Mental As Anything - Cyclone Raymond (1989)

Trimming down the slick production a tad bit, the Mentals returned to the music scene with their seventh album, yet another great collection of pop songs. Though the album cover did not impress, the music within did. Producer Richard Gottehrer returned for a few songs, but the bulk of the album was handled by Steve James, Mark Moffatt, Mark Opitz, and Robyn Smith. Their version of the Chuck Berry chestnut "Rock and Roll Music" (as recorded for the Yahoo Serious film Young Einstein) garnered the band some renewed interest, though their rendition of the song pales in comparison to the self-penned tracks. Reg Mombassa penned some of the album's highlights, including "Big Things in Life" and "The Walls of The World" (both sung by Martin Plaza) while Greedy Smith serves up such pop pleasures as "Overwhelmed," "Monster on the Playground," and the hauntingly beautiful ballad "The World Seems Difficult." Plaza's self-penned tracks are a treat, including "Get You Back," "In The Sunshine," and the touching "Some Feelings." An absolute highlight is Peter O'Doherty's rockin' "Love Comes Running," which has more hooks in under four minutes than many bands have in an entire 45-minute album. Another triumph, although the band was still unable to hold onto their rightful place at the top of the charts. ~ Stephen Schnee