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The Associates Album Reviews 4out of 5
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The Affectionate Punch

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Recent lost recordings by the late Billy Mackenzie proved that he was more prolific than people had imagined but also demonstrated - although his later work was never less than respectable - they lacked the spark and imagination of the early work of The Associates. It can be no coincidence that at this time his songwriting partner was Alan Rankine; a kindred spirit in terms of experimental but deeply passionate pop music that concetrated on the euphoria as well as the melancholy. With 'Sulk' finally reissued a few years ago, the debut record now gets the overdue CD revamp. Less flamboyant than 'Sulk', 'The Affectionate Punch' is more in keeping with the post-punk times (more guitar, less keyboards) but has aged extremely well. There's a lovely contrast between the intense, wired pop of 'Would I... Bounce Back' and the poignant hand-wringing of 'Deeply Concerned'. Special mention is also deserved for the pretty guitar textures of 'Logan Time' and the macabre 'Paper House'; both blessed with unusual, timeless melodies and mysterious lyricism. Truly there has never been anyone like them, before or since.
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  Track Listing
01 The Affectionate Punch
02 Amused As Always
03 Logan Time
Standout Track Paper House
05 Transport To Central
06 A Matter Of Gender
07 Even Dogs In The Wild
08 Would I... Bounce Back
09 Deeply Concerned
10 A
11 You Were Young
12 Janice
13 Boys Keep Swinging (Mono)
14 Mona Property Girl

Standout Track = Standout Track

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Weblink:
Billy Mackenzie Tribute Site
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Also Recommended:
Associates, The - Sulk, Fourth Drawer Down
Haig/Mackenzie - Memory Palace
Misty Roses - Komodo Dragons
Sine Star Project - Blue Born Earth Boy
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