[kj] For Beginners Out Now

[Alex Smith]

So, quite unexpectedly, I spotted a copy of KILLING JOKE FOR BEGINNERS in the Times Square Virgin megatoilet. Snatched it up, of course. Some thoughts.....

 - The "previously unreleased mix" of "We Have Joy" is much more drum-driven, but lacks the harried, messy edge of the version on REVELATIONS. There are some lyrical switcheroos as well.

- The single version of "Harlequin" isn't a wild departure from the original. A great song is a great song is a great song.

- The single version of "Victory" is slightly different, but not enough to win new love from haterz like Our Rob Moss. A cleaner vocal can be heard. Slightly less obtrusive keybs. Lengthy bass intro is jettisoned.

- The Chris Kimsey mix of "Rubicon" boasts a sharper guitar sound, which we likes alot, we does.

- The Colesy cover art is ace, of course, but the inner booklet artwork is simply the inverted image from the cover, and various details of the child's grinning, slightly sinister stare. Back cover is a close up of the child's brow & burning red eyeballs.

- Our own Jerry Butson writes some stonking liner notes. Nice work, Jerry!

- I'd like to see FOR BEGINNERS VOLUME TWO featuring material from EXTREMITIES on, personally. Not holding my breath, though.

Anyway, there you have it.

Alex in NYC