Description
Slapp Happy / Henry Cow – Desperate Straights – Vinyl Record
Desperate Straights is a collaborative studio album by the avant-garde pop group Slapp Happy and the progressive rock band Henry Cow. Released in February 1975, the album combines elements of art rock, experimental music, and pop, showcasing the unique styles and talents of both groups.
Tracklist and Themes
Some Questions About Hats – A quirky and whimsical song with surreal lyrics and a playful arrangement.
The Owl – Features a haunting melody with intricate instrumental layers.
A Worm Is at Work – A track with a peculiar, almost comedic tone, reflecting on absurdity and life’s complexities.
Bad Alchemy – A blend of abstract lyrics and unconventional musical structure, highlighting the experimental nature of the album.
Europa – A more melodic and accessible track, with evocative lyrics and a strong vocal performance by Dagmar Krause.
Desperate Straights – The title track, showcasing a mix of melancholic melodies and avant-garde instrumentation.
Riding Tigers – A fast-paced, energetic song with a complex arrangement and satirical lyrics.
Apes in Capes – Features a quirky rhythm and unusual instrumental combinations, emphasizing the album’s experimental side.
Strayed – A slower, more introspective track with emotive vocals and minimalistic instrumentation.
Giants – A dynamic song with shifting tempos and a blend of surreal lyrics and intricate musical textures.
Extract from the Messiah – A short, abstract piece that serves as a bridge between the more substantial tracks.
In the Sickbay – Reflects a sense of unease and dissonance, with experimental sounds and haunting vocals.
Caucasian Lullaby – Closes the album with a gentle, almost soothing melody, contrasting with the preceding experimentalism.
Desperate Straights features unconventional structures, dissonance, and experimental sounds, characteristic of Henry Cow’s influence. Slapp Happy’s pop melodies and whimsical lyrics blend with Henry Cow’s complex arrangements and avant-garde approach. Dagmar Krause’s distinctive voice adds an emotive and theatrical dimension to the songs. A diverse range of instruments, including keyboards, woodwinds, and brass, creating rich and varied soundscapes. The lyrics often explore surreal, satirical, and absurd themes, adding depth and intrigue to the music.
The album was praised for its innovative fusion of styles and the successful collaboration between two distinct musical groups. Desperate Straights is considered a significant work in the art rock and avant-garde genres, influencing later experimental and progressive artists. The album has garnered a cult following, appreciated for its unique approach and the synergy between Slapp Happy and Henry Cow.
The collaboration between Slapp Happy and Henry Cow demonstrated the potential for blending different musical approaches to create something unique and groundbreaking. The album stands as a testament to the importance of artistic exploration and pushing the boundaries of conventional music.
Desperate Straights by Slapp Happy / Henry Cow is a landmark album in the realms of art rock and avant-garde music. Its innovative fusion of styles, surreal and satirical lyrics, and diverse instrumentation make it a unique and influential work. The successful collaboration between Slapp Happy’s whimsical pop sensibilities and Henry Cow’s experimental approach results in a richly textured and emotionally complex album, celebrated by critics and fans alike for its daring creativity and artistic depth.
Re-mastered from the original master tapes at Sudio Midi-Pyrenees 2004
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Some Questions About Hats
The Owl
A Worm Is At Work
Bad Alchemy
Europa
Desperate Straights
Riding Tigers
Apes In Capes
Strayed
Giants
Excerpt From The Messiah
In The Sickbay
Caucasian Lullaby
