Shake Summation

Rip It Up, Issue 81, 1 April 1984, Page 26

Shake Summation

Netherwold Dancing Toys Song and Dance (Flying Nun) The Netherworlds rack up disco number four (well, three and a half). One side sees their first excursion into a big studio and it's to be expected that the two songs would be a major improvement on previous production. Well it's not. The horns sound tinny and overall it's a bit flat. The songs Don't Blame Me' and Tears In My Eyes' aren't up to their best either. It's on the live side that the fun's to be had. The oldie 'Where are the Flowers' makes vinyl, complete with youthful expletives. 'Danger' isn't as good but, perhaps predictably, the lovely, surging 'Change to the Contrary' is the standout. Credit is due to those responsible for the eight-track recording. Now if only they could make it work in the studio. The Mockers Swear IPs True (Reaction) A lightweight toon that drifts its merry way in one ear and out the other. It simply lacks the wit and precision of previous Mockers' singles. The Mockers have made a mistake in making potentially their most important single their least substantial one. Russell Brown