All Set is the first studio release from the Buzzcocks since 1993, and they sound just as lively as they did back in the mid-seventies. The popular side of punk... less Vicious than Sid, more friendly than the Stranglers - music for pogoing!
You'd think that 20-years-later, they'd have slowed down a bit, "mellowed out", calmed down... but no, they still sound like the Beatles overdosed on caffeine - or more...
The lineup includes two of the Buzzcock's founding members,vocalist- guitarist Pete Shelley and guitarist Steve Diggle, who together with bassist Tony Barber and drummer Philip Barker produce a sound which fits well into today's pop market. The original Buzzcocks inspired many younger bands--and their songs have been covered by groups such as Heaven 17, and, of course, the Fine Young Cannibals' excellent rendition of "Ever Fallen In Love".
This recording is Fun with a capital "F". Bouncy. And there are some melodic gems among the more manic cuts: "Back With You" and "Hold Me Close" standing out as Buzzcocks classics. "Totally From The Heart" has Pete at his frantic best and "Without You" is nothing like the Harry Nilsson classic of the same name.
Look out for the Buzzcocks touring the UK and the USA later this year. And take your pogoing shoes with you!
