Search - Raincoats :: The Raincoats

Not as rare an album as it may seem

David Munns | 04/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a moving first record that really set the stage for what became decades worth of greatness. It is masterfully pieced together, and the liner notes by Kurt Cobain are a nice touch for the re-released CD.



Particular highlights are a cover of the Kink's "Lola" and the opening track "Fairytale in the Supermarket." But it's all great. It was good to hear this album after hearing some of their later works. Everytime I listened to a new Raincoats' CD, I felt like it was a completely different band. This one is no exception. You can, however, really hear the dissonance and innate songwriting ability that is more thoroughly tuned in their newest release, Looking in the Shadows, however "uncool" it might seem to like that later, more available record.



There are several different labels that this album was released on. I decided to write this review because I am disgusted by the markup by sellers. It's truly an album that should be heard by many.



Kurt Cobain makes reference to music snobs who horde records as some sort of personal anthem. He says they're bollocks. I agree. If you want a copy, go to the Rough Trade website and they have them there for the equivalent of US $20 including shipping. I got my album in brand new shape and think the hundreds of dollars sellers here are charging is ridiculous."

Feminine Punk Rock

Sonic Sarah | 03/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of my favorite albums, this is incredibly catchy and unique post-punk. The Raincoats employ jittery, unconventional melodies and somewhat innocent sounding vocals which make for endearing songs that quickly grow on you. For whatever reason, the band never gained the recognition of many of their male counterparts and as a result their albums are quite difficult to find. Try Ebay. All in all, an unbelievable, unabashedly feminine punk rock album.



P.S.- Check out Liliput and The Slits as well."

This might be hard to explain, but...

B. A Riesgraf | St. Cloud, Minnesota United States | 07/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...I'll give it a try anyway, because this album is just so damn good. Here goes:

Alternative, independent, punk, what-have-you - for me, these types of music can ultimately be pared down to the idea of freshness. They aim to go about music in their own way not because they are self-important or particularly rebellious or prideful, but because listeners' ears beg for the new. Listening to The Raincoats reminded me of why I like this type of music; they do an especially excellent job because, although novel, they don't seem interested in an outright assault of innovation/experimentation. They manage to achieve a listenable yet stimulating balance between the straight-forward and the eclectic. Sure, I love the avant-garde in music, the relentless pursuit of sounds that have not yet been made, but even that can wear thin with time. And when it does, The Raincoats are there to remind us that genuinely interesting songwriting will always be around."