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The Mighty Lemon Drops
Young, Gifted and Black Country
Devil In the Woods
Article
written by Tom B
Jan 21, 2005.
If you are bored by some of today's music why don't you take a trip back to 1988, the days when The Mighty Lemon Drops were hailed by the NME and others as pop's saving grace and alongside the Mary Chain ruled the alternative scene's roost?
Known to their fans as, erm, the Droppies, the band from Dudley (hence the Black Country in the title) produced some of the finest pop nuggets you could ask for. Part of the C86 movement, they left it far behind by signing for Blue Guitar (Chrysalis) in search of that exclusive hit.
This album captures them at a live radio broadcast for Santa Monica based station, KCRW during the height of their "World Without End" tour in 1988. The Droppies, who never re-produced their dynamic live sound on their studio releases are captured here in all their glory. All the songs are raw and not the bogged down and over produced versions that were released in the day and include "Inside Out", "Rollercoaster" and the nearest they came to a hit, "Out Of Hand" which reached number 66 in 1987. There is even a version of The Teardrop Explodes "When I Dream", no doubt a dig at the detractors who claimed the band ripped off Copey and the boys although they did pay homage to the early 1980's Liverpool scene.
As well as the live tracks the album also comes with their Dreamworld debut "Like An Angel". Best of these is the b-side "Now She's Gone" a spunky punk-pop number which could well be their finest ever committed to vinyl moment. The sleeve notes are from fellow Black Country band member, Clint Mansell from Pop Will Eat Itself and are an enjoyable read.
It's hard to see who this album is aimed for apart from fans or collectors like me. But if you have a tenner spare next time you are down the record shop treat yourself because believe you me in those early years when you caught them live they were so, so special. Take me up!!!
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