Twitch (1986)
This is where things begin to get interesting. Moving towards heavy industrial but still in flux, it’s a lighter sound than their soon-to-come “classic” period. It does have its share of moments, and is an interesting memento at least. Recommended for any die-hard fan: you’ll get a kick out of their former incarnation and hear them edge slightly towards their triumphant sound.
Grade: B-
The Land Of Rape And Honey (1988)
Some rather nice industrial music here. Interesting in most places, more often than not hooky, with brief periods of tedium. I hate “Stigmata” and wonder how it made the album let alone led it off. But the magic of MP3 players allows me to discreetly cut that little low point out.
(“The Land Of Rape And Honey”)
Grade: B
2010: Album title of the year…look it up.
Grade: B+
The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste (1989)
A solid step or two from ‘The Land Of Rape And Honey’. Almost totally devoid of clunkers, it does contain one song that lowers the overall quality slightly (guess the song and win a prize). I’m a bit hesitant to hand out A’s, but I can’t see how this could rate any lower.
(“Thieves”, “Dream Song”)
Grade: A
In Case You Didn’t Feel Like Showing Up (1990)
Some good material here, obviously, since they’re drawing from two good albums. But it’s an extreme disappointment based on what they COULD have made if they picked the best songs. Also, all the songs are better in their regular album format anyway, so there’s really no need to buy this unless you want to contribute to the Al Jourgensen support fund. Buy their last two albums and listen to them repeatedly. Don’t bother with this.
Grade: B-
Psalm 69 (1992)
Three years after a surprising industrial masterpiece, Jourgensen shows no signs of letting up, making this one of the few non-grunge popular “rock” acts to survive the Nirvana-induced musical upheaval of the early 90’s. The ferocity is there, angry lyrics with exceptional music to back them up. The only track here I’d replace is the much-touted guest appearance by the mostly useless Gibby Haynes. Otherwise, it’s a keeper all the way through.
(“Just One Fix”, “Scarecrow”)
Grade: A
Filth Pig (1996)
Mostly ferocious in sound (at least on the title cut and several others), the riffs (musical or samples) just aren’t there anymore for the most part. Where did they go? I don’t know. If you find out, send a letter to Al.
(“Filth Pig”)
Grade: C+
Dark Side Of The Spoon (1999)
Displaying the slow but steady decline from deserved industrial king to just another noisemaker in the clearance bin, this has too few moments to make it recommendable. It is, however, not unlistenable, with hooks emerging at occasional points, both vocal and musical. The problem is the occasions are too infrequent to warrant anything close to their most productive period, quality-wise.
(“Kaif”)
Grade: C+
Animositisomina (2003)
A great industrial act several times and several years removed now. This is purely product: throwaway, filler, forced songs, and a cry for help and direction. Only “Animosity” saves it (barely) from total obsolescence.
Grade: D-
Houses Of The Mole (2004)
I’ve followed this band through Heaven and Hell, but I think it’s really time to call it quits. One or two marginal songs per album does not warrant musical existence. Jourgensen will retire, or continue pumping out product to a continually decreasing fan base. As for new fans, this flop isn’t going to garner any.
Grade: D-