Devo – Smooth Noodle Maps (Restless)
Before you choke on your spaghetti, realize that this is a Top 10 list of great bands at their lowest and most embarrassing. Here, Devo truly does devolve.
Big Star – In Space (Rykodisk)
They were big stars once but not on this record. Still, the band’s place in history is sealed.
Pat Metheny – Zero Tolerance for Silence (Geffen)
Silence would be far preferable to this. Pat’s weakest moment.
Boards of Canada – The Campfire Headphase (Warp)
No melodies. No life. I don’t mind the introduction of a guitar but this is funereal. Stick with the transcendent Music has the Right to Children.
The Zombies – As Far As I Can See (Rhino/WEA)
As far as I can see, I am still disappointed with this album! Zombies have little life in them and neither does this record. Stick with the brilliant Odessey & Oracle.
The Damned – Not of This Earth (Cleopatra)
Sadly, this record was of this earth. Can we send it to Pluto?
The Stranglers – Coup de Grace (Eagle)
Critics rightfully savaged this drab hodge-podge of a record. In fact they did so to such an extent that the band was determined to deliver the goods on Norfolk Coast their next album—and did!
Hugh Cornwell – Footprints in the Desert (Track)
This collection of odds and ends does not improve Mr. Cornwell’s lofty stature. Oh, how I cringe when I hear “Sex Bomb.”
Kraftwerk – Electric Cafe (Elektra/WEA)
Tuneless, cold, short on melody—uninspired.
Love – False Start (Beat Goes On)
False start indeed. Not even Jimi Hendix could save this one.
