Give guitarist
Steve Jones
and drummer
Paul Cook
credit: Instead of resting on their 1977-era laurels, they reasserted themselves on what wound up being their only joint post-
Sex Pistols
album (not counting production or sessions). Although
Cook
and
Jones
lacked the combustive charisma of
Johnny Rotten
or
Sid Vicious
, they made up for those shortcomings with plenty of musical firepower. Unfortunately, the public would wait nearly two years to find out, but this reissue of the long-delayed
I Didn't See It Coming
album makes a good case for its re-evaluation.
hadn't lost their ear for the well-turned anthem; the anti-cop
"Little Boys,"
the music industry slam of
"Payola,"
"Northern Slide,"
"Kick Down the Doors"
are among the tracks bearing repeated spins. "&The Magnificent" opens matters with a sly send-up of
Rotten
's post-
Pistols
band,
Public Image Limited
, with the requisite scratchy guitar to match. The quieter moments work equally well, too:
"Crescendo"
is a punked-up
power ballad
, while
"Friday Night Square"
sketches a vivid snapshot of walking aimlessly around, checking out the sleazy nightlife. The band's approach is direct as its music.
upholds his reputation as
punk
's answer to
Chuck Berry
's support is steady and unflinching. Former
Subway Sect
bassist
Paul Meyers
and guitarist
Ray McVeigh
lend quiet, unassuming support. The best news here are the eight bonus tracks of singles that preceded the album -- such as the rousing
"&1-2-3-4,"
which became a live staple. All the relevant stuff is here, so
fans shouldn't miss this one. ~ Ralph Heibutzki