Weddings, Parties, Anything - Roaring Days (1988)

On the sophomore release from Weddings, Parties, Anything (W.P.A.), from the opening vocals of the brilliant "Industrial Town," to the bittersweet closing of "Morton (Song For Tex)," the listener is taken on a trip through Australia through the eyes of a young poet, Mike Thomas. However, although it is a pleasure trip musically, it is a dark lyrical journey. The folk influences continue, and Mark Wallace's almost sad-sounding accordion is featured prominently throughout the album with great effect (just listen to the opening bars of "Roaring Days.") But the overall effect is electric, almost punk, but never straying from the all-important melody. The album also features interesting covers, a Tex Morton track ("Sergeant Small"), and one of the highlights of the album, Paul Kelly's tragic tribute to Brendan Behan, "Laughing Boy," sung beautifully by Dave Steel. This is an album of stories about real people, set to incredibly melodic, expertly played music. They are stories told with conviction, and the emotion comes through clearly. "Morton" and "Sisters of Mercy" are good examples of the almost overwhelming combination of the tune and the lyrics. While folk in nature, the album truly rocks, and would not be out of place at a pub; but don't overlook the absolutely brilliant lyrics. Also worth noting, Dave Steel went solo shortly after the release of this album, and Pete Lawler replaced Janine Hall on bass.