Prayers on Fire cover

Prayers on Fire

Released

Forty years ago, an Australian band was firing the template of Touch & Go Records. Singer? Freak the fuck out and yell surrealist one-liners. Bassist? Play really flappy and nasty. Guitarist? Imitate a power tool. Drummer? Be very thumpy. Also be slower than anybody expects. That’s only half of what Nick Cave and his mates did, though. There are horns and keyboards and all kinds of other treats in this actual funhouse. You’re trapped in the Tunnel of Love with a tire iron and an accordion. How will you make the spirits take your side? Tom Waits was too easy on fellas!

Sasha Frere-Jones

Recommended by

Suggestions
In Amber cover

In Amber

Hercules & Love Affair
Enemigos De Lo Ajeno cover

Enemigos De Lo Ajeno

El Último de La Fila
La Voz De Los '80 cover

La Voz De Los '80

Los Prisioneros
George Best cover

George Best

The Wedding Present
Good Health cover

Good Health

Pretty Girls Make Graves
Colossal Youth cover

Colossal Youth

Young Marble Giants
Emergency & I cover

Emergency & I

The Dismemberment Plan
T.C.R. cover

T.C.R.

Sleaford Mods