Close Lobsters - Foxheads Stalk This Land (1987)

In the mid-'80s, when Britain's underground music scene was dominated by jangly guitars, twee vocals, and fast rhythms, the Close Lobsters were there at the heart. The unusually named Foxheads Stalk This Land was not an album that suffered from over-production, however, this gives the songs a live, gritty feel. Influences stem, quite blatantly, from the Smiths, Orange Juice, the Byrds, and the Buzzcocks. Lyrically, the album does not bear close attention. Most songs comprise phrases which sound good when sung but not printed on a lyrics sheet -- perhaps that's how pop music should be. There is rarely a substandard track to be heard on this fine album, with "I Kiss the Flower in Bloom" being able to grace any Oasis or R.E.M. album. © Christian Smillie /TiVo