The Edge of the World
is a pivotal album in
the Mekons
' enormous oeuvre, for it's the record that introduces
Sally Timms
' remarkable voice into the group's mix of
country
,
folk
punk
, and
noise
textures. Either on its own or in tandem with longtime singers
Jon Langford
and
Tom Greenhalgh
Timms
' voice adds an attractive new texture to
. However, in retrospect, this is not the countrified album its initial reviews claimed, or at least not entirely. The opening
"Hello Cruel World"
is a grinding
post-punk
downer that slowly accelerates into a desperate, hoarse cry with no noticeable
or
elements.
"Bastard"
ups the anger and desperation considerably, this time adding a stomping fiddle tune and one of
Langford
's most spiteful, spittle-flecked vocals.
makes her lead vocal debut on the majestically dismissive
"Oblivion,"
which has the most striking chorus on the album. After that strong trio of tunes, the rest of the album refines those musical styles and lyrical themes to varying degrees, with the rollicking
"Slightly South of the Border"
and the remarkable
"Alone and Forsaken"
the highlights.
is one of
' finest efforts. ~ Stewart Mason