Track Listing

1. People Who Grinned Themselves to Death
2. I Can't Put My Finger on It
3. Light Is Always Green
4. World's on Fire
5. Pirate Aggro
6. We're Not Going Back
7. Me and the Farmer
8. Five Get Over Excited
9. Johannesburg
10. Bow Down
11. You Better Be Doubtful
12. Build

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #38483 in Music
• Released on: 1990-10-25
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Eighties pop guilty pleasure with a message
The Housemartins were one of the most brilliant and underrated bands of the 1980's and this is their masterpiece. From the anthemic title track to the eerie closer "Build", the Housemartins show why they were absolute masters of a sound that was unmistakably British, unabashedly political, and undeniably pop. In an era of conservatism, the Housemartins addressed class issues with a double edged sword of soaring harmonies and biting sarcasm. What really sets this album apart from the band's lesser work though, is its variety. Slower numbers like "The Light is Always Green" and the album's gem "Johannesburg" mesh beautifully with uptempo rockers like "Me And The Farmer" and "I Can't Put My Finger On It", which contains one of the most infectious guitar hooks ever written. A true classic of eighties British pop, "The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death" is a must-have for anyone who appreciates English guitar pop, liberal politics, and harmonies that would make Lennon and McCartney jealous. I'll give it four stars, only because its sound is unlikely to win over someone who ordinarily does not listen to this type of music. You'll give it five.

Love this cd
PD Heaton is a genius - anything he sings can turn any frown upside down. A fun, upbeat cd, great for anyone...

Great Stuff
This is one of my favortite recordings. It always cheers me up to hear it. If you like this as much as I do, you'll also likely enjoy the quirky sound of The Balancing Act, Three Squares and a Roof, another great, albeit obscure, album.