Never Mind the Bollocks '83 in Bloomington, MN

The eternal question has finally been answered: What if
the Sex Pistols
'
Never Mind the Bollocks
was recorded in the early '80s with cheap synthesizers and tinny drum machines? This album is the result.
"Anarchy in the UK"
becomes a revved-up
Flock of Seagulls
song,
"God Save the Queen"
sounds like music from a hockey rink, and every song has the same monotonous beat. As for singer
Jock McDonald
's voice, it sounds less like
John Lydon
and more like an ale-soaked soccer hooligan. The album should be a one-joke novelty, but it's actually more entertaining than it has any right to be. The bulk of the credit goes to the original songs themselves, which are so well written that they can stand up to any reworking. It doesn't hurt, though, that
McDonald
approaches this music with an appropriate lack of respect. His cheeky insolence fits the music like a glove and is fully in
the Pistols
' spirit. Thus, it was only natural that
Lydon
himself later gave
the Bollocks
his seal of approval. ~ Victor Valdivia