is given a ride on "Credit" ("Paradise is a brand new car") before crashing on "Soul Survivor" (a tightly-wound, two-minute lap penned by Diggle). What's with him and autos? (Diggle did author "Don't Let The Car Crash," after all.) While a friend and I were hanging out on the Buzzcocks' tour bus in '99, someone asked, "Have you ever watched a NASCAR race?" A band member answered, "I've seen examples." OK, it was Shelley who replied, but Diggle would've probably countered with something similar. "I've Had Enough" has tons of jangle that would make Johnny Marr jealous. "Between Heaven And Hell" creates a new harmony in your head, as Shelley and Diggle join together in the refrain. I'd say catch the 'Cocks on the Warped Tour, but I wouldn't want you to embarrass yourself in public. Still, you could take in their set at 10 AM and have plenty of time for the 11:00 brunch at your favorite stripper bar. Check the juke for "Orgasm Addict" before ordering your grits and Guinness.
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