Classic Review: The Only Ones - The Only Ones (1978)

How would The Only Ones debut have fared had it not contained the exhilarating “Another Girl, Another Planet”? There are two trains of thought that each weigh in with some relevance. Firstly, there’s the view that the Londoners’ were “one trick pony’s with one sparkling single and a lot of fodder to follow." Secondly (and it’s the view I concur with), “Another Girl…” dominates the album so forcefully and shadows what are some really interesting moments on an album that should never be overlooked. Yes, the single is an exhilarating ride through Peter Perrett’s broken hearted lyrical gushing, with one of the great opening couplets (“I always flirt with death, I look ill but I don’t care about it”), but it’s John Perry’s fluid guitar intro that really drags the listener in. Much like Buzzcocks, The Only Ones’ New Wave sound was heavily rooted in Perrett’s nihilistic take on broken relationships with the opposite sex, in stark contrast with the societal breakdown that the British Punk’s were bleating about at the time. In addition, the four piece were instrumentally well honed, having trawled the pub circuit for over two years, with a rhythm section, Mike Kellie (Drums) and Alan Mair (Bass) that had arrived via well established acts.

The brittle loneliness of “Breaking Down”; where the musical Pop/Punk sensibilities are overwhelmed by stark atmospherics and a deliberately languorous tempo, offering Perrett ample opportunity to vent literary shots from his downcast demeanor. The instrumental backing exemplifies the band’s definitive skills in expressing themselves beyond the confines of predetermined genres. The paranoiac “The Beast” has the melody of a classic Rock track, and yet fits perfectly amongst this collection. Other highlights include the up-tempo “City Of Fun” and the jagged “Language Problems”, which both represent how the dynamic influences of Punk Rock were filtering through to Rock/Pop acts who were, in turn using it to iron out polished sterility. The Only Ones realization is that sometimes four simple chords is more than enough to create songs of immediate vitality and resonance. The instrumental climax to the closer “The Immortal Story” explosively surges around parping horns and Perry’s nimble multi tracked guitar solo’s, with the rest of the band filling in gaps for what is a breathless finale.

Much, much more than one hit wonders, Perrett and his band fill your heart with lovelorn drama’s, disquieting paranoia, and a musical influence that would be revered by R.E.M, The Libertines and a host of post punk wannabees.

8/10

"Another Girl, Another Planet"


"The Beast"