Music review: The Boomtown Rats 鈥� 鈥楥itizens of Boomtown鈥�
I guess it鈥檚 only fitting that the Boomtown Rats released a new album during the Year of the Rat. Thirty-six years after 鈥淚n the Long Grass,鈥� the Irish band makes a surprising comeback with a solid effort that recalls the glory days when tracks like 鈥淩at Trap,鈥� 鈥淪he鈥檚 So Modern鈥� and 鈥淚 Don鈥檛 Like Mondays鈥� propelled the group to fame in the late 1970s.
With the exception of Johnnie Fingers and Gerry Cott, the original lineup from 1977鈥檚 debut album returns to the studio to produce 鈥淐itizens of Boomtown.鈥� The latest offering demonstrates the boys can still raise eyebrows with Bob Geldof leading the charge and still sounding terrific and relevant. I grin as I write this, realizing that many younger readers are completely unaware of Geldof鈥檚 contribution to music or his dedication to humanitarian outreach.
鈥淭rash Glam Baby鈥� opens the set with a retro vibe that evokes traces of early New York
Dolls, Mott the Hoople and David Bowie through its nonchalant attitude of complete coolness.
鈥淪weet Thing鈥� is a mysterious and moody love song that follows with a gritty guitar lead that fuels Geldof鈥檚 vocals as he professes, 鈥淭he world looks so much better when I鈥檝e got you in my sights.鈥�
鈥淢onster Monkeys鈥� kicks things up a notch as Geldof successfully channels moments of Jim Morrison on this chaotic tune that is dark, yet still manages to stir up the urge to shake your money maker with an infectious beat that simply won鈥檛 quit.
鈥淧assing Through鈥� changes the mood with gracious piano accompaniment and a haunting vocal performance by Geldof. It鈥檚 a soothing charmer that carries a Bowie influence during flashes of stylish sophistication.
鈥淗ere鈥檚 a Postcard鈥� reminds me of vintage Bob Dylan as the track breezes through at a brisk pace while highlighting the adventures of a nomadic lifestyle that embraces life on the road.
鈥淜.I.S.S.鈥� proves to be the only misstep on the album. It starts off promising enough as a rockish singalong that quickly transitions to a cheesy pop groove before yielding to unexpected moments of rap.
Fortunately, there鈥檚 a lot more to praise than there is to criticize, making the return of the Boomtown Rats all the more sweeter.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.