Album of the week : Rich Kids - Ghosts Of Princes In Towers

I really love this album; incorporating elements of classic 60s British rock (ala The Who and Small Faces), some synthy post-punk moves, and Glen Matlock‘s patented punk songwriting chops. Mick Ronson’s production gets a lot of flack (and it certainly is murky and odd), but I find it effective in how it transports the listener to a loud, dingy late 70s London rock club. The musicianship is off the charts excellent, with amazing chemistry. Man oh man were they tight - Glen Matlock makes the band move with his driving bass lines (which completely lock in with Rusty Egan’s powerful drumming), teenage Steve New plays like a seasoned veteran, and Midge Ure’s vocals are phenomenal.

Bravely kicking off with the moody, synth heavy ‘Strange One’, the band sets a unique tone before cranking out one unpretentious rocker after another. They might not be as dangerous as Glen’s Sex Pistols songs, but they’re every bit as catchy and fresh. The title track is one of the finest gems (among many) of the late 70s UK scene.

Sadly, this was their only LP; vocalist/ keyboardist Midge Ure was wanting to incorporate more synth into the band, while Glen Matlock wanted to stay more firmly in the traditional guitar/bass/drums lineup. A pity, as both worlds go so blazingly well here. They were ahead of their time in that this album could be described variously as pop punk, post punk, or new wave. At its core, it’s simply pure, adrenaline fueled rock n roll that wasn’t bound by traditional sounds.