Buzzcocks - A Different Kind Of Tension (Record Mirror Review 22nd September 1979)

I have banged on about it on many occasions. 1979..... a year without compare in the terms of music (or at least the music that floats my boat). Buzzcocks' third album is certainly one of at least 20 albums of the year for me.

The term the 'difficult third album' is a bit of a cliche in the music business but it is one that makes good sense, the first album elevates the status of a band and propels them into the limelight, the second album sells on the back of the first's success, but the third album must be something different so as not to repeat the formula.... and that can cost fans. 'The difficult third album' could be defined by 'A Different Kind of Tension'. It takes the band in a slightly new direction sure, but more than that it can be difficult to listen to in parts. To my ears it is all about tension...... oh, with a liberal helping of paranoia with which it fairly drips. I rather suspect that substances were involved at the time. In actual fact, the band were motoring through lashings of drugs at the time of the recording, notably acid. The resulting tunes like 'Hollow Inside', 'I Believe' and 'Money' are very claustrophobic and at certain times can put me rather on edge (depending on my mood). Add to these tracks other contemporary songs like 'Something's Gone Wrong Again' and it's quite apparent that Buzzcocks where occupying quite a dark place in 1979!

If you don't own this record I would urge you to get the two disc reissue.

The album appeared to be well received at the time (well at least as far as the Record Mirror review goes scoring a maximum 5 stars).

The band toured the album extensively across the UK in October/November 1979 (the Rainbow date on 9th November has been released as 'Small Songs With Big Hearts') before heading Stateside in December.

From that US tour, here is a full set show from The Stardust Ballroom Hollywood California on 12th December.

WAV: http://we.tl/ksgsxrYnPL

01 I Don't Mind
02 Autonomy
03 Ever Fallen In Love With......
04 Mad,Mad Judy
05 Sixteen
06 Moving Away From The Pulsebeat
07 Noise Annoys
08 Love You More
09 What Do I Get ?
10 Harmony In My Head
11 Everybody's Happy Nowadays
12 You Say You Don't Love Me
13 I Don't Know What To Do With My Life
14 I Believe
15 Breakdown
16 Fast Cars
17 Boredom
18 Oh Shit !