“The Boomtown Rats” by The Boomtown Rats - album review

features in: Album Chart of 1977 ● Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s

The debut long-player from the County Dublin sextet, now based in London, arrived in September, 1977. They lined up: Bob Geldof (vocals), Pete Briquette (bass, vocals), Garry Roberts (guitar, vocals), Gerry Cott (guitar), Simon Crowe (drums, vocals) and Johnnie 'Fingers' Moylett (Keyboards). Side one begins and ends with the album's two 45s; the catchy lead single, “Lookin’ After Number 1” (UK #11) and “Mary Of The 4th Form” (UK #15), getting in the mind of a teenage schoolgirl's fantasising. “Joey’s On The Street Again” aligns with Springsteen's “Born To Run” ambition, with prominent parts for Fingers piano and a wailing sax from guest, Albie Donnelly. A dubious affection for American 70s AM vibes are revealed on the hard-rocker “Close As You’ll Ever Be” and the soft-rocker “I Can Make It If You Can”, turning my left lip upwards at 15 degrees and hardening my glare. Thought you were meant to be New Wave? A trust is broken.

The Jukebox Rebel
30–Jan–2006

Tracklist

A1	[03:07] The Boomtown Rats - Lookin’ After Number 1 (Bob Geldof) New Wave
A2	[03:57] The Boomtown Rats - Neon Heart (Bob Geldof) New Wave
A3	[05:56] The Boomtown Rats - Joey’s On The Street Again (Bob Geldof) New Wave
A4	[02:48] The Boomtown Rats - Never Bite The Hand That Feeds (Bob Geldof) New Wave
A5	[03:43] The Boomtown Rats - Mary Of The 4th Form (Bob Geldof) New Wave
B1	[03:51] The Boomtown Rats - (She’s Gonna) Do You In (Bob Geldof) New Wave
B2	[03:29] The Boomtown Rats - Close As You’ll Ever Be (Bob Geldof) Blues Rock / Soul Rock
B3	[05:37] The Boomtown Rats - I Can Make It If You Can (Bob Geldof) Soft Rock / A.O.R.
B4	[04:13] The Boomtown Rats - Kicks (Bob Geldof) Rock

ratings by TJR