Four guys came together, led by Miles Hunt, in 1986 as The Wonder Stuff it was quickly established that Hunt was not afraid to say what he thinks.
Four singles were released each one building up momentum before the release of this debut album.
I had heard It’s Yer Money I’m After, Baby on the radio . It had the usual elements for a song that I love. Excellent guitar riffs, punchy drums and a catchy chorus so was purchased on vinyl. It was their first top forty hit, although I’m not taking the credit for that, lol.
There was an arrogance and cleverness to Hunt’s lyrics all wrapped up in memorable guitar driven pop songs.
The first five songs that open this album from Red Berry Joy Town to Give, Give Give, Me, More, More More are a joy four excellent clever fast songs and the beautiful stripped back Rue the Day takes the pace down and shows the band had a different level.
Like a Merry Go Round and The Animals & Me are good songs just not as high quality of the first five but the single A Wish Away is two minutes of tapping your feet and hitting the table along to a glorious infectious number.
Grin chugs away, this is a band for great riffs, and we finish strongly with Mother & I, Some Sad Someone (another slow number but well-paced and shows a maturity) and Ruby Horse.
Unbearable ends the album and we are going out on a high.
Want an album that will make you smile and reminisce about your youth without making you feel old. If the answer is yes give The Eight-Legged Groove Machine a go.
8/10
GIVE IT A STREAM: A Wish Away