Junkyard

A ton of people when looking into Nick Cave's musical efforts, will eventually land here. Though fair warning, this is extreme, uncomfortable music dripping with schizophrenia. Crazier and far less accessible than any of The Bad Seeds material. In fact, you can compare Nick Cave's Bad Seeds career with Iggy Pop's solo career, and both of them have never been able to top what they did with their first band.The Birthday Party is what happens when the Stooges self cannibalize after they go through an exorcism. It is the forsaken offspring of Pere Ubu, and Public Image Ltd. with a sprinkle of rock-a-billy, drunk blues, and loose jazz. Don't be fooled with the way these guys dress or by the "post-punk" label. These guys are much dirtier, filthier, and a helluva lot more demented than any of those bands in the genre. The only band with the label of "Post Punk" that is as ferocious as these guys are the Pop Group. (Who the Birthday Party took great influence from...)Don't come in here looking for "The Boatman's Call." That is a Nick Cave who has left the "Mutiny in Heaven" and is a loving father and a dedicated husband. THIS is the Nick Cave who has a chemical diet, stays up all night writing while smoking countless cigarettes, and spends his live performances banging his head on the edge of a drum and smacking people in the front row with a microphone stand screaming, "EXPRESS YOURSELF!!!"Even though Nick Cave would be the obvious thing to focus on, he would be nothing if it wasn't for the band backing him.Rowland Howard and Mick Harvey (interchangable lead and rhythm guitarists) provide the ear piercing "shroom cloud" of sounds that are the equivalent of getting stung by bees and getting euphoric by it. It sounds random, but it's calculated. The entire band is calculated.Phil Calvert (the drummer) bangs on the drums like as if he has having a nervous breakdown. It sounds more like gunshots than anything else. He provides the whole loose, yet captivating jazz influence in.And last but not least, Tracy Pew. (The sex cowboy/bassist) He provides the only stability/structure in this entire album. Without Tracy, this would sound like some jazz session of disemboweling screams and metallic guitar notes. Tracy gives the BP groove, style and its sexual prowess.If you are interested in the crazier, wild, bloodshot-eyed, OUT-THERE music, then get this as soon as possible! It is like a sawed off shotgun blast to the brain at point blank!This is gutsy music at its most uncompromising nature.Easily, one of the best albums I've ever heard and already one of my favorites!

The birthday party aren't everyone's cup of tea but they are essential to anyone with an interest in punk or alternative music. I think prayers on fire is a better album, and if you like that album then this one won't disappoint.

This was my first Birthday Party album back in the day. I saw the cover, turned it over, saw the song titles and picture of the band members, bought it. I've never looked back. Best band ever. And I'm a Deadhead!

A li'l context for yer Cave.

Wonderful post punk from Nick Cave....they are unlike anything..... Beautiful!

This is my favorite album of all time. From early 80's to now nothing has come close to this album for sheer creativity, authenticity and power. Saw them live around the time of this record - best gig I ever saw

Wasn't the band I thought it was

When this was first released, I had pre-ordered the lp from the UK; when it arrived, I looked at the cover art and knew this would be one of my all-time favorites. I rank this with Wire-Pink flag/Chairs Missing and Gang of Four-Entertainment as masterpieces. When you listen to Jesus Lizard, you can hear the debt they owe Junkyard. I have friends who try to tell me Prayers on Fire or The Bad Seed ep are the best Birthday Party releases; however, to me this is the apex of the band.In addition to the fantastic lp, the cd also includes the Release the Bats ep which makes this an essential purchase.

Excellent. Dont know why i waited so long to buy this. Can hear the good roots of the bad seeds.

Remastered so not quite as storming as the original vinyl. Great album all the same.

spedizione puntualissima...prodotto perfetto..consigliato al 100 x 100..ottimo..Funziona benissimo e si sente in maniera ottima..Veramente eccezionale ..Grazie..Yes!!!Cosa altro aggiungere..Si può solo acquistare senza problemi

the best birthday party album. and a fantastic experience all around

Happy costumer!!!