Album Review 3: Backyard Babies - Backyard Babies

Swedish punk rockers, the Backyard Babies have been around since the closure of the 80s and are still a driving force when bringing the sleaze back to Britain's current abysmal music scene. Their self-titled 2008 album was one of those rare first listens where I immediately enjoyed the album, which is becoming rarer and rarer as time's gone by. It is also worth mentioning, that it is even rarer to find a band that seems to be producing better music the older the musicians become. Hanoi Rocks are another that seemed to have their finest moments towards their demise, and although some of the Backyard Babies' early songs like Star War and Minus Celcius are still staple tunes, the whole feel of their albums, in my opinion, has continually improved. I even liked 2006's release, People Like People Like People Like Us, which seemed to generally recieve very negative critism.

The Backyard Babies feature two members who take lead vocals (rather than one providing backing), though one is arguably the far better singer and more prominant in songs (Nicke Borg). However, Dregen being the charasmatic clown always seems to attract more attention, and the songs he does sing in seem to suit his voice very well - so I must praise the way in which both members perform their selected songs. As a comparison, Nicke's voice is deep, full of sleaze and energy, and really powers through the music, whereas Dregen has a far higher voice but utilising just as much, if not more sleaze than his bandmate. Their latest album has some of the best vocals from the paring yet, and their aren't too many fillers on here.

Backyard Babies' songlist goes like this:
1- Fuck Off and Die (3:45)
2- Degenerated (3:36)
3- Come Undone (3:40)
4- Drool (3:23)
5- Abandon (4:13)
6- Voodoo Love Bow (3:21)
7- Idiots (3:04)
8- The Ship (3:06)
9- Nomadic (3:47)
10- Back on the Juice (3:33)
11- Where Were You? (3:15)
12- Zoe is a Weirdo (1:53)
13- Saved by the Bell (3:54)
-Total Running Time- (44:41)

Well the first song makes a pretty bold statement. Both Dregen and Nicke battle over vocal bragging rights in this track, with Dregen singing the verses and Nicke delivering a killer link-up to the chorus, of which both members join togethor. The chorus is heavily catchy and definately a crowd pleaser, if maybe for some just to get the chance to shout 'Fuck!' a lot (which is fine - gets the old blood pumping.)

Degenerated has a fairly repeatative riff throughout the song, but it is a damn-fine riff. I don't consider this one of the album's better songs, but it sets the upbeat tempo ready to carry through into the next track.

The next song, Come Undone, is a real scorcher and brings all the best elements of the babies togethor. Great drums, clever bass-lines, Nicke's fantastic voice and a catchy chorus to boot. A section of the chorus reminds me of Feeder's Just A Day but where that was a fairly average song overall, this one improved it.

Dregen's finest moment on the album now is on Drool. This is what I mean by choosing the right guy for the job. Nicke scored full marks with the last track, but now Dregen appears centre-stage and gives all the judges a frying-pan to the face. This is definately one of my favourite ever Backyard Babies songs as again, it pulls out all the best elements and really gets the aural party started.

The next song is part acoustic and explodes into electric at various stages. Abandon should be an album highlight, but for me it just falls short due to it's inability to leave a lasting impression after listening. It's uplifting without being twee, and big enough without being over-dramatic, but it just doesn't feel right - certainly not in the context of the album and the songs surrounding it.

Back on track with Voodoo Love Bow. While i'm not quite sure on the details of what the song is going on about, I do know is that Nicke's voice reaches orgasmic proportions here. Raucas highs and Barry White lows are just the start of why this song kicks bottom. Superb track with a very memorable riff, and definately one i'm always coming back to.

Idiots sounds at first like an earlier Backyard Babies song, but quickly fits snuggly with the rest of the album. Clever vocal structure around the various guitar parts and another killer song on a very strong album.

If Fuck Off and Die was never written, The Ship would probably be the opener for this album. It's a flurried, rock-steady amthemic song that is sure to gradually become a crowd pleaser. I say all that and it's not even a song I particaularly am fond of! It is by no means a bad song though, just not as strong as some of the others on here. The sound of the track definately works with a nautical theme linking to the title, which I guess is a good point.

Nomadic is a fairly average song in the context of the album - it fits in fine, but does not strike me as live material (yet they played it when I saw them shortly after the album's release!). I wish bands would come to me before they write setlists to support new albums. They ALWAYS seem to pick the wrong songs to play...

Back on the Juice is another really strong song. If not as loud and powerpacked as some of the earlier efforts, it is a well written and joyous song with nice chorus. Not a strong highlight, but a highlight.

Kicks off with a great drum part, and as soon as Nicke's vocals kick in once again, it seems to be shaping up for another blinder with Where Were You? - but unfortunately, the chorus parts feel a little cheesed-up for me. I can see this being fun live, but I have to be fair and say that it's not one of the top-end tracks on here.

Now, here we go! Zoe is a Weirdo is the quickest track, shortest track and maybe the best track on the album. Dregen-fronted now, and a comedic, riff driven power tune. Sounds like a song about an obsessed groupie, and is just what all real sleazy rock bands should be writing about!

Saved by the Bell closes the album and is a nice little ballad to finish. It's an outcast in the album's context, but it is a very nice song, even if you prefer the faster tempo like me. Plus it reminds me of that old American morning kids' show...

The album, I would think, is a pleaser for anyone who likes a heavy does of 'fun' in their rock, which should be everyone. For me, this was probably the best album of 2008, and one that should be pretty well respected for the decade. Go, you sleazy Swedes!

SCORE: 8.5/10