release date: Mar. 23, 1984
format: vinyl (V206 187) / cd (1988) / cd (2006 remaster)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,58]
producer: Hugh Jones
label: Virgin / Beggars Banquet - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Chop the Tree" - 2. "Love Is a Wonderful Colour" - 4. "As the Dragonfly Flies" - 6. "In the Cauldron of Love" - 9. "Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)" (4 / 5)
Studio debut album by Liverpool band The Icicle Works, who at this point were still performing as a trio consisting of primary songwriter Ian McNabb on lead vocals, guitar and keyboards, Chris Layhe on bass and backing vocals, and with Chris Sharrock on drums and percussion.
I recall buying the album back then and finding it truly great. Later on - with the follow-up The Small Price of a Bicycle from '85 I soon tired from McNabb's distinct vocal, and simply because time was against mainstream seeking artists of 'pop / rock' without strong originality.
This album has aged, but it still contains a few fine tracks of the era, and it stands out as the band's finest hour.
The 2006 remaster is released in a 3-disc versions.
[ allmusic.com 4,5 / 5 stars ]
