Buzzcocks: Flat-Pack Philosophy

Buzzcocks: Flat-Pack Philosophy
Label: Cooking Vinyl
Release Date: 3/07/06
Review Date: 4/10/06

The Buzzcocks are back with another record label and a solid release. Go back and listen to the earlier records and you’ll be surprised to learn that the average tempo of Flat-Pack Philosophy is faster than that of say, Love Bites. The previous release Buzzcocks sounds more like the Buzzcocks of yesteryear, even accounting for the inclusion of an old Devoto-penned tune. Flat Pack Philosophy sounds more like the Buzzcocks of today. The production is a bit more lush. In “Wish I Never Met You” it’s almost a little too lush, with the vocals buried except in the chorus. That’s the biggest fault with Flat Pack, the songs are good but the mix sometimes gets in the way of getting hooked into the lyrics. The basic tunes are indelibly stamped with the Buzzcocks signature sound and the cover of Flat Pack is a return to classic Buzzcocks art direction after taking a departure for Buzzcocks which is more reminiscent of the first Clash record cover than it is of any other Buzzcocks artwork. Obviously they have matured over time, but the fact is that it’s 2006 and poor ole Pete Shelley still can’t seem to get his personal life together. That’s good for you because it means more memorable Buzzcocks tunes. Standouts include “Flat Pack Philosophy”, “Reconciliation”, “I Don’t Exist” and “Credit” which features a mournful refrain of “Wish that I could get something that I really need.” Diggle always seems to be focused more externally. A lot of his recent tracks have that Flag of Convenience feel to them. They always kind of set themselves apart form the rest of the record. Still Diggle is always good for at least one standout track, and “Sell You Everything” is one of better tracks on the album. There is a little bit of filler on the record, but the on whole it’s another Buzzcocks event worth taking note of. The Buzzcocks are still putting out records worth listening to, and that’s more than can be said for most new bands out there. They have released so many records now, each one with a subtly unique signature. It’s getting hard to rate them against each other. Although not likley to be your favorite Buzzcocks release, whether you prefer New Buzzcocks¬Æ, or Buzzcocks Classic‚Ñ¢, you’ll find something to enjoy in Flat-Pack Philosophy.

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