Option
circa 1995
Reviews

by Lang Thompson

THE BROTHERHOOD OF LIZARDS Lizardland I wouldn't like to be the only critic reviewing this album that doesn't mention XTC so I won't make such a mistake. The resemblence might be due to the British origins of chief Lizard Martin Newell or maybe it's endemic to any kind of smart-ass, happy pop music. Still, the comparison wouldn't have been as appropriate for Newell's previous band Cleaners from Venus which a few--very few--of you might remember from the wacky homemade cassettes he released during the '80s. The Brotherhood is a better showcase for Newell's talents; the album (originally released in 1989 but making its U.S. debut) has more heft, more character, and more smarts than the Cleaners. Unfortunately, that's not quite enough. The Brotherhood really doesn't create those kinds of flashbacks where you've just gotta hear a song again. It's hard to focus on the words floating through the chiming guitars but then maybe it's best not to know what "The Dandelion Marine" could possibly be about. Newell has craft and brains to spare but generally doesn't have much idea what to do with them other than have a good time. There's none of, say, the satircal venom of XTC or the dB's' goofiness or Marshall Crenshaw's sincerity or the Shoes' sheer melodic power. Lizardland is like an extra-large chocolate milk shake: nice for a while but you'll never finish the whole thing. (Long Play, POB 55233, Atlanta GA 30308)

Go back to Jangly Press Clippings.