Clutching at Straws [2018 Re-Mix]

Written and conceived during a period of inner-band turmoil, would prove to be 's swan song, and perhaps 's most unheralded masterpiece. Teaming up once again with producer , showcases some of the band's most satisfying compositions, including the magnificent and Bookended by 's disgust with not only himself, but also with the burgeoning neo-Nazi uprising in Europe, the great Scot delivers an inspired condemnation. The commercial pomp and circumstance of also gives way to a self-parodying confessional inspired by 's inability to see himself as a bona fide star and celebrity ("I want to do adverts for American Express cards, talk shows on prime time T.V."). Tour opener is simple and elegant, building to its dramatic crescendo only to be upstaged by -- quite simply, one of 's best commercial singles ever. The album's stunning closer, is 's self-realization that yes, the band is not only over, but that in his mind, it's null and void ("and if you ever come across us, don't give us your sympathy"). 's blinding guitar solo brings the whole thing down to a crashing finish (prophetically, announcing his arrival as the band's true musical instigator on subsequent -less records). ~ John Franck