The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death

The Housemartins

The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death

Review

The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death by The Housemartins is an album that captures the essence of the band's unique blend of wit and social commentary. Released in 1987, it showcases their signature jangle pop sound coupled with insightful lyrics that tackle various themes, from disillusionment to the complexities of human relationships. From the opening track, listeners are greeted with infectious melodies and harmonies that make the album an enjoyable experience. The instrumentation is vibrant and engaging, with guitar riffs that are both catchy and memorable. The Housemartins excel in creating a sound that feels both uplifting and introspective, inviting listeners to reflect while still wanting to dance along. Lyrically, the album is sharp and often poignant. The band has a way of addressing serious topics with a sense of humor that adds depth to their music. Songs like Five Get Over Excited and Me and the Farmer demonstrate their knack for storytelling while weaving in social critiques that resonate on multiple levels. The production is polished yet retains an indie spirit, allowing the band's character to shine through each track. The balance between upbeat tunes and reflective lyrics creates a dynamic listening experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Overall, The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death stands out as a significant work in The Housemartins' discography. It combines catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics, making it an album that invites repeated listens. Fans of smart pop music with a heart will find much to enjoy in this collection. Whether revisiting it after years or discovering it for the first time, this album remains relevant and entertaining.

Info

The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death is the second album by The Housemartins, released in the UK on September 5, 1987, and in the US on October 27, 1987. The album achieved notable success, reaching a peak chart position of number 10 in the UK and number 94 in the US. It was released under the Go! Discs label. The record was primarily recorded at various studios in the UK, including the studios of BBC Radio 1. The production of the album was handled by the band themselves along with producer and engineer, Hugh Jones. The album showcases the band's signature blend of pop with socially conscious lyrics, further solidifying their place in the British music scene of the late 1980s.

Tracklisting

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