The Problem Of Leisure: A Celebration of Andy Gill & Gang of Four
Gill, 2021
10/10
Listen to The Problem Of Leisure: A Celebration of Andy Gill & Gang of Four
I think it’s pretty safe to say that Gang of Four might just be the most influential band of the last 40 years, as evidenced by the countless covers of their songs, and the very diverse amount of artists who cite their work as inspiration.
Andy Gill, a founding member of Gang of Four and the lead guitarist, who was known for his angular playing style, died unexpectedly in 2020. He was actually working on a 40th anniversary project of Gang of Four’s 1979 album, Entertainment!, but, tragically, it turned into this tribute double album to honor Gill’s inimitable spirit.
Idles starts the listen with the jagged guitar and thumping drums of the post-punk fueled “Damaged Goods”, and Tom Morello & Serj Tankian follow with the swirling energy and bouncy bass of the iconoclastic “Natural’s Not In It”.
Elsewhere on disc 1, Helmet offers us the dense and animated “In The Ditch”, while Gail Ann Dorsey’s “We Live As A Dream, Alone” throbs with an ‘80s ambience that’s quite melodic, even pop friendly. JJ Sterry exits this portion with the quirky, electro-rock and post-punk nods of “5.45”.
The 2nd disc leads with La Roux’s version of “Damaged Goods”, where a dance friendly and synth-pop delivery unfolds, and it isn’t long until The Dandy Warhols grace us with their alt-rock and psychedelic ways as they interpret “What We All Want”.
Moving towards the end of the listen, Flea & John Frusciante featuring The Silverlake Conservatory Youth Chorale pairs group vocals from children with the meticulous guitars from Flea and Frusciantre for a very adventurous version of “Not Great Men”. The Sounds turn in the highlight from the back half of the record, where their stylish indie-rock and New Wave sensibilites illuminate “I Love A Man In Uniform” with much power amid an anthemic quality that’s not short on synth.
A songwriter and producer with a resume that anyone would be impressed with, you can tell by the immense talent on this project that Gill was well respected and universally adored.
Much like Gang of Four’s wide impact, the songs here emanate from several countries and 4 continents, and it truly spotlights Gill’s unparalleled vision that spawned hundreds, if not thousands, of bands, some of which became household names and surely could have never arrived at that point without Gang of Four having paved the way.
Travels well with: Allen Ravenstine- Electron Music; Mekons- Deserted