In my experience one of the strongest indicators that a piece of music or an album will stand the test of time is when the material doesn't grab you on first hearing. Such 'slow burn' albums take a bit more time and consideration that in time wins the listener over. Often when this happens the result is that an album can become preferred over another album that is more immediately accessible.
Has there been a Mk I album to which this principle has been exhibited more than 'The Gospel According To The Meniblack' ('Feline' I hear someone at the back of the room shout... mmm maybe). As was often the case in times of teenage financial austerity, we shared and taped albums and when I borrowed the album from such a friend, he said 'I wouldn't waste a tape on it Ade, it's shit'. Nevertheless, I retained an open mind on the matter, and sacrificed a cassette to it. Well, I would never have put it down as 'shit' but it was different and certainly not immediately accessible.
Going back to that 'slow burn' idea again though and I would say that it has aged better than something like 'No More Heroes'. Live, this material is brilliantly received, as well it should be. 'Second Coming', 'Four Horesemen', 'Hallow To Our Men' and of course 'Waltzinblack', a track we unfortunately take for granted as an intro track, are all brilliant. Even the dirge of 'Turn The Centuries, Turn' probably the weakest track on the album has its place.
Whilst we wait for JJ's ballet version, it would be great to here more live renditions of this stuff in future gigs.
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-QbCsbB4xWg
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-x6qKAQFbAV
I Really Like The Gospel Album I Think It's Underated ..Pod
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