What the critics say:

"The highest selling record in the history of Plastic records (achieving zircon-encrusted disc status) the sprawling double album (available on a single CD) is now widely regarded - with the benefit of hindsight and bribery - as the band's masterpiece. Whilst, not matching the production standards of later work (the budget ran out before they could re-do the guide vocals or drums on most tracks and - with the exception of the two tracks featured on the first single - the mix is demo or rough throughout), the album remains a compelling, some argue definitive - statement of the band's credentials. Mixing a loud (death) sound with a softer (sex) side - sometimes in the same song (e.g. the awesome 'Videophone'), the album pays persistence and repeated listening. Regrettably, on first hearing, some delicate souls never move beyond the gothic aural bashing of the title track. Those that stay the course, however, are amply rewarded by a stunning but coherent mix of styles which moves from pure pop (Portuguese Man of War) to heavy rock (Monkey Business) via country (You Laughed Before I Made It), New Orleans (No Blood on the Killing Floor) and the most delicate- almost spiritual - ballads (Komet Kohutek, In a Magical Way). Ironically, the track which has perhaps dated the most is the first single, 'Latin', which now comes across as over-produced compared to the raw energy that characterises the rest of the disc. For this reviewer, the standout tracks remain the unbelievable 'Annabelle's Party' (worth the admission price alone) and the beautiful live favourite 'Once Before I Die' , which literally cries out to be covered by Rod Stewart or Joe Cocker …" Q.