Mall (album) explained

Mall
Type:studio
Artist:Gang of Four
Cover:Mallgangoffour.jpg
Released:1991
Recorded:1990–91
Studio:Maison Rouge, Fulham Broadway; Power Plant, London; Strongroom, Shoreditch
Length:48:53
Label:Polydor[1]
Producer:Andy Gill
Prev Title:A Brief History of the Twentieth Century
Prev Year:1990
Next Title:Shrinkwrapped
Next Year:1995

Mall is the fifth studio album by Gang of Four.[2]

Seven years after Gang of Four's breakup, founding members Jon King and Andy Gill reteamed for Mall. Slickly produced, with a heavy emphasis on synthesizers and ersatz funk rhythms, the lyrical focus returns the group to the political arena. As suggested by the title, Mall is laced with the usual examinations of consumerism and the economy, while the sample-heavy "F.M.U.S.A." is an essay on the Vietnam War.

The album features a cover of Bob Marley and the Wailers' "Soul Rebel", from their 1970 album Soul Rebels.

Critical reception

Rolling Stone wrote: "An adventurous, often gripping album that flirts with commercial appeal while indicting American consumer culture, Mall more than justifies the Gang’s return to active duty."

Track listing

All tracks composed by Andy Gill and Jon King; except where indicated

  1. "Cadillac" - 5:29
  2. "Motel" - 3:34
  3. "Satellite" - 3:58
  4. "F.M.U.S.A." (Gill) - 5:01
  5. "Don't Fix What Ain't Broke" (King) - 4:02
  6. "Impossible" - 0:54
  7. "Money Talks" (Gill) - 3:36
  8. "Soul Rebel" (Bob Marley) - 4:05
  9. "Hiromi & Stan Talk" - 0:43
  10. "Colour from the Tube" - 3:45
  11. "Hey Yeah" - 3:42
  12. "Everybody Wants to Come" - 4:01
  13. "World Falls Apart" - 6:08

Personnel

with:

Technical

Notes and References

  1. Web site: '80S GANG OF FOUR TRYING TO RECOUP. Mark. Jenkins. July 26, 1991. www.washingtonpost.com.
  2. Web site: Gang of Four. Trouser Press.