CD Review

Franz Ferdinand, Futureheads, The Killers and The Rapture might want to thank Gang Of Four for laying the groundwork. And Gang of Four might want to thank the pre-mentioned bands for revitalizing the interest in their sound.

Patenting the style of staccato driven guitar along with a load of stiff and jerky vocal aggression, Gang Of Four was lost in the shuffle with bands like the Clash. But the Clash never quite sounded so Parliament Funkadelic until 1980’s “The Magnificent Seven.” Naming themselves after a group of Chinese Communist Party members who attempted a coup, Gang of Four were revolutionaries themselves, paving starting a new brand of funky punk.

entertainment!, Gang Of Four’s heralded 1979 debut has been reissued and remastered with eight bonus tracks. It’s rejuvenating how something from 26 years ago sounds so current. When Andy Gill delivers that scratchy funk guitar and lead singer Jon King who combines Marxist politics and punk flavor, Gang Of Four is indeed a band possessed.

Gang Of Four classics like “Not Great Men,” “Damaged Goods” and “Found that Essence Rare” are locked and loaded on the entertainment! reissue. When King shrills, “your kiss so sweet, you’re sweet so sour,” over the “walking” bass line on “Damaged Goods,” you’re sure to have a new song on your iPod. Other GO4 songs like “Return the Gift” accomplish all that a three plus minute songs should lyrically and musically. Reissues are sometimes just a cash crop, but in entertainment!, ’79 never sounded so good.